Kenzo Tsujimoto

Net Worth

$1.315B

+0.3% (24h)

Kenzo Tsujimoto, born in 1940, is a highly successful Japanese businessman, best known as the founder of the video game companies Capcom and Irem. His wealth source is primarily from the media and entertainment industry, specifically video games. He began his career in the amusement machine industry and later established Capcom in 1983. Under Tsujimoto's leadership, Capcom created blockbuster franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter. He is the current Chairman and CEO of Capcom. Tsujimoto also owns the Kenzo Estate winery in Napa Valley.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Kenzo Tsujimoto was born on December 15, 1940, in Kashihara, Nara, Japan. He graduated from Unebi High School and joined his family's food wholesaling business. He also studied accounting. At the age of 22, he left the family business to start his own confectionery products store in Osaka in 1966.

Rise to Success

Tsujimoto began selling cotton candy machines. Around 1970, he started selling gaming machines after seeing a pachinko machine designed for children. This success led to the establishment of IPM Co., Ltd. in 1974. In 1983, he founded Capcom Co., Ltd. to manage sales and software, which would become a major player in the video game industry. Capcom's first game was "Little League" in July 1983. Capcom is known for franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter. He established the Kenzo Estate winery in Napa Valley in the 1990s.

Key Business Strategies

Tsujimoto focused on innovation and creating memorable franchises. Capcom expanded into home consoles, leading to a surge in sales across various platforms. The company also focused on digital distribution, which has increased its revenue.

Philanthropy

Specific philanthropy amounts were not found in the search results.

Career Timeline

2007

Chairman of Capcom

Became Chairman of Capcom.

2001

CEO of Capcom

Became Chief Executive Officer of Capcom.

1997

President of the Computer Software Copyright Association

Became the President of the Computer Software Copyright Association (ACCS).

1990

Kenzo Estate

Established Kenzo Estate winery in Napa Valley.

1979

Founded Capcom

Founded Capcom Co., Ltd., initially as a manufacturer and distributor of electronic game machines.

1974

Founded Irem

Established Irem, initially as IPM Co., Ltd., which specialized in arcade games.