Toshio Motoya, the founder and chairman of the APA Group, has died at 82, as announced on the company’s website. Born in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Motoya began his career in finance and real estate before establishing the company’s precursor in 1971 and subsequently launching APA Hotels in 1980. His strategic vision led the group to expand extensively within Japan, introducing distinctive services like spacious onsen-style baths, and flourishing into the nation's largest hotel chain, with a network that includes over 385 hotels and approximately 88,000 rooms.

Motoya was known for his bold business tactics, notably prioritizing hotel construction in major urban centers and acquiring a Canadian hotel chain to penetrate the North American market. Under his leadership, APA Group saw a consistent increase in profitability, marking 53 consecutive years of profit through November 2024. However, his legacy also included controversies, such as the 2017 backlash for propagating contentious views on historical events in his published works placed in hotel rooms.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the APA Group adapted by transforming its hotels into facilities for accommodating asymptomatic and mild patients, showcasing its responsiveness in crisis management. Motoya passed the reins of leadership to his son, Ichiji, after his 50th anniversary in the industry, solidifying the family legacy within the company, which continues to make significant marks in both local and international hotel sectors.