Source: Panasonic
Headline: Episode 03: Starting All Over Again
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.