Speakers at a book launch at the Japanese Embassy on Saturday (Feb 24) highlighted how a very poor boy got on the highway to industrial development in 20th-century Japan. He is none other than the industrialist Matsushita Konotsuke who in his book 'Journey to Prosperity' narrates the story of how he became established in life through his own efforts. The Bengali translation of the book published by Kazuko Bhuiyan Trust was done by Md Azizul Bari, Executive Director of International Angel Association. The event was organized by Kazuko Bhuiyan Trust in collaboration with management consultancy and Market Research Company New vision Solutions Limited, a press release said. Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Yayama Kiminori was present as the chief guest, Ichiguchi Tomohide, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh office was present as special guest and Joko Akira, founder of Kokorozashi network was present as guest of honour. Mr. Kontsuke was born in Japan in 1894. Due to financial difficulties, he was sent to work in Osaka as a laborer after completing his primary education. Besides working as an electrician, he studied mathematics, chemistry and physics on his own. He designed electronics for the 'National' and 'Panasonic' brands. He played an important role in making Japan the industrialized country it is today. He founded the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management in 1979 to provide leadership to the youth of Japan.