Who is Yusaku Maezawa: Japanese billionaire offering 8 tickets for a trip to moon

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa on Tuesday announced that he is looking for eight companions to join him on a trip around the moon. Yes, you heard that right, a trip to the actual moon. But who is Maezawa and how can he make such offer? 

Maezawa is the founder of Zozotown, which is reportedly the largest retailer in Japan, according to Times Now. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index says that the 44-year old  has a net worth of $3.6 billion. 

Maezawa left the management team of Zozo, which is the parent company of Zozotown after selling 30% stakes.  

Almost a regular in Japanese tabloids due to his personality, Maezawa owns a private jet and numerous sports cars. It was also rumoured that he once wanted to buy a baseball team. 

So Maezawa has the money, which many of his peers have. But why is he the only one giving such an offer?

In 2018, Maezawa had signed on to become the first passenger on Elon Musk and SpaceX’s novel lunar-flyby mission onboard a Starship craft. The mission is scheduled for some time around 2023. 

Maezawa said in his invitation, “I’m inviting you to join me on this mission. Eight of you from all around the world. I have bought all the seats, so it will be a private ride.”