The Untold Business History of a Single Japanese Man Respected by Architects Worldwide

Overview The untold business history of a single Japanese man respected by architects worldwide.

Legendary developer Mitsuhiro Kuzuwa. This book depicts his life, his work, and the truth behind his life's mission, the 'Store Bank' (Tenpo Ginko).

There is a legendary developer who had world-famous architects like Aldo Rossi and Zaha Hadid design hotels and bars in Hakata, Moji, Sapporo, and Otaru. That man, Mitsuhiro Kuzuwa, believed in the talents of designers more than anyone else and provided overseas architects with opportunities to work. At the same time, he poured his heart and soul into establishing his unique real estate lending system, the 'Store Bank,' and supported the management of over 3,000 stores, opening paths for anyone to own a shop. He is a truly one-of-a-kind Japanese entrepreneur.

This book is the complete version of the 2020 work 'Documentary: Store Bank - Mitsuhiro Kuzuwa - All Work,' with the latest cases and information added.

Five years after the first edition was published, and now that the restaurant industry has been exposed to a severe economic environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuzuwa, now 94, looks back on his own life and business to appeal once again to the world about their social significance.

The 'Fixer' Adored by Designers The 'Hotel Il Palazzo' in Fukuoka, designed by Italian architect Aldo Rossi, is a prime example. It was the world-renowned interior designer Shigeru Uchida (deceased) who proposed Rossi's appointment to Kuzuwa. Uchida made his debut with a store project commissioned by Kuzuwa, and the two had been old friends. Nigel Coates, who designed the 'Ark of Noah' in Susukino, was also introduced to Kuzuwa by the space producer Shi-Yu Chen, who adored Kuzuwa and worked on numerous projects with him.

Global talents gathered around Kuzuwa because he was not merely a financier, but a partner who valued the quality of design more than anyone and could co-create. However, his name rarely appears in public as he was neither a designer nor an architect. Meanwhile, what he sought with his entire being was the establishment and development of the 'Store Bank' system, which allows anyone to open a store immediately.

The footprints of this 'fixer,' who chose to stay behind the scenes of history, will surely stir the hearts of all business people who aspire to the future of urban development and commerce.

Book Information 'Complete Edition: Documentary Store Bank - Mitsuhiro Kuzuwa - All Work'

ISBN: 978‐4‐911595-21-3 Price: 1,600 yen (excluding tax) Format: A5 variant, softcover Publisher: Diamond Business Planning