True to his word, Suzuki launched and fostered various businesses in an era in which Japan’s industrialization and modernization advanced rapidly. He established Sumitomo Electric Wire & Cable Works (present-day Sumitomo Electric Industries) in 1911, Sumitomo Copper Plant in 1912, and Sumitomo Fertilizer Manufacturing (present-day Sumitomo Chemical) in 1913. In 1919, he built Osaka Hokko, or the northern port, to develop a coastal industrial zone in Osaka and founded Tosa-Yoshino River Hydro-Electric Power Company (present-day Sumitomo Joint Electric Power) to power the Besshi copper mine. He was also an energetic promoter of joint ventures with foreign partners to propel Japan’s technological development. For example, he established America Japan Sheet Glass (present-day Nippon Sheet Glass) in 1918 and invested in Nippon Electric (present-day NEC) in 1920.
Committed to Japan’s transformation into a leading industrialized trading nation, Suzuki devoted all his energy and talent to the development of Sumitomo’s business and Japan’s industry with an eye to the future. Sumitomo’s rapid expansion under Suzuki’s leadership and Japan’s extraordinary modernization were two aspects of a single process. The businesses Suzuki founded have endured and prospered to this day and his aspirations continue to inspire them.