Casio Computer Co. Ltd - Early History

EARLY HISTORY

In April of 1946, engineer Tadao Kashio and his three younger brothers began developing a fully electric calculator. More than a decade later, in June of 1957, the Kashio brothers began selling the 14-A all-electric compact calculator. They incorporated their company under the name Casio Computer Co. Ltd. In 1965, the firm introduced the 001, one of the world's first desktop calculators with memory functions. Although they were becoming smaller in size, calculators were still beyond the financial reach of most consumers, so Casio began working on a more affordable device. In August of 1972, the company unveiled the first personal calculator, the Casio Mini. By that time, the firm's factory in Kofu had begun to mass-produce electronic calculators, and was the first Japanese plant to do so. The firm also had expanded internationally by marketing its products in the United States and Germany.

Using similar digital technology, Casio turned its attention to watches in the early 1970s. As a result, the world's first electronic wristwatch, the Casiotron, was developed in November of 1974. It was able to digitally display not only time, but also date. International expansion continued in 1975 when the firm launched operations in London. Casio Taiwan Ltd. was established three years later. An electronic cash register came in 1976, followed by a wristwatch with a liquid crystal display (LCD) in 1978, an office computer in 1979, and an electronic music synthesizer, known as Casiotone 201, in 1980. Three years later, Casio introduced pocket LCD televisions and calculators the size of credit cards. With increased competition undercutting prices, and thus profits, Casio devoted more resources to research and development efforts in 1985. The following year, the firm unveiled an office computer based on Unix. North American operations were bolstered with a new office in Canada. Units also opened in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Tokyo in 1987, and a new series of automated data-processing machines were shipped. By the end of the 1980s, Casio was the world's largest calculator manufacturer in terms of market share, and calculators accounted for roughly 42 percent of revenues.

In the early 1990s Casio sought to expand existing markets by developing new technology, which allowed for further diversification within those markets. For example, the company began expanding its reach in musical markets by creating sound devices for use in live performances. It also developed a digital piano with a CD player. In 1991, the firm founded Casio Electronic Devices to begin marketing its component products, including miniaturized electronic circuitry and LCDs. Casio also purchased a majority stake in Asahi Corp., a communications equipment and electrical appliances manufacturer. Additional product releases at that time included printers, word processors, and a lightweight LCD television.