Akio Morita

Introduction to Akio Morita

Akio Morita was a Japanese businessman who was co-founder, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of Sony Corporation. He accomplished great success with his business partner Masaru Ibuka.

Early Life and Education

He was born on January 26, 1921, in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Morita’s family owned a sake, miso, and soy sauce production company, known as Morita Shuzō Sake Brewery. Though he was trained to take over the family business, he had different passions in mathematics and physics. He graduated from Osaka Imperial University in 1944, where he mastered physics.

Founding Sony Corporation

In 1946, with funding from Morita’s father, Akio Morita and his business partner Masaru Ibuka co-founded Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation, the forerunner of Sony Corporation) accompanied by 20 employees. The company mainly focused on repairing electronic equipment and producing voltmeters.

Revolutionary Innovations at Sony

Under his leadership, Sony introduced multiple revolutionary products, including the transistor radio, the first all-transistor television, the first portable video cassette recorder (Walkman), and the compact disc (CD) player. Morita aimed to make Sony a global brand as he realized the importance of the American market. So Sony set up manufacturing plants in locations such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. In 1961, under Morita’s direction, Sony became the first Japanese company to sell its shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

Early Innovations at Sony

During the first few years of Sony, Akio Morita and his employees focused on making innovative products. One of their remarkable products was the development of the Type-G tape recorder in 1950. It was the first magnetic tape recorder in Japan. Sony also introduced the Trinitron color television in 1968, which was also made under the leadership of Morita. Morita cast an innovative partnership with CBS Records (now Sony Music Entertainment) in the late 1980s.

Leadership Beyond Sony

Akio Morita was vice chairman of the Japan Business Federation and a member of the Japan-U.S. Economic Relations Group, also known as the “Wise Men’s Group.”

Published Works and Philosophies

In 1966, Morita wrote a book called Gakureki Muyo Ron, where he elucidated that your academic scores are not the prime factor of your success and business skills. In 1986, Morita wrote an autobiography titled Made in Japan.

Accolades and Recognition

In 1972, Morita obtained the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. Morita was awarded the Albert Medal by the United Kingdom’s Royal Society of Arts in 1982 and was the first Japanese to receive the honor.

Final Years and Legacy

In his final days, Akio Morita’s health had significantly declined following a stroke in 1993, leading to his retirement from Sony. He passed away on October 3, 1999, in Tokyo, Japan.

Impact and Inspiration

Morita’s legacy is monumental; he co-founded Sony Corporation and transformed it into a global powerhouse synonymous with innovation and quality. His visionary leadership and willingness to take bold risks revolutionized the electronics industry. He introduced iconic products like the Walkman and the Trinitron TV into homes around the world.

His contributions have left an enduring impact not only on technology and business practices, but also on the way people connect and interact with the world. Akio Morita’s pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators.