Panasonic Group History

Panasonic was established in 1918 by its founder, Konosuke Matsushita, and has been committed to the progress and development of society and the well-being of people through its business activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life throughout the world.
The following is an introduction to the footsteps Panasonic has taken along with the thoughts of its founder.​

Corporate History

Introduction to Panasonic's corporate history. The company was founded in 1918, and since then has proclaimed the "True Mission of an Industrialist" and has overcome many difficulties in the pursuit of this mission. ​

The founder, Konosuke Matsushita

Konosuke Matsushita [1894-1989]
Born in Wakayama prefecture. At the age of nine, he went to Osaka by himself and worked as an apprentice in a hibachi store and a bicycle shop, and later worked for Osaka Electric Light Company (now Kansai Electric Power Company). In 1918, at the age of 23, he founded Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works (reorganized in 1935 as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.). He founded the PHP Institute in 1946 and the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management in 1979. He died in 1989 at the age of 94.

The Founder, Konosuke Matsushita

The following is a selection of 164 major events that were turning points in the 94-year life of Konosuke Matsushita.

Words of Wisdom

Introducing the words of knowledge and insight spoken by our founder, Konosuke Matsushita.

Panasonic Museum

Konosuke Matsushita Museum/Hall of Manufacturing Ingenuity

This facility consists of Konosuke Matsushita Museum, where you can learn about founder Konosuke Matsushita's views on management and life, Hall of Manufacturing Ingenuity, which explores the DNA of Panasonic's manufacturing and features approximately 550 products from the company's history, and Sakura Hiroba, a place of relaxation for everyone. ​

Related Facilities

Matsushita Memorial Library

This Library aims to present a wide range of Konosuke Matsushita's thoughts that give deep insight into his life, way of thinking, his management philosophy, and his ideas on the governing of a nation, together with his perspectives on world politics.

Operated by: Matsushita Foundation for Management and Social Sciences

Ryozen Museum of History

This museum opened in 1970 with its founder, Konosuke Matsushita, as its first director. This museum is dedicated to the comprehensive study of the history of the late Edo and Meiji Restoration periods.

Operated by: The Ryozen Foundation