Toshifumi Suzuki, who brought 7-Eleven to Japan, dies at 93

Toshifumi Suzuki, the former chairman of Seven & I Holdings who introduced the convenience-store format to Japan, died on May 18 from heart failure. He was 93. The company announced the death on Monday. The company said Suzuki had most recently served as an honorary adviser.

He served as chairman and chief executive of Seven & I Holdings before stepping down. He is credited with adapting the U.S. convenience-store model for Japanese consumers and expanding the chain across the country.

Company statement The company described Suzuki’s role in establishing the modern convenience-store sector in Japan. Officials said his contributions shaped retail habits that remain central to daily routines. Suzuki’s death was reported by multiple Japanese news outlets on the same day the company issued its announcement.