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Jack Ma’s in Tokyo? Alibaba founder who disappeared from public view spotted in Japan

  • Ma has reportedly been keeping a low profile since moving to the Japanese capital, socialising mainly within several private members’ clubs
  • The Alibaba founder has been laying low since October 2020, after giving a speech criticising China’s financial regulatory system

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Jack Ma recently resurfaced in Tokyo, according to reports. Photo: AP
Business Insider
Once one of China’s richest businessmen, Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma mostly disappeared from public view two years ago after a run-in with the authorities.

He has now resurfaced in Tokyo, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing people with direct knowledge of his whereabouts.

Ma, an outspoken teacher-turned-tech titan, was once a high-profile jet-setter who was the face of Chinese Big Tech. But he has been laying low since October 2020, after giving a speech criticising China’s financial regulatory system.
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His words angered the Chinese authorities, prompting intense regulatory scrutiny on his businesses, and a wider crackdown on tech firms the country.
People cross the street in Tokyo. Jack Ma has reportedly been living in the Japanese capital for nearly half a year. Photo: EPA-EFE
People cross the street in Tokyo. Jack Ma has reportedly been living in the Japanese capital for nearly half a year. Photo: EPA-EFE

There has been intense speculation of Ma’s whereabouts since he vanished from the limelight.

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One of the most recent sightings of the billionaire was in July this year, when he visited Wageningen University & Research, the Dutch institution announced on its website.
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