Iwao Asō

Iwao Aso (born July 17, 1974) is a Japanese businessman. He serves as the President and Representative Director of Aso Co., Ltd.

Biography

Iwao Aso was born as the eldest son of businessman Yasuo Aso. He spent his childhood at the Aso family home in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, where his paternal side is based, and grew up there until the age of five. Subsequently, he attended Matshio Kindergarten in Tokyo, Keio Yochien (kindergarten), Keio Elementary School, and Keio High School. He graduated from Keio University Faculty of Law (Tamura Seminar). Additionally, he enrolled in Hitotsubashi University Faculty of Commerce (Takeuchi Seminar) and Keio University Faculty of Economics, majoring in economics, earning bachelor's degrees from each institution.

Education and Study Abroad

In 1997, he graduated top of his class from Keio University Faculty of Economics. Afterward, he joined the Long-term Credit Bank of Japan (now Shinsei Bank), working in the Financial Product Development Department, but resigned in 1998. From 1999 to 2000, he studied at the University of Cambridge, specializing in International Relations.

Management and Positions

At age 25, he became Auditor of Aso Cement, the family business, and the following year was appointed Director. Shortly after, the company underwent organizational restructuring and was renamed Aso Co., Ltd. As a director, he also served as the head of the Medical Business Development and New Business Development Departments. In July 2004, he became a member of the Group Management Committee overseeing the entire group.

He gradually advanced through various roles: in April 2005, he became the General Manager of the Medical Business Division; in June 2005, he was promoted to Executive Director; in June 2006, he became Senior Managing Director. In April 2008, he also served as the branch president of the Tokyo branch, and in October of the same year, he was appointed Vice President, concurrently overseeing the Real Estate Business Division.

In 2010, following the resignation of his father Yasuo Aso as President and his appointment as Chairman, Iwao Aso succeeded him as the President and Representative Director of Aso Co., Ltd.

Family and Relatives

Iwao Aso's family has extensive connections in politics and business. His uncle is Tarō Aso, the 92nd Prime Minister of Japan. Additionally, Princess Nobuko Takamado (Maeko Tokugawa) is his aunt.

His ancestors include several prominent politicians and businessmen. His great-great-grandfather Garo Aso was a village headman (shōya); Taro Okubo was a politician, Minister of Finance, and Home Minister; historical figures such as Michikazu Mishima and Tanekazu Akizuki are also part of his family lineage. His great-grandfather Takaichi Aso was a businessman and politician; Kyuji Kano was a daimyo and lord of Kazusa Province's Ichinomiya Domain; and Tsuneyuki Takeuchi was a businessman and politician. His father Yasuo Aso is also well known as a businessman. Other ancestors include officials from the Imperial Household Ministry, diplomats, and politicians.

He has siblings and relatives including Kenichi Yoshida (literary figure and writer), Taro Aso (politician, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications), and Taro Takumi (doctor).

Personality and Hobbies

His hobbies include video games and card games, especially “Culdcept” and “Demon's Souls.” He became acquainted with Nao Yokoyama, Chairman of Dwango, and shared an interest in Magic: The Gathering, which led to his appointment as a director of Dwango. He also enjoys playing games at Jojoen yakiniku restaurants. He maintains close relations with Yoshinobu Fuda of CyberAgent.

In a 2007 interview, he mentioned his lineage from Taro Okubo.

Summary of Career

July 1974: Born

April 1997: Joined the Long-term Credit Bank of Japan

June 2000: Returned to Aso Cement and began taking on roles (detailed dates and titles omitted)

Further detailed positions and activities are outlined sequentially according to specific years and titles.