Yu Sekiguchi Appointed New Editor-in-Chief of "Richesse"

Hearst Fujingaho Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Nicolas Froquet) is pleased to announce that Yu Sekiguchi will assume the position of new editor-in-chief of "Richesse" effective July 1, 2026. Sekiguchi has served as editor-in-chief of "Richesse Digital" for the past two years, deeply involved in the overall operation and content creation of the brand, including the magazine. Moving forward, he will oversee the editorial direction of both the magazine "Richesse" and "Richesse Digital," driving the brand's development.

Yu Sekiguchi, New Editor-in-Chief of Richesse / Photo: fumitoshibasaki

Since its launch in 2012, "Richesse" has evolved into a media outlet that intrinsically conveys the value and context behind luxury brands, while building a deep relationship of trust with Japan's leading affluent readers.

With its high-quality content based on unique affluent insights, a strong network of authorities in various fields, and a high level of dignity and reliability supported by brands, it has established a unique position in the luxury media market. Currently, it is expanding its touchpoints with the next generation of affluent individuals not only through the magazine but also via digital platforms, social media, and video. Going beyond the boundaries of media, it aims to build multifaceted touchpoints with the affluent by utilizing diverse channels, including events, based on data, community, and content.

A Message from New Editor-in-Chief Yu Sekiguchi

Towards a New Horizon of Luxury: The High Context of Sophistication Woven by Richesse

Fourteen years ago, "Richesse" was born with the concept of "richness" at a time when the world was undergoing significant transformations. Since then, the wealthy nations of the world have changed, the faces of the affluent have become new, and the definition of "richness" we seek has also undergone dramatic changes.

Today, true luxury is not about ostentatious ownership. Understanding and internalizing the invisible "high context"—the roots and history of a brand, or the customs and traditions that flow in a particular place—has become the ultimate luxury in the modern era. Why are we so drawn to luxury, a word that inherently implies something unnecessary for living? The answer lies only within its context.

However, our aspiration is to be a "media that experiences context through the five senses."

We will unleash the "real voices" of those at the forefront of aesthetics, unchanged since the magazine's inception, not only on breathtakingly beautiful pages but across all platforms. Sometimes as a video where a designer passionately speaks directly from their atelier. Other times, capturing the atmosphere of a secret night reception at a high jeweler, normally off-limits, with authentic sound and visuals. Or, vividly conveying the splendor of an art exhibition through the filters of curators and artists.

While preserving the traditional beauty of visuals, we will go beyond the confines of still images and text to deliver the passion of luxury as a "living experience." For those who are not tied to a single location, we will provide access to supreme intellect anytime, from anywhere.

As a society like Japan, which interprets context with the world's most delicate sensibility, we aim to become a unique media outlet for luxury. The new "Richesse" will advance as a "specialist magazine" for luxury, lightly and boldly unraveling its essence.

Profile of Yu Sekiguchi Born in 1984 in Saitama Prefecture. Appointed editor-in-chief of a watch specialty magazine in 2016, becoming the youngest editor-in-chief in the industry and leading the magazine to No. 1 in specialty magazine sales. Appointed editor-in-chief of "HODINKEE Japan" in September 2019. Launched HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition in December 2020. Launched the luxury media "Richesse Digital" in October 2023, and after concurrently serving as its editor-in-chief, assumed his current position. From January 2025, he will also serve as Editorial Director overseeing "Richesse," "Esquire," "Hodinkee," and "Women's Health."

Regarding the New Structure Hiromi Sogo, who has led "Richesse" as editor-in-chief for 14 years since its launch in 2012, will step down from her position with this organizational change. In response to the announcement of the new structure, Sogo commented: "I look forward to "Richesse" developing to the next stage under Sekiguchi, who has challenged the possibilities of new high-end media by integrating community, digital, and events." The unique DNA and bonds of trust cultivated since its founding will be reliably passed on to the new structure led by new editor-in-chief Sekiguchi, who continues to create new value at the forefront of media, and will further evolve for the next era.

About "Richesse"

Launched in the summer of 2012 as the ultimate media outlet, further refining "25ans," the epitome of luxury. It is a high-end quarterly magazine that continues to embody "ULTIMATE LUXURY," the theme of its inaugural issue. In today's era of digital shift, it deliberately focuses on overwhelming beauty and a sense of specialness that makes readers want to "keep it in their hands," proposing true richness with a unique perspective. It continues to deliver special value to discerning readers. In 2027, it will celebrate its 15th anniversary.

https://www.hearst.co.jp/brands/richesse/

About Hearst Fujingaho / Hearst Digital Japan

Hearst Fujingaho Co., Ltd. is part of Hearst, a global corporation headquartered in the United States, operating information, service, and media businesses in 40 countries worldwide. Hearst Digital Japan Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst Fujingaho Co., Ltd., established in 2016.

It handles the operation of numerous digital media and magazine publications related to fashion, lifestyle, and more, centered around "Fujingaho," launched in 1905, as well as "ELLE," "25ans," "Harper's BAZAAR," and "Esquire." E-commerce businesses, including "ELLE SHOP," have also grown into pillars of revenue. In recent years, it has engaged in corporate activities that fuse digital and data with content creation expertise, such as launching "HEARST made" to provide comprehensive marketing support for client companies and "HEARST Data Solutions" for data-driven brand marketing support. It also practices sustainability-conscious management by obtaining ISO14001.

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