Takashi Kotegawa

Takashi Kotegawa

Category: Notable Figure / Legendary Investor

Takashi Kotegawa, more famously known by his online handle B.N.F., is a private Japanese investor and day trader who became a legend in the financial world for turning an initial investment of approximately ¥1.6 million (about $16,000) into a fortune exceeding ¥20 billion (over $185 million) through stock trading. He is often referred to as the "J-Com Man" due to a pivotal and highly profitable trade.

Unlike traditional investors who focus on long-term fundamentals, Kotegawa is a master of short-term swing trading, relying heavily on technical analysis and market sentiment. His story has made him an iconic, almost mythical figure for retail traders in Japan and around the globe.

Key Profile Data

The "J-Com Man" Incident: A Legend is Born

Kotegawa’s most famous moment came on December 8, 2005, during the IPO of J-Com Holdings on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. A trader at Mizuho Securities made a catastrophic "fat-finger" error, attempting to sell one share of J-Com for ¥610,000 but instead placing an order to sell 610,000 shares for ¥1 each.

While chaos ensued and the Tokyo Stock Exchange was thrown into turmoil, Kotegawa remained calm and analytical. He swiftly identified the anomaly and bought 7,100 shares at the absurdly low price. He sold them off shortly after for a massive profit.

Breakdown of the J-Com Trade:

• Action: Bought 7,100 shares of J-Com near the bottom of the mistaken price drop.
• Timeframe: The entire transaction, from buying to selling, was completed in about 10 minutes.
• Profit: He reportedly made over ¥2 billion (approximately $20 million) from this single event.

This trade not only skyrocketed his wealth but also earned him the nickname "J-Com Man" and made him a national celebrity in the financial community.

Trading Philosophy and Lifestyle

Despite his immense wealth, Kotegawa is famous for his reclusive and frugal lifestyle, dedicating his life almost entirely to the stock market.

Trading Strategy:

• Methodology: He primarily uses a contrarian swing trading strategy based on technical indicators. He does not focus on fundamentals (like P/E ratios or company news).
• Core Principle: He looks for stocks that are heavily oversold in the short term, betting on a quick rebound or "mean reversion."
• Key Indicator: He has famously stated that he often buys stocks whose prices have diverged significantly below their 25-day moving average. He looks for securities that have dropped 20-25% from this moving average as potential entry points.
• Tools: His setup is surprisingly simple, consisting of multiple monitors displaying charts and market data, which he watches intensely throughout the trading day.

Personal Life:

• Frugality: He is known to live simply, shunning luxury cars and designer clothes. Stories report him buying his meals at convenience stores and not owning a car.
• Reclusiveness: He rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances, preferring to maintain his privacy and focus on the markets. His primary passion and hobby is stock trading itself.

Legacy

Takashi "B.N.F." Kotegawa is more than just a rich trader; he is a symbol of the individual retail investor's potential to beat the market through discipline, skill, and psychological fortitude. His story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale about the high-stakes world of day trading. He proved that with the right strategy and mindset, it is possible for an individual to achieve financial results that rival large institutional firms.