Akio Morita (1921–1999)

Question 1

Who co-founded Sony Corporation?

Answer 1

Akio Morita

Question 2

Where was Akio Morita born?

Answer 2

Nagoya, Japan

Question 3

What family business was Akio Morita expected to join?

Answer 3

Sake brewing

Question 4

Which university did Akio Morita attend?

Answer 4

Osaka Imperial University

Question 5

In which branch of the military did Akio Morita serve during World War II?

Answer 5

Naval lieutenant

Question 6

Who did Akio Morita meet during World War II that later became his co-founder?

Answer 6

Masaru Ibuka

Question 7

What was the original name of Sony when it was founded in 1946?

Answer 7

Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation)

Question 8

What revolutionary portable music device did Sony release in 1979?

Answer 8

The Walkman

Question 9

What was the breakthrough Sony TV technology called in the 1960s?

Answer 9

Trinitron

Question 10

Which video format developed by Sony lost to VHS in the format war?

Answer 10

Betamax

Question 11

What gaming console series did Sony develop after Akio Morita’s retirement?

Answer 11

PlayStation

Question 12

During what time period did Akio Morita’s career unfold?

Answer 12

Post-World War II Japan

Question 13

How did the environment in post-war Japan influence Akio Morita’s work?

Answer 13

It encouraged innovation and rebuilding the economy, leading to rapid technological growth.

Question 14

How did Akio Morita influence the global perception of Japanese companies?

Answer 14

He helped redefine Japanese companies as leaders in quality and innovation, especially in consumer electronics.

Question 15

What was one of Akio Morita’s most famous marketing strategies for Sony?

Answer 15

Establishing a global presence, especially in the U.S. and Europe.

Question 16

What were some of Akio Morita’s contributions to the entertainment industry?

Answer 16

Innovations like the Walkman and early home video systems shaped portable music and home entertainment.

Question 17

How is Akio Morita remembered today?

Answer 17

As one of the most influential business figures of the 20th century and co-founder of Sony.

Question 18

What setback did Akio Morita face in the video format market?

Answer 18

Betamax lost to VHS, despite being technically superior.

Question 19

What was Akio Morita’s approach to corporate management in Japan?

Answer 19

He encouraged creativity, risk-taking, and adopted a more Western business style.

Question 20

What humorous feature did Akio Morita initially not want on the original Walkman?

Answer 20

A volume knob, which engineers added against his advice.

Question 21

What was Sony’s original approach to establish its global presence?

Answer 21

Sony’s headquarters were set up in New York to emphasize its global aspirations.