CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Maruhan Group
POWER SCORE: 824
POSITION LAST YEAR: 23
CLAIMS TO FAME
- Founded Maruhan in 1957 and still running it at age 91
- Japan’s largest pachinko operator in revenue terms
TIME WILL TELL how well Japan’s declining pachinko industry recovers from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On a broader scale, the number of pachinko parlors Japan-wide continues to slide. From a peak of 18,000 parlors in 1995 – when the number of active players was estimated at 30 million – the number of parlors recognized by the local union had fallen to 10,060 by the end of 2018, then to 9,638 by 2019 and 8,302 in 2020. By 2021, the number of operating parlors was 7,637, with active players said to be below 10 million.
At least Maruhan, by far the largest pachinko operator in Japan, has seen some positive momentum over the past 12 months after being hit by the pandemic. The company reported net sales of JPY1.27 trillion (US$8.44 billion) in FY22, up from JPY1.11 trillion (US$7.38 billion) in 2021 although down from JPY1.55 trillion (US$10.3 billion) in the 12 months to March 2019 and JPY1.51 trillion (US$10.0 billion) in FY20.
Maruhan’s founder, 91-year-old Han Chang-woo, continues to power along, ably supported by his son and Maruhan COO Yu Han.
Founded in 1958, Maruhan reached 100 parlors in 2002, passed 200 parlors in 2006 and 300 in 2014. Its parlors – often larger and more inviting than those offered by smaller rivals – include dining and other entertainment at some suburban locations. But diversification into banking in Cambodia –MARUHAN Japan Bank became the first Japanese-owned commercial bank in the Southeast Asian nation when established in 2008 – and Myanmar have proven more enduring bets.
For the full list of 2022 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
