The Fall of a Japanese Business Titan

Shigenobu Nagamori, the founder of Nidec Corp. , was once celebrated as a bold and outspoken entrepreneur in Japan. Alongside Masayoshi Son of SoftBank and Tadashi Yanai of Fast Retailing, he was part of a trio known for their ambitious goals and criticism of traditional business practices. However, recent issues with Nidec’s accounting have put Nagamori’s legacy at risk. Nidec has become a global leader in motor production, supplying components for electronics, cars, and data centers. This success came from Nagamori’s high expectations for himself and his employees. But this drive also created a tough work environment. Employees say they were pushed to meet unrealistic targets set by Nagamori and other leaders. The pressure to perform may have led to problems. Nidec has reported suspected cases of improper accounting. This could damage the company’s reputation and Nagamori’s legacy. While Son and Yanai have seen their wealth and influence grow, Nagamori’s achievements are now under scrutiny. The story of Nidec shows how ambition can lead to success but also to trouble. Nagamori’s leadership style, while effective, may have contributed to the current issues. It’s a reminder that even the most successful entrepreneurs face challenges.