Celebrating 25 Years of Entrepreneurial Excellence: The Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony

25th Anniversary of the Entrepreneur Awards

The Entrepreneur Club, headquartered in Koto, Tokyo, is set to commemorate a significant milestone—the 25th anniversary of the Entrepreneur Awards. The ceremony will take place on November 18, 2025, at the renowned Japan Press Club, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This prestigious event, established in 1999, has recognized the achievements of 139 outstanding entrepreneurs, celebrating their spirit of challenge and dedication to innovation.

Over the years, the Entrepreneur Awards have honored many iconic figures in Japan's business landscape. Notable past recipients include Hideo Sawada, president of H.I.S., Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Fast Retailing, and Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank. In 2018, during the 20th-anniversary celebration, the Legend Award was presented to Yanai and Son, who have played pivotal roles in shaping Japan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In the upcoming 25th-anniversary edition, the Legend Award will honor Akira Takada, the founder of JAPANET Takata, and Hideo Sawada, continuing the legacy of acknowledging exceptional entrepreneurial contributions. Below is a closer look at the new Legend Award recipients:

Legend Award Recipients

Akira Takada – Founder of JAPANET Takata

Born in 1948 in Nagasaki, Akira Takada graduated from Osaka University of Economics. He began his career in the family-run camera store before establishing JAPANET Takata in 1986. Known for expanding his business through innovative radio and television shopping, he turned JAPANET into Japan's leading mail-order company. Following a peak in profitability in 2013, he retired as CEO in 2015 yet continues to inspire through extensive speaking engagements.

Hideo Sawada – Founder of H.I.S.

Hideo Sawada was born in Osaka in 1951 and studied in West Germany before founding International Tours (now H.I.S.) in 1980, focusing on affordable airfares. He later expanded into airline operations and securities, including founding SkyMark Airlines. Sawada has held various leadership roles, including Chairman of H.I.S. since 2004, and has been a longstanding member of the Entrepreneur Awards judging panel.