R.I.P Fukuo Morita

The dental community worldwide was saddened by the passing of Fukuo Morita, honorary chairman of the J. Morita Corporation on Tuesday, October 4 at the age of 83.

Mr Morita was recognized as a prominent business leader within the Japanese business community but especially within the Japanese dental industry. He was a pioneer in the global dental industry with wide visions for the future of the industry. He traveled the world to make the Morita group known as an international company and to develop the global dental industry.

His recognition was evidenced by many awards and commendations that he received. He is a recipient of the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare Award in 1983; the Blue Ribbon Medal from the Prime Minister in 1986 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure Gold Rays with Rosette from the Emperor in 1992.

He is the first recipient of the Dental Trade and Industry Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 1994, and received the distinguished merit award from the Japan Dental Trade Association in 1991 and the FDI Special Recognition Award in 2002.

He was twice President of the Japan Dental Wholesalers Association from 1974 to 1980 and from 1982 to 1986; Chairman of the Japan Dental Industry Council from 1975 to 1977; Chairman of the Japan Dental Trade Association (before being a corporate body) two times from 1978 to 1980 and from 1982 to 1987; and the first Chairman of the Japan Dental Trade Association (a corporate body) from 1987 to 1989. He also served leading positions for many other dental industry organizations during his 56-year career.

While he was an active and busy business leader, he was a great father to his children and in recent years, a very proud grandpa to his grandchildren. He loved to play golf and he became an outstanding artist and master of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

He will be sadly missed by all who benefit daily from his lifetime of achievement.