Businessman

Wal-Mart is an amazing success story. What I particularly admire very much about the late Sam Walton was his policy of valuing his employees. Giving value to employees is very rare in the retail industry. I also admire the strategies Walton used to build up his discount store concept.

As a businessperson, I don't have the power to change the government. That is in the hands of the political leaders. However, as a taxpayer, we have the right to be critical of the government and demand change.

Japanese businesspeople and companies are lacking in individuality.

Americans believe cotton is best, but we've invented new fabrics that will change your lifestyle.

I'm afraid Japanese people tend to collective hysteria.

I tell people that we must have the courage to share what we feel, but no one follows me.

We are a country of artisans and a country of manufacturing. I think Japanese textile technology is the best in the world.

People say that globalisation has negative aspects, but I don't believe globalisation is bad. It's criticised from a western perspective, but if you put yourself in the shoes of people in the developing world, it provides an unprecedented opportunity.

The world's major metropolitan cities are more or less the same.

Politicians make decisions in favor of their interest groups or their supporters back in their hometowns.

Our underwear used to just be cotton, but we wanted to see if we could create something out of synthetics.

Opening new stores outside of Japan is important, but training our employees is even more important.

People shouldn't have to spend a lot of money to get high-quality clothing.

I think like a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Failure is a great teacher. At the same time, you must remember, success will never last... Whether it's tech or fashion, it must be for the customer.

I hate politics. What they say and what they do is completely different.

I'm afraid Japanese people tend to collective hysteria.

Forty-five years ago, when I was 18, I came to San Francisco by boat and took two weeks to get here. I had a great impression. I think San Francisco is the welcoming gate for people from Asia.

If you always think about your dreams or goals, work steadfastly towards them and continue to challenge yourself, you will definitely be able to realise those dreams or goals.

Japan's biggest problems are conservatism and cowardice.

I learned that people don't buy anything from unknown stores.