A Century of Sincerity and Creativity
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Sharp 100th Anniversary A Century of Sincerity and Creativity Business Creed Business Philosophy Sharp Corporation is dedicated to two principal ideals: We do not seek merely to expand our business volume. Rather, we are dedicated to the use of our “Sincerity and Creativity” unique, innovative technology to contribute to the By committing ourselves to these ideals, we can culture, benefits and welfare of people throughout derive genuine satisfaction from our work, while the world. making a meaningful contribution to society. It is the intention of our corporation to grow Sincerity is a virtue fundamental to humanity ... hand-in-hand with our employees, encouraging always be sincere. and aiding them to reach their full potential and Harmony brings strength ... trust each other and improve their standard of living. work together. Our future prosperity is directly linked to the Politeness is a merit ... always be courteous and prosperity of our customers, dealers and respectful. shareholders …indeed, the entire Sharp family. Creativity promotes progress ... remain constantly aware of the need to innovate and improve. Courage is the basis of a rewarding life ... accept every challenge with a positive attitude. SHARP CORPORATION Sharp has a history of creating market demand by coming out with original, innovative products that make people’s lives richer and their work more efficient. It is the Through sincerity and creativity, patronage and support of these people that have brought Sharp to 2012, the company’s 100th anniversary. Sharp is contributing to From its humble beginnings in Japan, Sharp has expanded its business across the globe, in the process the world by creating products amazing and capturing the hearts of people with products created through the company creed of ‘Sincerity and that instill passion in Creativity’. As the sun rises on Sharp’s second century, the company people everywhere. will continue doing what is both its mission and its joy: provide products and technologies that help make society a better place. Join us as we take Sharp to even more people and places. Contents (Click on a title to jump to a page you wish to read) Business Philosophy and Business Creed Chapter 4 1959–1969 Chapter 7 1986–1991 Chapter 11 2007–2011 Through sincerity and creativity, Becoming a Comprehensive Home Three Challenges in Renovating the Business Structure Promoting Efforts to Make Sharp an Sharp is contributing to the world Appliance Manufacturer Creating New Demand by Strengthening Environmentally Advanced Company by creating products that instill passion Creating New Demand through Products Product Appeal Restructuring Business by Shifting to Areas in people everywhere. 1 Where Sharp Excels 1 New Company-Wide Business Division System, Chance Is Found in Changes 7-01 Factory Expansion 4-01 2 Aiming to Strengthen Corporate Culture 7-03 1 Strong Financial Results and Radical Changes in the Business Environment 11-01 Sharp through the Years 2 Development of the Calculator 4-03 3 Promoting Multimedia for Personal Use 7-05 2 Developing the LCD TV and Large-Size LCD Business 11-03 3 Seeds of the Semiconductor Technology 4-05 4 Positioning LCDs as the Core Business 7-07 Chapter 1 1912–1923 3 Developing the Solar Cell Business Encompassing 4 Supporting the Home Appliance Boom 4-07 5 Confidence in Optoelectronics 7-09 the Entire Value Chain 11-05 The Creativity to Found a Company 5 Towards an Invigorating, Fulfilling Corporation 4-09 6 Seeking the Best Locations for Production and Sales 7-11 4 Consistent Efforts Focused on the Environment and 6 Growing a Business with the Sharp Pencil Leveraging the Domestic Appliance Marketing Network 4-11 In Pictures Solutions 11-07 7 Developing along with Application Products: Sales Company Established in the US 4-13 5 Focusing on Asia and Emerging Markets 11-09 1 Tokuji Hayakawa Founds a Company in Honjo, Tokyo 1-01 Optoelectronic Devices G4-01 2 The Birth of the Sharp Pencil 1-03 3 A Thriving Business Meets Great Misfortune Chapter 5 1970–1974 1-05 Chapter 8 1992–1997 Chapter 12 2012– Toward a Comprehensive Electronics Company Enhancing Key Devices Such as LCDs Striving to Rebuild Financial Results and Advanced Development and Planning Center Chapter 2 1924–1949 Using the Spiral Strategy to Build a New Sharp Confidence Making a Fresh Start in Osaka Built in Tenri Looking Ahead to the Next 100 Years, 1 The 80th Anniversary of Sharp’s Founding 8-01 1 Leading the Age of Radio in Japan Company Name Change and 2 Embarking on New Growth Adopting a New Corporate Structure 5-01 Putting Innovation into Action by Appreciating Customers’ Point of View and through Creative Synergy 8-03 1 Recovering from the Great Kanto Earthquake and 2 1 Aiming to Be a Comprehensive Electronics Manufacturer 5-03 3 Aiming to Become a Global Company Rebuilding His Life 2-01 Development and Production of LCDs and Solar Cells 8-05 That Can Compete on the World Stage 3 Development of Liquid Crystals and 12-01 2 Growth as a Radio Manufacturer 4 2-03 Growth in Office Products 5-05 A Blossoming Spiral Strategy 8-07 2 Swiftly Pursuing Business Restructuring 12-03 3 Expanding Sales by Focusing on Business Partners 5 2-05 4 Development and Commercialization of Copiers 5-07 The Sharp Brand Spreads around the World 8-09 4 Incorporation and Wartime Operations 2-07 5 Expansion of the Domestic Marketing and 5 A Post-War Rebirth Based on Radios Service Organization 5-09 2-09 Chapter 9 1998–2003 6 In Pictures Trade Friction and Expansion of Overseas Operations 5-11 Sharp Radios over the Years Aiming to Be a One-of-a-Kind Company G1-01 In Pictures Company Information Device Industry and Information Communications Issuing the LCD TV Declaration Products That Originated in Calculators G3-01 Corporate Profile / 1950–1958 1 Chapter 3 Aiming to Be One-of-a-Kind, Rather Than Number One 9-01 Major Bases in Japan and Abroad Company Information-01 2 Brand Strategy in Full Force 9-03 Changes in Capital, Business Performance, Overcoming a Financial Crisis Chapter 6 1975–1985 Japan’s First Commercially Produced TV 3 Human Resource Development Utilizing Diversity and and Number of Employees Company Information-07 Development of the “New Life” Product Strategy Self-Motivation 9-05 1 From a Crisis of Survival to a Financial Turnaround 3-01 4 Becoming an Environmentally Advanced Company 9-07 Building a Strong Financial Structure Historical Overview 2 The Dawn of the Television Era 3-03 5 Growth in the Device Business through Selection and 1 Consolidation 9-09 3 Mass Production of TVs Begins 3-05 Setting in Motion a New Strategy to A History of Innovation, Ride Out an Economic Downturn 6-01 6 4 Debut of AQUOS LCD TVs 9-11 Born from Sincerity and Creativity Chronology-01 Aiming to Become a Comprehensive Consumer 2 Electronics Manufacturer 3-07 Breaking Through to Be a Trillion-Yen Company 6-03 7 Plasmacluster Devices and Other Products with Chronology (Developments at Sharp) Chronology-03 3 Distinctive Features 5 Strengthening Cooperation with Business Partners and Growth of the Device Business Built around Technology 6-05 9-13 Establishing Sales Subsidiaries 3-09 4 Establishing a Foothold as an Electronic Office 8 Revamping Overseas Marketing Strategy and Japanese Operations 9-15 6 Establishing a Special Metalworking Plant 3-11 Equipment Manufacturer 6-07 5 Expanding and Upgrading Production Facilities In Pictures 6-09 6 History of Television Development at Sharp G2-01 Establishing Sales Subsidiaries on a Nationwide Scale 6-11 Chapter 10 2004–2006 7 Establishing the Company’s First Production Base in a Developed Country 6-13 Birth of the “Kameyama Model” Large-Screen AQUOS 1 Construction of the Kameyama Plant 10-01 Notes 2 AQUOS for the World 10-03 1. As a rule, the content in this publication is current as of the end of May 2012. 3 Continuing Efforts to Protect the Environment 10-05 (Some content may be more recent or prospective.) 4 Focus on Health and Environment Products 10-07 2. As is the practice in historic depictions, this publication does not use honorific titles such as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” People’s job titles are those held during the period 5 Expanding Information and Communications Business 10-09 being referred to. 6 Boosting Corporate Value and 3. Proper names such as place names and company names are those that were Stressing Social Responsibility 10-11 used during the period being referred to. Out of necessity, current names or later names may also have been inserted. 7 Growth of the Chinese Market and 4. Words such as “Co., Ltd.” denoting corporate status have not been used International Business Measures 10-13 except in cases where such words are necessary to clarify corporate status; for example, for the establishment of new companies or company name changes. In Pictures Evolution of LCD Technology and For Sharp-related companies, either the full company name or the shortened Application Products name, whichever is appropriate, has been used. G5-01 5. Names such as those of companies or products may be trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp or other companies in Japan or other countries. Chapter 1 : The Creativity to Found a Company : Growing a Business with the Sharp Pencil 1912 1923 Chapter 1 1912 1923 Sakata started a new business manufacturing pencils. Founded as a Metalworking However, owing to the immaturity of the technology, the business failed and the majority of the pencils turned out to be Business rejects. While the other craftsmen in the workshop abandoned their master’s venture, Tokuji took it upon himself to sell off On September 15, 1912, before he was 19 years old, Tokuji The Creativity to Found a Company all the rejected pencils at a stall in a night market.