As president of Triumph International Japan Ltd., Koichiro Yoshikoshi helped the women's lingerie maker post revenue and profit growth for 19 straight years by introducing strategies focused on efficiency and swift decision-making.

Since his retirement in December 2006, Yoshikoshi, 60, has published best-selling business books and given lectures to entrepreneurs throughout Japan.

In his latest book, "Zangyo Zero no Shigotoryoku" ("The labor power of no overtime work"), he explains how successful work conditions can even help create a healthy relationship with one's family — an intricate task but one he achieved with his French wife, Daniele.