SHARP commemorates 110th anniversary

Founded and outlined On September 15, Sharp Corporation (hereinafter “Sharp”) commemorates its 110th anniversary. Founder Tokuji Hayakawa established a metalworking shop in Tokyo on this day 110 years ago in 1912. Later he invented the “Ever Ready Sharp Pencil,” a twist-type mechanical pencil that would later become the origin of the corporate brand.

Sharp is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. Sharp sets its business vision as “Changing the World with 8K+5G and AIoT”. 8K is an ultra-high definition next-generation video standard with four times the resolution (7,680 x 4,320 pixels: 33.18 million pixel resolution) of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels: approximately 8.29 million pixel resolution), and 16 times that of present-day 2K hi-vision broadcasts (1,920 x 1080 pixels: approximately 2.07 million pixels). 8K technology creates images that reveal a world beyond our everyday reality and gives birth to thrilling new discoveries. 5G is the next generation of mobile data transmission. As well as significant advances in data transmission speed and capacity, it delivers ultra-low latency and multi-terminal connectivity. 5G expands communication potential to facilitate all-round connectivity between users and all manner of devices. AIoT is Sharp’s unique synthesis of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things), a tactile and intuitive approach created through the application of cloud connectivity and AI to a full suite of familiar everyday appliances, transforming devices from useful tools to active partners in addressing the needs of individual households and society as a whole.

To achieve its vision, Sharp uses its three core brand businesses, Smart Life, 8K Ecosystem, and ICT, along with two device businesses, Display Devices and Electronic Devices that support them, in an integrated fashion in pursuit of “One Sharp” business. Sharp delivers featured products for household use such as AQUOS brand TVs and smartphones, together with Plasmacluster-equipped air purifiers, refrigerators, washing machines and vacuum cleaners, and Healsio brand ovens and anhydrous cooking pots for kitchen use. Sharp products are also widely used in office scenes, led by multi-function printers, monitors, interactive display systems and notebook PCs etc. Systems integrating services with hard and soft elements are also introduced by the company, known as COCORO+ services, together with other 8K+5G systems and office use systems etc.

Based on its business creed “Sincerity and Creativity,” and founder Tokuji Hayakawa’s ideal to "Make products that other companies want to imitate," Sharp has continued to introduce unique products and solutions including world-firsts and Japan-firsts to contribute to the development of society. As a result, Sharp has reached many milestones over its history of 110 years with its products and solutions. Some examples are: Introducing AQUOS brand LCD TVs from 2001 and shipping 500 million units by end of September 2020, developing photovoltaic power generation since 1959 and on for over 60 years, introducing its featured Plasmacluster air purifying technology on October 2000 and achieving 100 million units shipped worldwide by October 2021, developing the world’s first all-transistor calculator in 1964 and celebrating 50 years in calculators business in 2014, developing mobile phones since 1994 and delivering many featured products such as the industry-first camera-equipped mobile phone in 2000, developing convection microwave ovens since 1961 and introducing Japan’s first mass production model in 1962, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2022, introducing its first multi-copier in 1972 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, and most recently, starting productions of face masks from February 2020 and reaching total 300 million shipment by November 2021.

Such activities over all these years have been recognized by various worldwide institutes, including IEEE*1, the world's largest academic society for electrical, electronics, information, and telecommunications engineering, recognizing three individual developments by Sharp as IEEE Milestones*2, namely “Pioneering Work on Electronic Calculators”, “Commercialization and Industrialization of Solar Cells” and “Sharp 14-inch Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid-Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) for TV”.

Footsteps to an Electronics Manufacturer: Development of Radio and TV In 1923, the founder experienced the Great Kanto Earthquake and transferred to Osaka. Searching for new opportunities, he set his eyes on the start of radio broadcast in Japan, and succeeded in assembling the Japan-first crystal radio set in April 1925. Later, in 1953, upon the start of TV broadcasting, Sharp started Japan-first mass production of TV sets, leading it to develop into a comprehensive electronics company               

110TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO

Sharp has created a 110th anniversary logo as a commemoration and a sign of gratitude toward the support from our stakeholders over these 110 years. The gently changing colors express transformation to a and green and blue colors represents the image of ESG business.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION TO RE-EMPHASIZE ESG

 On this 110th anniversary year, Sharp has introduced a new management system to realize transformation to re-emphasize on ESG and raise its social value and revitalize its brand for sustainable growth. Management emphasizing on ESG will be carried out under four major policies:

1. Further strengthen healthcare related business,
2. Contribution to carbon neutral,
3. Management based on HITO (people)
4. True global company.

ABOUT SHARP MIDDLE EAST FZE (SMEF) – HEADQUARTER FOR MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA & CIS

Sota Saito, Managing Director – Sharp Middle East FZE (SMEF), also takes this opportunity to convey congratulations to all the internal and external stake holders specially partners, customers, and all the consumers. And he highlights the quest to scale new heights of excellence following 3Cs (Customer, Collaboration & Creativity) - the fundamental principles on which SMEF operates. By working alongside partners and customers, and building trust through transparent communication and knowledge sharing, breakthroughs and marvels can be achieved.

Sharp has been consistently at the forefront of technology and innovation over the years

Starting from the invention of the innovative twist-type Hayakawa mechanical pencil, which later came to be known as the Sharp Pencil the world over, in 1915, the brand Sharp has consistently challenged and redefined the boundaries of excellence and genius.

The foundation of the brand has never wavered from its commitment to making use of its unique, innovative technology to contribute to the culture, benefits and welfare of people.

For over a century, Sharp has held onto its two principal ideals: Sincerity and Creativity. In doing so, the brand has remained loyal to the words of its founder when he said that the ethos of the brand was to "make products that others want to imitate. “Over the years, Sharp has proven time and again, that by producing many highly original, world-first and Japan-first breakthroughs, pioneering new markets, introducing technological advancements, and contributing to the development of society, they have not forgotten the ideals on which the brand was created.

SMEF’s 3Cs — CUSTOMER COLLABORATION CREATIVITY

In its quest to scale new heights of excellence, Sharp Middle East FZE (SMEF) follows 3C’s — the fundamental principles on which SMEF operates.

Customer

The activity of the company revolves around the welfare of the customer. Every product is made with the aim of providing solutions, cultivating trust and creating value for the customers.

Collaboration

Nothing great can ever be created in isolation. This is why SMEF has achieved many milestones in the 20 years of its existence with the employees’ collaborative efforts and teamwork. By working alongside partners and customers, and building trust through transparent communication and knowledge sharing, breakthroughs and marvels can be achieved.

Creativity

Stagnation is never welcomed at Sharp as the brand thrives on constantly pushing the envelope through its groundbreaking and creative products and services that are uniquely Sharp. This has been echoed by Sota Saito, the Managing Director of Sharp Middle East FZE when he said: “Sharp has always been at the forefront in creating innovative products and technologies that change people’s lives. We are moving ahead in realizing the possibilities of 8K+5G ecosystem by introducing our 8K Line up. It is our intention to grow together with our partners, dealers, employees and customers.”

AQUOS THE SCENES 8K

Some of the achievements of creativity and innovation by the brand can be seen through its products. One such shining example is its flagship audio visual product, Aquos The Scenes 8K, which provides new dimensions of immersive experience in living room. Aquos marked its 20 years with a celebration this year. Aquos The Scenes 8K TV has introduced the DW1X series which is the first 'Made-in Japan', Deep Chroma Display Pro 8K. Customers can feel the experience of travelling around the world from home with increasing 8K videos provided on YouTube. Moreover, your movie experience will be further elevated to the next level with the new HDR Enhanced+. DW1X series gives the user the feeling of being there. Needless to say, DW1X series will feature a variety of smart functions which enrich customers’ life to be more fun and convenient.

Aquos is the original coined word, which combines Aqua + Quality, and has been used by Sharp since 2001 as the symbol of ‘New standard home use TV for 21st century’.

RESIDENTIAL PRINTING SERVICE

Sharp Middle East and Africa, through its local partners, also introduced the newest document solution, 'Residential Printing Service' (RPS) to fit the new norm and meet the demands of the hybrid workspace. Sharp RPS, is perfectly designed to help businesses of all types and sizes, and large real estate management companies in the development and implementation of an effective print solution strategy for their employees or residential tenants. This enterprise solution is ideally suited for residential buildings, compounds and gated communities.

The key focus of Sharp RPS is to allow hybrid company employees to continue their document workflow at pre-pandemic levels without raising the costs. Thus the product is cost-effective, secure and transparent and adds value for residential management companies. And keeping in line with Covid-19 safety measures, Sharp Residential Printing Service also allows users to do contactless print/copy through Sharp’s mobile application Sharpdesk Mobile, (available on iOS and Android™).

SHARP PLASMACLUSTER ION TECHNOLOGY

One of the most impressive achievements has been the Plasmacluster Ion technology by Sharp which is a unique method for air purification and decontamination. The technology has been patented by Sharp and has been tested and proven to protect against airborne viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergens that are prone to be found in the atmosphere. Many successful tests have been carried out in respectable and important scientific and medical facilities. Plasmacluster Ion technology is considered one of the safest and most effective technologies that can track and eliminate airborne viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergens with complete safety for the users. Today, more than 100 million units have already been sold globally.

Recently, the Plasmacluster technology was also tested against the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2. The results proved the safety and effectiveness of the Plasmacluster Ion technology as it eliminated 91.3 per cent of the airborne droplets of the virus in just 30 seconds.

Disclaimer

- The test was performed in a 3 liter volume controlled environment.

- The Plasmacluster ions density used in the testing was 10 million ions / cm3 which may vary from the offered products in the market.

- Sharp Plasmacluster technology has not been tested against SARS-CoV-2 in human presence.

- Sharp Plasmacluster technology has no data for affecting the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

- Sharp Plasmacluster technology efficacy may vary based on the type of the environment conditions and multiple other conditions.

- Using Sharp Plasmacluster technology does not substitute any precautions advised by the local government or global health recommendations including, but not limited to wearing masks and keeping social distances.

SHARP PHOTOCATALYST

Another new addition is, a one-of-a-kind surface disinfectant known as Sharp Photocatalyst, which is long-lasting as well as effective. Once it is sprayed over any surface, it is activated by a beam of light to generate positive and negative ions that are effective against different types of microbes like viruses, bacteria and fungi. The formed coating layer is resistant to cleansing chemicals including soap, and alcohol and acid based compounds, is effective for a year and can be activated by both artificial light as well as sunlight, making it not only long-lasting but effective as well.

Recently, Sharp Corporation tested the effectiveness of the Sharp Photocatalyst in collaboration with Simane University in Japan. Two hours after the surface had been sprayed, there was a decrease in the number of SARS-Cov-2 virus by 99.9 per cent, confirming the efficacy of the Photocatalyst against the virus.

Disclaimer

- The light source used in the test against SARS-CoV-2 was 1000lx LED light. - Sharp Photocatalyst hasn't been tested against SARS-CoV-2 in human presence. - Sharp Photocatalyst has no data for affecting the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. - Sharp Photocatalyst's efficacy may vary based on the type of the environment conditions and multiple other conditions.- Using Sharp Photocatalyst doesn’t substitute any precautions advised by local government or global health recommendations including, but not limited to wearing masks and keeping social distances.

Looking towards the future, Sharp has set its business vision on ‘Changing the World with 8K+5G’, and aims to achieve this by continuing to introduce new products and services that meet the expectations of its customers.