PBS NewsHour - The Latest | Toshifumi Suzuki, the Japanese behind the 'conbini' empire, has died. He was 93. by Yuri Kageyama, Associated Press AI generated summary, Read the full article for complete information. Toshifumi Suzuki, the Japanese entrepreneur who built the 7‑Eleven convenience‑store empire, died at 93 on May 18 from heart failure at his home in Tokyo. A former honorary adviser of Seven & i Holdings, Suzuki founded the Japanese unit of 7‑Eleven in 1973, became chief executive in 1978, and oversaw its growth to more than 80,000 stores worldwide, making it Japan’s largest convenience‑store chain. He directed key acquisitions such as Barney’s Japan, added banking services, and incorporated department stores like Sogo and Seibu, pioneering a “lifestyle shopping” experience and retail‑technology innovations. Born in Nagano in 1932 and a Chuo University graduate, he previously worked at Ito‑Yokado. Funeral services are private; he is survived by his wife and two children. Read more: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/toshifumi-suzuki-the-japanese-behind-the-conbini-empire-has-died-he-was-93 #ToshifumiSuzuki #SeveniHoldings #SouthlandCorp #obituary