Nigo, born as Tomoaki Nagao, kicked off his career in the fashion industry in the early 1990s, working as a graphic designer for a Japanese clothing company. His creativity and unique perspective quickly caught the eye of his superiors, leading to a promotion to design clothing for the company’s hip-hop inspired line.

In 1993, Nigo took a leap of faith and launched his own clothing label, A Bathing Ape, in Tokyo. The brand was an instant hit, particularly among Japanese youth, who were drawn to its bold, streetwear aesthetic and nods to hip-hop culture. Nigo’s designs, often featuring graphic tees and hoodies with provocative slogans, resonated with young people, making him a household name in the Japanese fashion scene.

Nigo’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Nigo’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, according to the latest available information.

Nigo’s Career

Nigo, born Tomoaki Nagao, is a Japanese fashion designer and entrepreneur. He is best known for founding the streetwear brand A Bathing Ape in 1993. The brand gained international recognition for its unique designs and distinctive logo, becoming a staple in the streetwear scene. In 2011, Nigo sold a majority stake in the company but remains involved as the creative director.

Nigo’s Other Ventures

Beyond A Bathing Ape, Nigo has been involved in various other ventures. He has collaborated with numerous high-end fashion houses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi. He also founded the fashion label Human Made in 2010, which focuses on producing high-quality, everyday clothing. Additionally, Nigo has ventured into music, forming the hip-hop group Teriyaki Boyz in the mid-2000s.

Nigo’s Assets

Nigo’s assets include a significant stake in A Bathing Ape, which is valued at a substantial amount. He also owns a number of luxury cars, including a rare Porsche 911 and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Nigo’s real estate portfolio includes properties in Tokyo and Los Angeles. His personal art collection, featuring works by prominent street artists, is also a significant asset.

Nigo’s Annual Income

As of 2025, Nigo’s annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This includes his earnings from A Bathing Ape, his collaborations with other fashion houses, and his other ventures. His income also comes from his stake in the reselling of A Bathing Ape’s products, which have become highly sought after in the secondary market.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Nigo

What is Nigo’s net worth?

As of 2021, Nigo’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.

How did Nigo make his money?

Nigo made his fortune primarily through his fashion label, A Bathing Ape, which he founded in 1993. He also has a stake in the streetwear brand Human Made and has collaborated with various high-end fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

What is A Bathing Ape?

A Bathing Ape, often abbreviated as BAPE, is a Japanese streetwear brand founded by Nigo in 1993. It is known for its distinctive camouflage patterns and ape head logo.

When did Nigo sell A Bathing Ape?

Nigo sold a majority stake in A Bathing Ape to the Japanese fashion conglomerate I.T Group in 2011, but he remains involved with the brand as its creative director.

What is Human Made?

Human Made is a streetwear brand co-founded by Nigo and Pharrell Williams in 2013. The brand is known for its simple, high-quality designs and collaborations with other artists and brands.

What is Nigo’s role at Louis Vuitton?

In 2021, Nigo was appointed as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear division. He is responsible for the creative direction of the brand’s menswear collections.

Has Nigo collaborated with other fashion brands?

Yes, Nigo has collaborated with numerous fashion brands throughout his career, including Chanel, Nike, Adidas, and Supreme, among others.

What is Nigo’s background?

Nigo was born Tomoaki Nagao in Japan in 1970. He dropped out of school at a young age and started his career in the fashion industry as a DJ and a graphic designer.

What are some of Nigo’s influences?

Nigo’s influences include hip-hop culture, street fashion, and American sportswear. He has cited brands like Nike, Stüssy, and Carhartt as inspirations for his work.

What is Nigo’s approach to fashion?

Nigo’s approach to fashion is heavily influenced by street culture and hip-hop. He is known for his bold, graphic designs and his ability to blend high and low fashion elements. He has also been a pioneer in the streetwear movement, helping to bring streetwear into the mainstream fashion world.