We have heard many stories about big businessmen and how they achieved success. Though the path of success is never an easy one, few of us always have some privilege. And, it is truly an advantage to be a part of a financially affluent family and pursue your dreams. Because, the ones who are suffering from poverty, cannot dare dream big. But, many people have overcome the obstacles and harsh adversities of life. They are now successful and remembered as some of the inspiring personalities. Tokuji Hayakawa, a successful Japanese businessman started from nothing and built a masterpiece empire. He founded the company Sharp Corporation. But, before that, he invented a belt buckle that can be fastened without perforating and “Ever-Ready Sharp” mechanical pencil. This invention led to the establishment of his own company. And, currently, Sharp Corporation witnesses annual revenue of more than ¥2 trillion. He founded the company in 1912 in Japan. It now serves people worldwide.
Early life struggles
Born into a family in 1893 in Tokyo, Tokuji suffered from a great family crisis. Later, he came to know that an Ideno family adopted him. His family went through a tough time, and due to poverty, Tokuji was unable to complete his basic education. He left schooling when he was studying in the second standard. And, to meet the need of his family he started working for an ornament maker.
But, even if he was quenched with the sadness of not being able to go to school, he worked hard. Tokuji’s hardworking nature and sheer interest led him to learn new skills very quickly. And, with time he gained the trust of his master.
The invention of “Tokubijo”
In the 19th century, the demand for belts suddenly increased. Because, previously, it was only boys who used the belt for trousers. And, with the advent of new fashion styles, the craze for belts increased for both men and women. This caught Tokuji’s attention one day as he saw the belt of a film actor had come undone. This gave him the idea to invent a new kind of belt that can be fastened to any length.
After he came up with this new kind of belt, his master pushed him to launch a patent and the outcome was surprisingly good. The demand for this type of belt increased and he decided to go independent. Thus, in 1912 he opened his industry to carry out the production and started hiring laborers.
The business world
After he established his business in 1912, it came to know as Hayakawa Metal Works in 1924. In 1913, he received a patent of a water faucet which turned the future of his business. After a couple of years, he was able to come up with a prototype of a sharp mechanical pencil from which it got its name. Eventually, Tokuji expanded his business in the sphere of electronics manufacturing, televisions, calculators, home appliances, etc.
Sharp Corporation
The main products and technologies of the company include LCD panels, solar panels, mobile phones, air conditioners, CMOS and CCD sensors, flash memory, and many more. The company, for the first time, started producing televisions in 1953. In 1964, the company built the world’s first transistor calculator. The company’s name was changed to Sharp Corporation in 1970.
In 2000, the company’s mobile communication division launched the world’s first commercial camera phone. The company gained so much popularity that it stood as a strong competitor for Apple and Sony. In 2007, the company acquired a part of Pioneer Corporation and in 2009 they came into a joint venture.
After the company celebrated its 100th anniversary, it hit the biggest loss in its history. Due to this, the company was a force to cut jobs, and finally, it bounced back in 2014 making a net positive profit. In 2013, Samsung invested in Sharp Corporation. Currently, the company has responded to the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. And, it will be producing surgical masks inside one of its TV factories.
Awards and Honors
Tokuji has been the recipient of many prestigious awards both from his homeland and abroad. He received the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon in 1960 and Award from the City of Osaka in 1968. In the 1970s, Tokuji received Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, Second Class, Okochi Production Award, Osaka Cultural Awards, and so on. He passed away at the age of eighty-six.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more