Corporate  History

  • 1912

    Sharp's founder, Tokuji Hayakawa, establishes a metal works in Tokyo.

    Sharp's founder, Tokuji Hayakawa, establishes a metal works in Tokyo.

    Tokuji Hayakawa starts out on his own with the Tokubijo Snap Buckle that could be adjusted in length without the need for fastening holes.

    Tokuji Hayakawa starts out on his own with the Tokubijo Snap Buckle that could be adjusted in length without the need for fastening holes.

    1915

    Tokuji Hayakawa invents the Ever-Sharp Pencil. The Sharp corporate name and trademark are derived from the Ever-Sharp Pencil.

    Tokuji Hayakawa invents the Ever-Sharp Pencil. The Sharp corporate name and trademark are derived from the Ever-Sharp Pencil.

  • 1925

    Assembly and marketing of Japan's first crystal radio sets. Radio broadcasting begins in Japan.

    Assembly and marketing of Japan's first crystal radio sets. Radio broadcasting begins in Japan.

    1929

    Japan's first mass production of solar cells.

    Japan's first mass production of solar cells.

    Production of the first Sharp Dyne AC-powered vacuum-tube radio sets.

    Production of the first Sharp Dyne AC-powered vacuum-tube radio sets.

  • 1953

    Japan's first mass production of TV sets to coincide with Japan’s first TV broadcasts.

    Japan's first mass production of TV sets to coincide with Japan’s first TV broadcasts.

    1962

    Japan's first mass production of microwave ovens.

    Japan's first mass production of microwave ovens.

  • 1964

    Introduction of the world's first all-transistor desktop calculator.

    Introduction of the world's first all-transistor desktop calculator.

    1966

    Introduction of Japan's first microwave oven with a turntable.

    Introduction of Japan's first microwave oven with a turntable.

  • 1969

    Introduction of the world's first electronic calculator incorporating LSIs.

    Introduction of the world's first electronic calculator incorporating LSIs.

    1973

    Three-door refrigerator with separate vegetable compartment

    Three-door refrigerator with separate vegetable compartment

    Development of the world's first electronic calculator incorporating an LCD.

    Development of the world's first electronic calculator incorporating an LCD.

  • 1978

    The first TV in the industry allowing viewers to watch 2 programs at once on the same screen

    The first TV in the industry allowing viewers to watch 2 programs at once on the same screen

    1979

    Microwave oven equipped with cooking sensor

    Microwave oven equipped with cooking sensor

  • 1982

    The world's first product merging the personal computer and the TV

    The world's first product merging the personal computer and the TV

    Development of a solar cell with the world's highest efficiency of 44,4%

    Development of a solar cell with the world's highest efficiency of 44,4%

    1987

    Electronic organizer with various functions

    Electronic organizer with various functions

  • 2011

    Start of operation of one of the largest solar power plants (73MW) in Thailand

    Start of operation of one of the largest solar power plants (73MW) in Thailand