Toshifumi Suzuki, the Japanese businessman credited with building and popularizing 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan, has died at age 93. Multiple outlets describe him as a key figure in turning convenience stores—often called “conbini” in Japan—into a major part of daily life. Several reports note that Suzuki helped bring the 7-Eleven brand to Japan through a partnership with the US-based operator and that Seven-Eleven Japan launched in the early 1970s, with the first stores opening in Tokyo soon after. Articles also credit him with expanding the business over roughly four decades and helping establish 7-Eleven Japan as a cornerstone of the retail landscape. PBS and others characterize him as behind the growth of the convenience-chain empire, including its global success. According to one report from South China Morning Post, Seven & i Holdings said Suzuki died of heart failure on May 18 and issued a statement expressing condolences. The Japan Times adds that he most recently served as an honorary adviser to the company.