On December 25, we heard the news of the death, at 94 years of age, of Osamu Suzukichief advisor of the company, due to malignant lymphoma. To honor the wishes of the deceased, funeral services have been held for immediate family only, and any condolence visits, monetary offerings, floral offerings, or condolence telegrams have been declined. The company has at the same time announced that it plans to hold a farewell meeting later, with a date and location to be determined.
Osamu Suzuki: Seven decades of service to the brand
Born on January 30, 1930 in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, Mr. Osamu Suzuki graduated from Chuo University School of Law in March 1953. In April 1958 he joined Suzuki Motor Co. , Ltd. and in November 1963 he was appointed director of the company, a position to which he gradually added the positions of general director (1967), senior general manager (1973) and president (1978).
In October 1990 the company name changed to Suzuki Motor Corporation and in June 2000 Mr. Osamu Suzuki was appointed director and chairman of the board of directors; position to which he added that of president of the company in December 2008. In June 2015 he became director and president of the board of directors; and in June 2021 he was appointed main director of the Company.
Mr. Osamu Suzuki has received numerous awards throughout his long career, among which we can highlight:
- Sitara-e-Pakistan (March 1985)
- Medal of Honor with blue ribbon (Japan, November 1987)
- Commander’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit (May 1993)
- Order of the Rising Sun with gold and silver star (Japan, May 2000)
- Induction into the Japan Automobile Hall of Fame (November 2002)
- Commander’s Cross with Star of the Hungarian Order of Merit (May 2004)
- Padma Bhushan (India, March 2007)
- Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit (March 2020)
There is no doubt about Osamu Suzuki’s devotion and love for the brand. From the SMN editorial team we can only add to the expressions of condolence that have been shown by the company, through friends and family and ending with those followers of the Japanese firm who know the value contributed by Suzuki throughout all this time.
