Akio Morita, 1921 - 1999

Akio Morita, Chairman of the Board and Co-founder of Sony Corporation, was born on 26 January 1921 in Nagoya City, Japan. A graduate of the physics department of Osaka Imperial University, Mr. Morita, together with Masuru Ibuka, founded Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation) in May, 1946. Twelve years later, the company officially changed its name to Sony Corporation. Mr. Morita served as President (1971-76) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1976-89). Since 1989, he is Chairman of the Board.

Beginning with the development of Japan's first magnetic tape recording system in 1950, Messrs. Ibuka and Morita have led Sony toward numerous pioneering achievements in technology. They brought the potential of the semiconductor to consumers everywhere with the development of Japan's first all-transistor radio in 1955 and the world's first all-transistor television in 1960. Building upon these benchmark accomplishments, Sony has continued to develop standard setting electronics for both consumers and professionals. But their success is not due solely to technological innovation, but creativity in product planning and marketing as well: the literally "one of a kind" Trinitron color television picture tube; the world's first home use color videocassette recorder which launched the "video age"; the Walkman personal stereo; and the breakthrough sound of compact disc digital audio. These are only a few examples of how Sony has created new technologies, new applications, and new markets.

In 1982, the International Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented its Directorate Award to Mr. Morita for his leadership of Sony and over thirty years of contributions to the broadcast industry. In the same year, the United Kingdom's Royal Society of Arts presented him with its Albert Medal. His other awards include: Legion d'Honneur (Officier) from the Republic of France (1984); Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany (1987); La Gran Cruz de la Orden del Merito Civil from His Majesty the King of Spain (1990); Commander in the Order of Orange Nassau from Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands (1991); Commander in the Leopold's Order from His Majesty the King of the Belgians; honorary doctorate of law degrees from Williams College (1982) and the University of Pennsylvania (1990); and an honorary doctorate of engineering degree from the University of Illinois (1993). On April 29, 1991, for his contributions to the development and growth of Japan's electronics industry, he was accorded the First Class Order of the Sacred Treasure by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

In June of 1991, Mr. Morita was elected an Honorary Member of the IEEE. Most recently, on March 8, 1993, he received an Honorary KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Her Majesty the Queen of England in recognition of his contributions to British industry and to the strengthening of Anglo-Japanese relations.

Mr. Morita served as Vice Chairman of Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations) from 1986 to 1992. He is currently serving as Chairman of its Council for Better Corporate Citizenship. He is Vice Chairman of Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs).

His 1986 autobiography, Made in Japan, has been published in over 25 countries, in over 20 different languages. He lives with his wife, Yoshiko, in Tokyo. They have two sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren. (Editor's Note: Mr. Morita passed away on 2 October 1999 in Tokyo, Japan.)

Mr. Morita was awarded the 1994 IEEE Founders Medal 'For distinguished corporate leadership and for a life time of innovative contributions in bringing advanced technologies to consumer electronics products.'

From the 1994 IEEE Honors Ceremonies Brochure