Photo: 日本学士院 / CC BY 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Masahiro Hara is credited as an engineer. Masahiro Hara was born in Tokyo, Japan on August 8, 1957. That works out to 69 years old in 2026. Schooling on record includes Hosei University. Recorded honors include European Inventor Award (2014).
My Take
Masahiro Hara has my deepest respect because he invented something the entire world now touches daily: the QR code, created in 1994. This Tokyo-born Hosei University engineer built the technology behind modern payments, ticketing, and instant information, and was honored with the 2014 European Inventor Award. What moves me most is that the code spread globally precisely because it wasn't locked behind aggressive patent enforcement. Hara never sought the spotlight, yet his work reaches into the smallest corners of everyday life. To me, that quiet, world-shaping kind of contribution is the most impressive achievement of all.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Masahiro Hara
- Name (Japanese)
- 原昌宏
- Reading
- はら まさひろ
- Born
- August 8, 1957 (age 69)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Leo / Rooster
- Origin
- Tokyo, Japan
- Occupation
- engineer
2. Background
- University
- Hosei University
Awards & achievements
- 2014 European Inventor Award
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | QR code | — |
4. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masahiro%20Hara
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8E%9F%E6%98%8C%E5%AE%8F
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111909214
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-23
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Masahiro Hara born?
Born August 8, 1957 (age 69).
Where is Masahiro Hara from?
Masahiro Hara is from Tokyo, Japan.
What does Masahiro Hara do?
Masahiro Hara works as engineer.
What is Masahiro Hara known for?
Notable works include QR code.