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How often does one get to interview a legend?  

I was honored to conduct an interview with the most respected business person in Japan, Founder of the Ito Yokado chain (now Seven & I Holdings) back in 2002.

My relationship with Mr. Ito dates back to 1998.  I was immediately impressed with how approachable he was, but also his deep knowledge of technology, as we spent time discussing packaged software.  Ever since then, I've visited with Chairman Ito whenever our schedules would permit.

I am very proud that I am currently teaching as an Adjunct Professor at a school that bears both his name and the name of his very good friend, Peter Drucker.

Mr. Ito's business philosophy could be capture in the few words that hangs on his guest room wall in the 7&I headquarter building. 

Visit Tid Bits for The Way of the Merchant

Link to Interview from KPMG Web-site

(from left to right:  Mr. Yasuhisa Ito, Mr. Masatoshi Ito, Kazue (the wife), and me--the rude foreigner who didn't wear his neck-tie)

I often wonder if it was mere coincidence that I met Don Iwatani for the first time at the Drucker School of Management, before I had any relationship with that school.

We were speaking at a forum that focused on the future competitiveness of global Japanese companies.  Don impressed me not only with his command of the English language, but how well he connected with the audience--something that was rare for executives from most Japanese companies.

 We immediately hit it off, and I requested a sit down with him in a subsequent visit to New York.  His knowledge of the consumer electronics business and the distribution system in the US is unparalleled. 

Link to interview on KPMG web-site