TOKYO, JAPAN — Hiroshi Sawada, representative director, chairman and chief executive officer of NIPPN Corp., died on Nov. 21, 2021. He was 90 years old.

A funeral was held with close relatives in attendance. A company funeral or farewell event will be planned at a later date.

“Mr. Sawada was a true pioneer in Japan’s flour milling industry, joining Nippon Flour Mills Co. in 1953,” said Vince Peterson, president of US Wheat Associates. “During most of the 64 years we have had an office in Japan, Mr. Sawada always graciously welcomed our representatives and farmer leaders and was very generous with his time. Serving four terms as chairman of the Japan Flour Millers Association, Mr. Sawada helped build the close relationship between US wheat farmers and his country’s flour millers. It has been an honor working with him and we send sincere condolences to Mr. Sawada’s family and his colleagues.”

Sawada joined the company in April 1953. He was appointed director in June 1983 and managing director in June 1986. He became senior managing director in June 1989 and then was named representative director and senior managing director in September 1991.

In June 1993, he was appointed representative director and president and representative director and chairman in June 2002. In June 2009, president was added to his title and finally CEO in June 2012.

Among his career highlights, Sawada received Japan’s Legion of Honor award for his contributions to the country’s food industry.

He is survived by his wife Kishi Sawada.

The company expressed its deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to Sawada over his life.