Ohyama Tadashi
History of "Firsts" 1912 1915 1966 Sharp s founder, Tokuji Hayakawa, establishes a metal works in Tokyo. Development of electronic desktop calculators incorporating ICs. Founder, Tokuji Hayakawa 1969 Development of ELSI chips. Introduction of the world s first electronic calculator incorporating ELSIs. Tokuji Hayakawa invents the Ever-Sharp Pencil. The Sharp corporate name and trademark are derived from the Ever-Sharp Pencil. 1970 1960 1962 1963 1964 Japan s first mass production of TV sets to coincide with Japan s first TV broadcasts. Mass production of color TV sets. Color TV broadcasting begins in Japan. Japan s first mass production of microwave ovens. Japan s first mass production of solar cells. Introduction of the world s first all-transistor desktop calculator. Akira Saeki becomes president. Establishes Corporate Development Center. Akira Saeki Mass production of LSIs. 1973 1976 Introduction of portable VCRs for camera/tv recording. 1982 Introduction of pocket computers using BASIC language. 1990 1991 1992 1983 1986 1987 1977 Introduction of 5-mm-thin, card-sized, sensor-touch electronic calculators. 1979 Development of the dual-cassette tape recorder. Introduction of a word processor with pen-based input. Development of pocket-sized electronic translators. Development and introduction of the world s first super-thin (1.6 mm) card-sized calculator. Development and introduction of 8.6-inch wall-mount LCD color TVs. 2003 Haruo Tsuji Development of an electronic organizer with multiple functions. 1988 1989 Development of the world s first 14-inch large-screen, thin-profile, high-definition color TFT LCD unit. Introduction of the world s first dual-swing door refrigerator. Introduction of an English-toJapanese translation system. Introduction of a 100-inch LCD projector that lets you enjoy big-screen entertainment at home. 1996 1997 1998 2008 Developed Mega ASV panel used in AQUOS X Series. 2009 GREEN FRONT SAKAI opens, a production base for state-of-the-art LCD panels and thin-film solar cells. Production begins at world s first LCD panel plant to employ 10th-generation glass substrates. 2010 Sharp s commercialization and industrialization of solar cells recognized as an IEEE Milestone. Introduction of the world s first 37V-inch LCD TV with a built-in terrestrial digital HDTV tuner. Development of an industry-first technology for recycling waste plastic and reusing it as material for the four products covered by the Home Appliances Recycling Law. Development and introduction of an all-in-one Personal Information Tool for business use. 2004 2005 Development and introduction of the Water Oven. Industry-first introduction of the world s largest 65V-inch full-spec high-definition LCD TV with built-in digital terrestrial BS/CS110 tuner. Introduction of an Internet-ready color LCD notebook PC, equipped with a vivid, clear LCD screen offering 30% greater brightness. Development of a reflective-type Super-Mobile TFT LCD, which displays 260,000 colors in amazing clarity even in direct sunlight, and with no backlight. Developed 4 colour technology 3D LCD TV. 2006 2007 Katsuhiko Machida becomes president. Katsuhiko Machida 2000 Development and introduction of the world s lightest and thinnest notebook PC with a 12.1-inch LCD. Development and introduction of an HDTV with simplified MUSE decoder. Introduction of a fully automatic washing machine with hole-less tub that saves a considerable amount of water and detergent. 1993 Haruo Tsuji becomes president. Introduction of a 3-inch LCD color TV with a TFT drive system. Introduction of the first solar-powered calculators. World s first mass production of 44-pin CMOS LSIs using a film carrier. Development of ultra-thin (7 mm) electronic calculators with CMOS LSIs. Introduction of the world s thinnest home facsimile. 2001 Development and introduction of the world s first LCD Viewcam. World s first mass production of ultra-thin EL displays. Introduction of a combination microwave/toaster oven. Mass production of LCDs. Development of the world s first electronic calculator incorporating an LCD. Development of the world s first full-color desktop facsimile. Introduction of the world s first combination PC/TV set. Mass production of amorphous solar cells using Roll-to-Roll Method. Changes name from Hayakawa Electric Industry Co. to Sharp Corporation. Assembly and marketing of Japan s first crystal radio sets. Radio broadcasting begins in Japan. 1953 Development of the world s first long-life laser diode. Introduction of Japan s first microwave oven with a turntable. Development of the world s first negativeresistance light-emitting diode (GND). 1925 1981 Development of the world s first camera-equipped mobile phone that can send photos via e-mail. Development of the world s first Plasmacluster Ion air purification technology that s effective against airborne mold and fungi. 2007 Development of the AQUOS Mobile Phone that lets users enjoy digital mobile TV broadcasts. 2011 Released a 60V-inch LCD monitor with ultra-slim bezel, high brightness, and built-in automatic backlight control. 2012 Introduction of 80 BIG AQUOS panel Mikio Katayama becomes president. Mikio Katayama Developed a 108V LCD TV, the world s largest. Sharp celebrate the 100th Anniversary