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Den FujitaJapanese entrepreneur
Date of Birth: 03.03.1926
Country:  Japan |
Content:
Biography of Den Fujita
Den Fujita was a Japanese entrepreneur who played a significant role in introducing American fast food culture to Japan. He was born in Osaka, Japan, to a Christian mother and a father who worked for a foreign company. Growing up, Fujita had a unique upbringing compared to other Japanese children, and his knowledge of the English language proved to be advantageous during his school years.
Life-Changing World War II
Fujita's life was forever changed by the events of World War II. During the war, he lost his father and home. After the war, Fujita managed to enroll at the University of Tokyo, where he studied law and graduated in 1951. Despite his legal education, Fujita had a strong interest in importing various cultures, which would eventually lead him to the world of fast food.
Introduction to McDonald's
In 1967, Fujita experienced his first encounter with McDonald's, and he was amazed by the popularity and efficiency of the fast food chain. Initially, Fujita was involved in trading imported bags and shoes. However, he saw an opportunity to bring McDonald's to Japan. In 1971, he opened the first McDonald's in Tokyo. In his marketing campaigns, Fujita claimed that the yellow skin color and short stature of the Japanese were due to their diet of rice and fish. He believed that hamburgers and potatoes would help the nation become whiter and taller.
Success and Beyond
The new McDonald's chain was warmly received in Japan, and currently, there are approximately 3,800 outlets operating in the country. The annual revenue of the Japanese branch amounts to around $4 billion. Although Fujita no longer had a direct connection to McDonald's, he officially retired on March 5, 2003. However, he continued to be involved in other ventures, serving on the board of directors of Softbank and holding the position of Vice Chairman of the Japanese branch of Toys 'R' Us. Additionally, Fujita wrote eight books on entrepreneurial strategies.
Legacy
Until 2005, Fujita's family owned 25% of the shares in the Japanese branch of McDonald's. These shares were eventually bought out for an undisclosed amount. At the time of the buyout, the market value of the shares amounted to $647 million. On April 21, 2004, Den Fujita passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 78. Sadly, two days later, the CEO of McDonald's, Jim Cantalupo, also passed away.
