Early Life
Keiko Erikawa co-founded Koei in 1978 with her husband, Yoichi Erikawa. The company was established after Yoichi's family's rural dyestuffs business failed. Initially focused on personal computer sales and made-to-order business software, Keiko and Yoichi laid the foundation for what would become a significant force in the video game industry.
Rise to Success
Under Keiko's leadership, Koei expanded its game development and publishing operations. The company is known for its strategic investments. Koei Tecmo is known for its Samurai Warriors games. Koei Tecmo Holdings, the company that Keiko Erikawa co-founded, is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Koei Tecmo is known for its Dynasty Warriors, Ninja Gaiden, Nioh, Rise of the Ronin and the Atelier games.
Key Business Strategies
Keiko Erikawa's management style has been instrumental in Koei Tecmo's success. Her skills in investments have helped cushion the losses when games have underperformed. In the interview, the firm's cofounder and chair, Keiko Erikawa, revealed her strategies for investing were inspired by her grandmother's advice to focus on the long term; Erikawa also said she likes to invest in companies she would like to work for or manage.
Philanthropy
Beyond her business achievements, Keiko Erikawa is involved in philanthropic endeavors. In 2024, she established the Erikawa Education Fund, which provides scholarships for students from single-mother households. The scholarship is intended to support the education-related expenses of junior high, high school, and university students. Scholarships are to ensure students who excel academically and have the motivation to study do not have to give up on continuing to high school or university due to financial difficulties caused by single-mother households, and to enable them to concentrate on their studies even after entering university.