Admiral Nobuzo TohmatsuJapanese practice owes its origins to Tohmatsu |
The Japanese practice of Tohmatsu owes its origins to Admiral Nobuzo Tohmatsu. He worked as a naval attache at the London embassy, where he had the honor of being invited to George V's silver wedding anniversary at Buckingham Palace. He had also been an instructor at the Naval Paymasters Academy. Among his students were many talented people who took an active part in the official and economic worlds after the war.
After Tohmatsu qualified as a certified public accountant at the age of 57 in 1952, he became a partner in a foreign-affiliated accounting firm and a director of a private corporation. In 1967, he became president of the Japanese Institute of CPAs. At this time, the Japanese government wanted to see national audit corporations established, and Tohmatsu asked Iwao Tomita, a former student, to respond to that challenge. Tomita had also earned an MBA at the Wharton School in the United States. Tohmatsu and Tomita had a common sense of purpose and were closely bound by similar experiences in the Navy. Thus, in May of 1968, Tohmatsu & Co. (formerly Tohmatsu Awoki & Co.) was incorporated.
The key to Tohmatsu's growth was the decision to send a substantial number of partners and professional staff overseas to gain experience. From the beginning, this meant the firm was internationally focused, and it is reflected in its long-standing international clients.
German desk