7-Eleven Japan Founder Dies at 93

Yuya Shino / REUTERSToshifumi Suzuki, the businessman credited with building 7-Eleven Japan into a global convenience-store empire, has died at 93. Parent company Seven i Holdings announced Monday that Suzuki died of heart failure on May 18. Born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Suzuki began his career at Tokyo Shuppan Hanbai Co., Ltd., which later became TOHAN Corporation, before helping launch 7-Eleven Japan in the 1970s. He became president and representative director of Seven-Eleven Japan in 1978 before eventually rising to chairman and CEO in 2003. Suzuki later served as honorary adviser for Seven i Holdings beginning in 2016 and senior adviser for TOHAN Corporation in 2023. For his contributions to business and philanthropy, Suzuki received Japan’s Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon in 1993 and 2011, an honor recognizing individuals who make significant financial contributions to the public good. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the support and goodwill he received throughout his life and career,” the company wrote in its tribute. A private funeral service for close family members was held, with Suzuki’s eldest son, Takafumi Suzuki, serving as chief mourner. A memorial honoring Suzuki’s life and legacy will be held at a later date. Read it at CNNRead more at The Daily Beast.