Japanese convenience store pioneer Toshifumi Suzuki dies at 93

Toshifumi Suzuki, honorary adviser of Seven & i Holdings Co. and a pioneer of Japan's convenience store industry, died of heart failure on May 18, the company announced Monday. He was 93.

Suzuki was one of the most influential figures in Japanese retail. Under his leadership, Seven-Eleven Japan grew from a handful of franchise stores into the country's largest convenience store chain, transforming shopping habits with offerings such as bento boxes, beverages and bill payment services.

He joined the company in 1960 and later became president of Seven-Eleven Japan. Suzuki was known for his unwavering focus on quality and customer service, once saying, "There are no boring products, only boring ways to sell them."

In a statement, Seven & i Holdings called its honorary adviser "the founder of Japan's convenience store culture" and said the funeral will be held privately within the family.