Rokuro Ishikawa


Rokuro Ishikawa, D.Eng was a Japanese businessman and one of the most influential figures in the Japanese construction industry. He was Honorary Chairman of Kajima Corporation, one of the biggest construction companies in Japan, from 2005 until his death. Prior to that, he was President and Chairman of Kajima Corporation. He was married to Yoshiko, a daughter of the fourth president and the founding family of Kajima, Morinoske Kajima. His father was Ichiro Ishikawa, the first Chairman of the Japan Business Federation.
Ishikawa held several senior positions in a number of prominent organizations. He served as chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1987 to 1993, chairman of the Japan Federation of Construction Contractors, president of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers and president of the Japan Federation of Engineering Societies among others. An active member of the international community, Dr. Ishikawa served as head of the Japan - Midwest U.S. Association and the Pacific Basin Economic Council, and participated as a senior member in management forums and missions to various countries around the world. He also chaired international friendship associations such as the Japan-Italy Association and the Japan-Egypt Friendship Association.

Life

Ishikawa was born to an influential family in Tokyo, as a son of Ichiro Ishikawa, a former chairman of the Japan Business Federation and a managing director of a big chemical company. He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1948. After graduating from Tokyo University, Ishikawa joined the Department of Transportation and became acquainted with Morinoske Kajima, forth president of Kajima Corporation. Morinoske Kajima noticed his potential early on and they became close. In 1955, Dr. Ishikawa joined Kajima as a director. Dr. Ishikawa was convinced that nuclear energy was required to satisfy future energy demands in Japan and created a department for nuclear energy in Kajima soon after joining. In addition, he led many successful construction projects such as Kasumigaseki Building, the first skyscraper in Japan. In 1978, he took office as the seventh president of Kajima and swiftly introduced TQC and promoted positive reforms in the company. He became chairman of Kajima in 1984 and in 1986, was awarded by the Government of Japan with Medals of Honor with Blue Ribbon.
In May 1987, Dr. Ishikawa took office as the 15th president of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry being strongly recommended by the 14th president, Noboru Goto. During his term, he was supportive of the consumption tax. He also held, among other positions, the position of Chairman of the Japan-Italy Association, Director of the Japan-Germany Association, Director of the Japan-Belgium Association, Director of Keio Engineering Society, Senior Advisor to the ESUJ, Director of Japan Music Foundation, Senior Advisor to the Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy and Director of Japan Productivity Centre.
Dr. Ishikawa died on 14 December 2005 at the age of 80.

Chronology

NameRelationshipComments
Ichiro IshikawaFatherFirst Chairman of Japan Business Federation
Kaoru IshikawaBrotherEldest son of Ichiro Ishikawa, an emeritus professor of Tokyo University and influential quality management innovator best known in North America for the Ishikawa diagram. He married second daughter of Seikichi Ujiie, a former President of the 77 Bank Limited.
YoshikoWifeDaughter of Morinoske Kajima
Morinoske KajimaFather-in-lawMorinoske Kajima is a famous Japanese diplomat, businessman and politician. He is a former chairman of Kajima Corporation.
Itsuko AtsumiSister-in-lawDaughter of Morinoske Kajima and wife of Takeo Atsumi; Her son Naoki Atsumi is married to Mieko, second daughter of Yasuhiro Nakasone, a former Prime Minister of Japan.
Shoichi KajimaBrother-in-lawDirector and Senior Advisor of Kajima Corporation
YumikoDaughterArchaeologist
HiroshiSonDirector of Kajima Corporation