Konosuke Matsushita was a visionary entrepreneur. He started working very young as a teenager, and he eventually created Panasonic to become a truly global company.

More than trends, consumers need functionality. Everything needs an element of fashion, but thats more like a spice.

I might look successful but I've made many mistakes. People take their failures too seriously. You have to be positive and believe you will find success next time.

America, for me, is the country where, if you have something great to offer, you'll be valued highly.

Japanese businesspeople and companies are lacking in individuality.

As a businessperson, I dont 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.

Japan's biggest problems are conservatism and cowardice.