Toshiba Science Museum

HOME > Toshiba's History > TOP

"We welcome orders for inventions of all types of machinery."
The words that launched Toshiba's founding history.

Toshiba's roots go back to a small shop and factory in Ginza's "brick town," founded in 1875, and Hakunetsu-sha & Co., Ltd., founded in 1890.

Hisashige Tanaka, nicknamed karakuri giemon; the genius of mechanical wonders, was one of Japan's greatest inventors. Ichisuke Fujioka, a wizard with electricity, was known as the Japanese Edison.

The businesses launched by these two giants later came together to form the Toshiba of today. Their restless curiosity and passion still live on in Toshiba's heart and soul.

1799 Hisashige Tanaka born in Kurume 1834 Moves to Osaka to start a business with his inventions 1837 Moves to Fushimi in Kyoto to escape civil strife 1847 Opens a shop in Kyoto, "kiko-do" 1851 constructs a perpetual clock 1853 recruited by saga domain 1864 Recruited by Kurume domain 1873 Moves to Tokyo at the request of his apprentice, Seisuke Tanaka 1875 Sets up a factory in Ginza's "brick town" the beginnings of Toshiba 1881 Hisashige Tanaka passes away 1882 Hisashige's apprentice Daikichi Tanaka founds Tanaka Engineering Works 1893 The company changes its name to Shibaura Engineering Works

TOSHIBA SCIENCE MUSEUM

1, Komukai Toshiba-Cho, Saiwai-Ku, Kawasaki 212-8582, Japan TEL : 81-44-549-2200 FAX : 81-44-520-1500

TOSHIBA Top Page | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions