Here, we share episodes about Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of the Panasonic Group, from our company's historical records.
The third installment in this series introduces, partially in his own words, the ambition pursued by Konosuke, who announced his plan to relocate to the US at the age of 86, as well as his leadership that motivated employees.
2025.02.21
Stories behind Panasonic History
Episode 03: Starting All Over Again
Series:
Konosuke walking through Times Square in New York City, with a large Panasonic billboard showing the weather forecast in the background (November 1981)
Starting anew from America
With the aim of promoting friendship and goodwill between Japan and the US through electronics, in May 1981, the Matsushita Group (currently the Panasonic Group) held an exhibition titled "Matsushita Technology Today" at Chicago's McCormick Place*1 (May 31–June 3). It was the first comprehensive technology exhibition in the US for the Group, and it was held at the same time and place as Summer CES.*2 Approximately 190 items, including new products and technologies, were displayed, attracting about 20,000 visitors over the four-day period. However, Konosuke was nowhere to be seen at this great exhibition, which left an imprint on the history of the Group's overseas business.
＊1: The largest convention center in North America, which annually hosts conferences and large-scale trade shows, including auto shows.
＊2: The world's largest technology trade show, held every January in Las Vegas. From 1978 to 1994, it was held twice a year: Winter CES in Las Vegas (January) and Summer CES in Chicago (June).
About five months prior to this exhibition, during the Annual Management Policy Meeting in January 1981, Konosuke expressed his strong determination and unwavering resolve to go to the US. "Shortly after the May 5 ceremony to mark the 50th year of Meichi,*3 I would like to relocate to the US and work there for one year. I am not sure if I can make genuine contributions; however, I want to give it a try. I would like to find out whether we can build a stronger global presence with a focus on the US. I made this decision on New Year's Day and visited Ise Jingu Shrine on January 4 to pray for the success of my new endeavor. I want to bring back my youthful enthusiasm, revisit our founding philosophy, and start from square one in the US." Thus, at the age of 86, Konosuke announced his plan to relocate to the US.
＊3: On May 5, 1932, Konosuke gathered all executives at the Central Electric Club in Osaka and stated, "Matsushita Electric's true mission is to produce an inexhaustible supply of goods, thus creating peace and prosperity throughout society." He designated May 5 as the company's foundation day and 1932 as the first year of Meichi, the revelation of the corporate mission.
Then Director Gerald Marks of the US Department of Commerce (left) and then President Toshihiko Yamashita of Matsushita Electric (currently Panasonic Holdings) cutting the ribbon at the US Matsushita Electric Exhibition.
Leadership demonstrated by Konosuke
Konosuke's surprise announcement shocked the people around him, who strongly disapproved of his idea out of concern for his age. Reluctantly, he postponed his relocation plan until fall. However, the voices of disapproval grew louder day by day, and he was compelled to announce the cancellation of his plan in August. Despite the setback, he never lost his motivation. He finally left for his two-week stay in the US, accompanied by his doctor, prior to his 87th birthday in November*4 (November 12–25).
＊4: Konosuke was born on November 27, 1894, in Wakayama Prefecture.
At the time, the US had been suffering from a long recession due to inflation and high unemployment. Konosuke assembled over 100 executives from all over the US to the head office of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (at the time) and encouraged them by stating, "Matsushita Electric Corporation of America is a Matsushita Electric subsidiary and thus regarded as a Japanese company. However, I do not agree with this image. It is a US company. In the near future, we will turn this company into a true American company managed by American people based on American capital on a scale large enough that one-tenth of the US population will be its shareholders. When such a day comes, you will become major shareholders as executives. I want you to promote corporate growth for the country and people, and eventually lead Japan and the world in technology development." Konosuke shared this hopeful vision of the company's future. Although the assembly was held on a holiday, over 130 non-management employees came to the office, eager to hear what Konosuke had to say, and gathered in the cafeteria to watch live video of his speech.
At the roundtable meeting with executives from all over the US, Konosuke emphasized that Matsushita Electric Corporation of America was an American company.
Konosuke shaking hands with an employee who heard about the assembly and gave up her holiday to listen to his speech.
Only two days after his return from the US, Konosuke held a press conference, saying with vigor, "There is still so much I want to do that I have no time for aging."
Immediately after his return to Japan, Konosuke delivered a long speech at the Annual Management Policy Meeting in January 1982, generating awareness in senior management and giving them inspiration: "During my stay in the US, I felt that Matsushita Electric was capable of leaping into the global market. I came to be convinced that if all employees became aware of the true mission of the industrialist and did the right thing with a strong sense of mission and firm conviction, then we would succeed in any country. Surprisingly, we as senior management are hindering this more than employees. I believe that the responsibility lies with business managers, not employees. Therefore, I would like to review the past 50 years, reflect on ourselves where necessary, and then announce our management policy for the next 50 years based on the lessons learned."
Despite his age, Konosuke made the trip to the U.S., and his emotional plea for what one must accomplish, moved everyone to renew their commitment.
The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.
Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.
Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.
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