Han Chang-Woo Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Rising from Humble Origins to Industry Titan

Han Chang‑Woo was born on February 15, 1931 in Samcheonpo (Sacheon), located in what is now South Gyeongsang Province, Korea.  As a teenager, he secretly entered Japan in October 1945, obtaining Special Permanent Resident status. 

After enrolling at Hosei University and graduating with a degree in economics in 1952, Han took over a modest pachinko operation run by his brother-in-law in Kyoto. What began as a small business soon grew under his stewardship, culminating in the establishment of Maruhan Corporation in 1972. 

Over decades, Maruhan expanded far beyond pachinko parlors to include bowling alleys, golf driving ranges, movie theaters, and other leisure ventures.  Under Han’s leadership, the company became—and remains—the largest pachinko operator in Japan by revenue. 

A Business Empire Built on Adaptation and Scale

Maruhan’s success reflects Han’s ability to transform a single pachinko hall into a diversified entertainment conglomerate. According to his own statement on the company website, he credits continuous growth to the firm’s commitment to “Originality and Ingenuity, Sincerity and Effort, and Trust and Service.” 

Despite shifts in leisure habits and regulatory pressures on gambling industries over the years, Maruhan has remained resilient. Even now, decades after its founding, the business continues to be a dominant force under Han’s stewardship.

The Fortune That Shaped an Industry — and Reputation

According to the 2025 ranking published by Forbes, Han Chang-Woo’s net worth is estimated at approximately US$1.24 billion, placing him among Japan’s 50 richest.  Some other sources — less recent or less conservative — have placed his wealth higher: for instance, one platform estimates his net worth at about US$2.6 billion. 

Given the fluctuations in asset valuations and business performance over time, such variation is not uncommon. What matters is the legacy: a self-made magnate whose businesses touching entertainment, leisure, and gambling have left a notable mark on Japanese industry.

Family Ties, Legacy Plans, and Public Scrutiny

Han Chang-Woo’s private life has drawn attention, especially in light of family disputes. He is married and has multiple children — some reports say six children. 

One of the most widely publicized controversies involves his daughter — who accused him of racism and coercion after she married a Black American businessman, a former professional basketball player. According to court filings in Guam, she alleges her father pressured her financially to divorce her husband.  The dispute triggered a high-profile legal fight, challenging the family’s public image and raising broader questions about race, culture and wealth in corporate Japan. 

Despite such controversies, Han has professed a philanthropic vision: he has announced his intention to donate his entire fortune to foster better relations between Korea and Japan.

The Long View: What Han Chang-Woo’s Birthday and Birthdate Mean for His Legacy

Han Chang-Woo’s birthday — February 15 — and his birthdate (February 15, 1931) mark not just a personal milestone, but a symbolic anchor point for a life defined by resilience, ambition, and transformation. From humble beginnings to leading a multi-billion-dollar enterprise and becoming a cultural bridge between Korea and Japan, his journey embodies a remarkable arc of achievement.

As founder and longtime chairman of Maruhan, his influence extends beyond boardrooms into the fabric of entertainment-industry history in Japan. For aspiring entrepreneurs and industry watchers alike, his story remains a powerful example of what determined vision, adaptation, and boldness can build.