Former Komatsu chief Sakane dies at 85

ObituariesSakane is credited with strengthening the construction machinery maker's competitivenessMasahiro Sakane, former president of Komatsu, dies at 85. (Photo by Jun Takai)Nikkei staff writersAugust 18, 2026 15:35 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese construction machinery maker Komatsu's former president, Masahiro Sakane, died at 85, Nikkei has confirmed on Tuesday. He led the manufacturer as president from 2001 to 2007 and also served as vice chair of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren.