Toshifumi Suzuki, Father of Japan's Convenience Stores, Dies at 93

Toshifumi Suzuki, honorary advisor to Seven & i Holdings, passed away on May 18 due to heart failure at the age of 93. Born in Nagano, Suzuki joined Ito-Yokado in 1963. In the early 1970s, he recognized the potential of convenience stores in the U.S. and, despite internal and external opposition, established the predecessor to Seven-Eleven Japan in 1973. The first store opened in Toyosu, Tokyo, in 1974. He introduced 24-hour operations and POS systems, creating a business model centered on fresh food and convenience. He later acquired and revitalized the U.S. parent company, building the world's largest convenience store chain. In 2005, he became Chairman and CEO of Seven & i Holdings, but resigned in 2016 following internal disputes over management succession.