Introduction
Takako Irie was an inventor and entrepreneur who spent most of her life working on inventions that would change the world. She was born on January 14, 1927, in Osaka, Japan. She grew up in a family of inventors and was fascinated by the idea of creating something that would make a difference. Takako Irie was not just an inventor but also an astute businesswoman who knew how to turn her ideas into successful ventures. Her life was filled with many inventions, discoveries, and business ventures that made her quite wealthy. However, her net worth was not publicly known until recently.
Takako Irie’s Secret Fortune
After Takako Irie passed away in 2017, her estate went into probate. It was then that her family discovered her secret fortune. Her net worth was valued at over $150 million, and her family was shocked to learn that she had been keeping her wealth a secret from them.
But how did Takako Irie amass such a large fortune? In this blog post, we will uncover Takako Irie’s secret fortune and discover the true Takako Irie net worth.
The Early Years
Takako Irie was born into an inventor’s family, and from an early age, she was exposed to the world of innovation and technology. Her father, Tsunejiro Irie, was a renowned inventor who held over 100 patents for his inventions. Takako Irie grew up in a household filled with gadgets and gizmos, and this environment inspired her to become an inventor herself.
Education and Career
Takako Irie’s education was not typical. She did not go to a traditional university but studied at a vocational school in Osaka. After completing her studies, she began working for National Denki (now known as Panasonic). She was the only woman in the company’s research and development department at the time.
Takako Irie’s first invention was a rice cooker that used electromagnetic induction to cook rice faster and more efficiently. This invention brought her great success, and she left National Denki to start her own company, Irie Tec Co. Ltd.
The Inventions
Takako Irie continued to invent new products throughout her career. Some of her most notable inventions include:
- Digital Audio Tape (DAT): In the 1980s, Takako Irie invented DAT, a digital recording technology that allowed people to store high-quality audio on a small cassette tape.
- Eco-Drive Watch Technology: Takako Irie was one of the inventors behind Eco-Drive, a watch technology that uses light to power the watch instead of batteries.
- Automatic Dishwasher: Takako Irie invented an automatic dishwasher that used ultrasound to clean dishes. This invention was ahead of its time and never made it to market.
The Businesses
Takako Irie was not only an inventor but also a successful businesswoman. She started several businesses throughout her career, including Irie Tec Co. Ltd, which produced the rice cooker. She also co-founded several other companies, including:
- TEXIO Corporation: Takako Irie co-founded TEXIO Corporation, a company that specializes in electronic measuring instruments, power supply equipment, and other products.
- OTEC Corporation: Takako Irie also co-founded OTEC Corporation, a company that manufactures precision equipment for the semiconductor industry.
Takako Irie’s Philanthropy
Takako Irie was a philanthropist who believed in giving back to the community. She donated $10 million to her alma mater, Osaka Institute of Technology, to fund research in clean energy and nanotechnology. She also donated $15 million to Kyoto University to fund research in stem cell research.
FAQs
1. What was Takako Irie’s net worth?
– Takako Irie’s net worth was over $150 million.
2. What were Takako Irie’s most notable inventions?
– Takako Irie’s most notable inventions include DAT (Digital Audio Tape), Eco-Drive Watch Technology, and an Automatic Dishwasher.
3. What companies did Takako Irie start?
– Takako Irie started Irie Tec Co. Ltd, TEXIO Corporation, and OTEC Corporation.
4. What philanthropic work did Takako Irie do?
– Takako Irie donated $10 million to her alma mater, Osaka Institute of Technology, and $15 million to Kyoto University.
5. What inspired Takako Irie to become an inventor?
– Takako Irie grew up in a family of inventors and was fascinated by the idea of creating something that would make a difference.
6. What was Takako Irie’s educational background?
– Takako Irie studied at a vocational school in Osaka.
7. What was Takako Irie’s first invention?
– Takako Irie’s first invention was a rice cooker that used electromagnetic induction to cook rice faster and more efficiently.
Conclusion
Takako Irie’s life was filled with many inventions and successful business ventures, which made her quite wealthy. Her net worth was a secret until her estate went into probate, and her family discovered it was over $150 million. Takako Irie was an exceptional inventor, an astute businesswoman, and a generous philanthropist who believed in giving back to the community. She was truly an inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to live on through her inventions and philanthropic work.