Interview with a self-made Billionaire

**Rickson9** · Apr 20th, 2012, 12:21 PM

"Tanaka heard about Friendster in 2003. He wanted to create a social network like Friendster in Japan, so he coded the first version of what is now GREE out of his Tokyo apartment."

GREE: Inside The Life Of 35-Year-Old Self-Made Billionaire Yoshikazu Tanaka - Business Insider

**andviv** · Apr 20th, 2012, 04:55 PM

Thanks for sharing, very good article.

I had no idea this guy even existed.

**^eagle^** · Apr 21st, 2012, 04:27 AM

Does anyone seethe irony that the owner of a social website has no social life? Shows you what sacrifices you must make to become a billionaire. Showed this article to my stepson. As his profile is very similar to this guy. Probably no hope for me to make a billion but at least my step son has a better chance.

**dii** · Apr 21st, 2012, 05:31 PM

OMG, 200 milion players O_O"

**Darkside** · Apr 26th, 2012, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by ^eagle^

Does anyone seethe irony that the owner of a social website has no social life? Shows you what sacrifices you must make to become a billionaire. Showed this article to my stepson. As his profile is very similar to this guy. Probably no hope for me to make a billion but at least my step son has a better chance.

I think he is taking it to an extreme though. His business is already at the point where he could take vacations and time off if he wishes to do so but like many Japanese people he's got that workaholic mentality. Working is fine but you shouldn't make it your life; otherwise you'll end up an old person wishing that you had enjoyed your youth more.

**Lights** · Apr 27th, 2012, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Darkside

I think he is taking it to an extreme though. His business is already at the point where he could take vacations and time off if he wishes to do so but like many Japanese people he's got that workaholic mentality. Working is fine but you shouldn't make it your life; otherwise you'll end up an old person wishing that you had enjoyed your youth more.

Are you a billionaire? Maybe your mentality is the reason why you're not.

**Darkside** · Apr 28th, 2012, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Lights

Are you a billionaire? Maybe your mentality is the reason why you're not.

Do you think that being a workaholic will guarantee that you will become a billionaire like him? Get real. Success in business has to do with a mix of factors like timing, how good the idea is, execution, etc. It's not just about blood sweat and tears, otherwise there would be millions more billionaires from all the workaholics that I see. Working smarter, not harder is the key.

Also, he's already a billionaire but he doesn't want to take time off to enjoy his wealth? That was my point. He has the freedom now to take a few days off for vacation when he wants but he chooses not to because I think he has that workaholic mentality.

**PatrickP** · Apr 28th, 2012, 08:46 AM

Is it ironic that I am posting on a forum at 10 AM on a Sat saying someone else has no social life?

**piotrkrzyzek** · Apr 28th, 2012, 11:40 AM

Hehe, PatrickP, yeah ... funny stuff.

Though it's very damn informative and motivational. I've hard work kill the best of men and women, and I've seen lazy ass stupid <insert other mean words here> become millionaires. It's not the hard work that get's you there, it's your idea, williness, motivation and most of all your drive (and fan base as well).