Chronology
1950
Plant to employ the visually impaired incorporated as Tokusen Metal Limited Partnership
Establishes business principles called the Five Accumulations of Competency
1951
Successfully develops prototype TV set
1952
Begins publication of Sharp News, an information magazine for retailers
Special bus begins touring the country to advertise Sharp radios and TVs
Signs cooperative agreement with RCA of the US for TV technology
Forms Sharp Friends Club to strengthen ties between dealers, retailers, and the company
1953
Begins full-scale mass production of first Japan-made TV sets (TV3-14T)
1954
Constructs TV plant at the head office (now Tanabe Plant, Osaka) and installs endless conveyor system
Opens Ikutoku-en nursery school
1955
Formulates in-house standards (HS: Hayakawa Standards)
1956
Spins off sales division to establish Sharp Electric Co.
Constructs new building for Osaka Head Office
Constructs new building for Tokyo Branch in Taito-ku, Tokyo
1957
Establishes Tokyo Sharp Geppan to sell Sharp products on monthly installment system; Sharp Geppan companies subsequently established nationwide
Constructs Hirano Plant No. 2 in Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku (now Hirano-ku), Osaka
Releases transistor radios
Establishes laboratory
1958
Begins publication of Mado, an in-house magazine
Sharp Electric merges with Hayakawa Dengyo, a company that sold fluorescent lighting
Sharp Shoji and QRK Shokai (exclusive Sharp dealer) combined to form Osaka Sharp Sales (regional sales companies subsequently established)
Institutes Sharp Friend Shop system; Sharp Friend Shop Associations formed nationwide
1959
Begins R&D on solar cells
Constructs Yao Plant as company moves to become a comprehensive consumer electronics manufacturer
Expands sales network in Southeast Asia by signing dealer agreements with Sampo Electronics and Roxy Electric