Visiting China: in 1979 at age 84

Konosuke believed that, in the 21st century, Japan and other Asian countries would be generating much of the world's wealth, and he enthusiastically promoted new political and economic ideas, such as a tax-free state and other systems that would prepare Japan for the role it would play.
He visited the People's Republic of China with the invitation of the Japan-China Friendship Association, where he talked with government officials about his interest in that nation's development, telling them that the 21st century will be a time of prosperity for Asia, and that it was imperative that Japan assist in China's modernization. As a result of his visit, Panasonic sponsored an electronics technology exchange conference in Beijing.