On July 10, the original Hermès Birkin prototype was sold to Valuence Japan Inc. for an astonishing 1.47 billion yen (US$9.97 million) including fees, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold. Nine bidders competed for the coveted bag at the Sotheby’s Fashion Icons auction in Paris. Maiko Ichikawa, head of Sotheby’s Japan, secured the bid on behalf of Valuence via telephone following a 10-minute bidding war.

Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO and president of Valuence Japan, shared with Fashionsnap, “Jane Birkin’s embodiment of freedom and independent beauty resonates deeply with our group’s philosophy of supporting women’s empowerment and diversity.”

Valuence Japan emphasised that the acquisition is not intended for resale. Rather, the company plans to make the bag accessible to the public, thereby protecting its cultural heritage.

But just who is Shinsuke Sakimoto? Here’s what to know about him.

Sakimoto joined Gamba Osaka as a midfielder in 2001, making his J1 League debut in September at the age of 19. But with Gamba Osaka’s midfield roster stacked with talent, then-manager Akira Nishino told the young player his contract would not be renewed in 2003.

From Gamba, Sakimoto transferred to Sagawa Express Osaka in hopes of continuing his football career. However, during the 2004 off-season, he made the decision to retire – an early exit at age 22 that steered him towards entrepreneurship.

After gaining experience in management working at his father’s second-hand shop, Sakimoto launched the luxury item buying company Nanboya in 2007. Four years later, he founded Valuence Japan, of which Nanboya is a main subsidiary, and assumed the role of representative director. Under his leadership, the company expanded into auction management, fine arts and antiques.