Otogo KataokaThe Osaka Nomura Bank was not original in its conception; other similar banks were founded around the same time. In one respect, however, Tokushichi took an unconventional path. To run the Osaka Nomura Bank, he appointed a man who, on the first approach, had declined to serve. Otogo Kataoka considered himself unqualified for the responsibility. After all, he was only 37 years old, and as chief of the Lending Section of the Industrial Bank of Japan by no means ranked in senior management class. Of course, he had banking experience, but what impressed Tokushichi was his latent ability. Tokushichi did not believe in appointing old generals to command in new wars. For a new field of business operations, he wanted a new breed of banker, unaffected by existing conventions regarding what could and could not be done. By inspiring him with confidence in his own talents, Tokushichi overcome Kataoka's misgivings. It was to prove a masterly appointment.
