Sanyo

Sanyo Origins

Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., the manufacturer of audio equipment including turntables, was founded in 1947 in Osaka, Japan. The company began construction of an electrical installation plant that same year. In April 1950, the company officially became Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. The name “Sanyo” means “three oceans,” referring to the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, symbolizing the founder’s ambition to conduct business globally.

Sanyo quickly became known for innovative products. In 1952, it launched Japan’s first plastic radio, and in 1953, it introduced its first washing machine. The company also produced its first radio receiver in 1952, which featured a plastic case. Sanyo expanded into television production with mass production of black and white televisions beginning in 1955, followed by transistor radios in 1956, stereo systems in 1958, and tape recorders in 1960.

Regarding turntables, Sanyo entered the market later in its history. The company’s reputation for quality and innovation helped it gain a foothold in the audio equipment market. However, specific details about the origins of Sanyo’s turntables are not as extensively documented as other products.

Sanyo fell into a financial crisis as a result of its huge investment in the semiconductor business. In 2009, Sanyo was acquired by Panasonic, and in 2011, it was fully consolidated into Panasonic and its brand disappeared.