His first years were happy and carefree, but Konosuke's father lost the family property in speculations on the rice exchange when Konosuke was four, and left for Osaka three years later in search of work. When Konosuke was nine, months before he was to graduate from elementary school, his father sent for him, apprenticing Konosuke first to the Miyata Hibachi Store, then later to the Godai Bicycle Store, where his employer was impressed by his natural aptitude and keen interest in business. Konosuke continued to study independently while looking after the store, and his apprenticeship taught him much about the world of business.