Ex-Hankyu Hanshin Holdings chief Kazuo Sumi dies at 76

Kazuo Sumi, a former chairman and president of railway operator Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, passed away at 76 after battling health issues. Known for his pivotal role in integrating major Japanese railway firms post-World War II to form Hankyu Hanshin Holdings in 2006, Sumi also contributed significantly to bringing the 2025 Osaka Expo to Osaka and resigning from influential roles in 2024 due to health concerns.