According to Forbes.com from Feb, 2009, Japan's Richest person is Tadashi Yanai. His discount clothing chain Fast Retailing has thrived amid the downturn.

Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Getty Images

Net Worth $6.1 billion Source Retail
Age 60
Marital Status Married, 2 children


His discount clothing chain Fast Retailing has thrived amid the downturn. Company is expanding its Uniqlo brand stores abroad in a bid to turn itself into a global name. Plans more than 30 new overseas outlets in 2009. Shifting production away from China to lower-wage Cambodia to keep prices low.