
Masayoshi Son: SoftBank’s Visionary Leader
Masayoshi Son: Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Nationality, Personal Life, and Career Achievements
Masayoshi Son is one of the most influential figures in global technology investments. As the founder and CEO of SoftBank Group, he has built a multi-billion-dollar empire, playing a key role in major tech investments, including Alibaba, ARM Holdings, and Uber.
Despite his massive success, Son has faced significant financial ups and downs, including major losses from WeWork and other high-risk investments. This article explores his net worth, career milestones, personal life, and his lasting impact on the tech world.
Quick Facts About Masayoshi Son
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Masayoshi Son |
Date of Birth | August 11, 1957 |
Age (as of 2025) | 67 years old |
Birthplace | Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan |
Net Worth | Estimated at $34.9 billion (Forbes, 2025) |
Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
Weight | Around 68 kg (150 lbs) |
Nationality | Japanese |
Ethnicity | Zainichi Korean-Japanese |
Religion | Buddhist (reportedly) |
Marital Status | Married to Masami Ohno |
Children | 2 daughters |
Parents | Korean-Japanese immigrant family |
Siblings | Younger brother Taizo Son (entrepreneur) |
Education | B.A. in Economics from University of California, Berkeley |
Profession | Entrepreneur, Investor, CEO of SoftBank |
Major Investments | Alibaba, ARM Holdings, WeWork, Sprint, Uber |
Current Role | CEO & Chairman of SoftBank Group |
Philanthropy | Donated $100M for disaster relief in Japan |
Masayoshi Son’s Net Worth and Income Sources
Net Worth Overview
According to Forbes (2025), Masayoshi Son’s estimated net worth is $34.9 billion. However, his wealth is highly volatile due to SoftBank’s aggressive investment strategies. At his peak, Son was worth over $50 billion, but market fluctuations have caused significant losses over time.
Key Sources of Income
1. SoftBank Holdings & Stock
As CEO of SoftBank, Son owns a large stake in the company. Since SoftBank invests in high-growth startups and technology giants, his wealth is directly tied to the company’s performance.
2. Investments in Alibaba and Other Tech Giants
- In 1999, Son invested $20 million in Alibaba, which turned into over $50 billion in value.
- SoftBank’s investments in ARM Holdings, WeWork, Uber, and ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) have also impacted his wealth significantly.
3. Salaries and Bonuses
Son receives a salary from SoftBank, but his main income comes from stock appreciation and dividends. In some years, SoftBank’s stock performance has made him billions, while in others, he has suffered billions in losses.
4. Real Estate Holdings
Masayoshi Son owns multiple luxury properties, including:
- 🏠 A $85 million Tokyo mansion
- 🏠 A $117 million estate in Silicon Valley
- 🏠 A London property valued at over $50 million
Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Philanthropy
Family Background
Masayoshi Son was born into a Korean immigrant family in Japan. His family originally carried the surname “Son Jeong-ui” but later adopted a Japanese name due to social discrimination against Korean-Japanese citizens.
Marriage and Children
- 💍 Wife: Son married Masami Ohno, whom he met while studying at UC Berkeley.
- 👩👧👧 Children: They have two daughters, but Son keeps their personal lives private.
Relationship with Brother Taizo Son
His younger brother, Taizo Son, is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded GungHo Online Entertainment (makers of Puzzle & Dragons) and Mistletoe, a startup incubator.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
- 💰 Donated $100 million to Japan’s earthquake relief in 2011.
- 💡 Pledged $50 million to AI research and education programs.
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Career Achievements: The Path to Success
Educational Background
- 📚 Graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Economics.
- 💡 Invented a multilingual translation device while in college, which he sold for $1 million.
Early Career & SoftBank’s Beginnings
- Founded SoftBank in 1981, initially as a software distribution company.
- Expanded SoftBank into telecommunications and venture capital investments.
Major Investments and Achievements
- 📈 Alibaba Investment (1999): A $20M investment grew to over $50B, making it one of the best venture capital deals in history.
- 📡 Acquired Sprint (2013): Helped expand SoftBank’s presence in the U.S. telecom market.
- 🤖 Launched SoftBank Vision Fund (2017): A $100 billion tech investment fund, making it the largest VC fund in history.
- 🏢 WeWork Disaster (2019-2020): SoftBank lost over $10B due to WeWork’s failed IPO.
Recent Focus on AI and Future Investments
Son has recently shifted SoftBank’s focus toward AI investments, aiming to make SoftBank an AI powerhouse.
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FAQ About Masayoshi Son
1. What is Masayoshi Son’s net worth?
According to Forbes (2025), his net worth is $34.9 billion, but it fluctuates due to SoftBank’s market performance.
2. How old is Masayoshi Son?
He is 67 years old as of 2025.
3. Is Masayoshi Son married?
Yes, he is married to Masami Ohno, and they have two daughters.
4. What is Masayoshi Son’s biggest investment?
His $20 million investment in Alibaba in 1999, which turned into $50 billion, is his most successful investment.
5. What happened with SoftBank’s WeWork investment?
SoftBank invested over $10 billion in WeWork, but due to mismanagement and a failed IPO, they lost a significant portion of their investment.
6. What are Masayoshi Son’s future plans?
He is focusing on AI investments and aims to make SoftBank a leader in artificial intelligence.
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Conclusion: The Future of Masayoshi Son
Masayoshi Son’s visionary leadership and bold investment strategies have made him one of the most influential figures in global technology. His high-risk, high-reward approach has led to massive successes and major failures.
With his increasing focus on AI and next-generation technologies, 2025 and beyond will shape the legacy of Masayoshi Son and SoftBank.
🚀 Stay tuned for more updates on Masayoshi Son and his evolving career!