Takashi Kotegawa (BNF): The Retail Trader Who Shook Japan’s Stock Market

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Early Life and Start in Trading

Born in 1978, Kotegawa didn’t come from a wealthy background. He began trading after graduating from university, inspired by the Japanese stock market boom. Unlike many traders who rely on formal training or institutional backing, Kotegawa was entirely self-taught. He learned from observing price action, studying chart patterns, and reviewing company fundamentals.

The Rise to Fame

Kotegawa gained public attention during the 2005 Livedoor shock—a period of extreme volatility in the Japanese stock market following a scandal involving Livedoor Co. While many investors were panicking, Kotegawa thrived, capitalizing on the chaos to make significant profits.

He reportedly made over 2 billion yen (approximately $20 million) in just a few years of trading. His trading style—focused on short-term opportunities and precise execution—proved highly effective in Japan’s fast-moving markets.

The Infamous J-Com Trade

One of Kotegawa’s most famous trades came during the J-Com stock blunder in 2005. A trader at Mizuho Securities mistakenly placed a massive sell order—610,000 shares at 1 yen instead of 1 share at 610,000 yen. Kotegawa quickly recognized the opportunity, bought a significant amount of the mispriced shares, and profited handsomely once the error was rectified.

This trade solidified his status as a trading genius and demonstrated his incredible ability to stay calm and act decisively during market anomalies.

Life Outside Trading

Despite his massive wealth, Kotegawa lives an extremely modest lifestyle. He reportedly still uses public transportation, eats at cheap restaurants, and avoids media appearances. He rarely grants interviews and avoids showing his face in public, which only adds to his mystique.

Legacy and Influence

Takashi Kotegawa remains a symbol of what is possible through skill, discipline, and timing. In a world dominated by hedge funds and large institutions, his story is a rare example of a retail trader