Resigning and becoming chairman: in 1961 at age 65

At the annual management policy meeting for 1961, Konosuke delivered a rousing speech, proclaiming that the company had achieved the aims of its five-year plan and was entering a new phase of growth. After completing his address, he surprised the assembled by announcing his resignation, saying, "I have just celebrated my 65th birthday. I have been thinking that I should step down at an appropriate moment, and that time has now arrived. I will continue to support the company from behind the scenes as chairman."