KYOCERA CORPORATION : Chemical Heritage Foundation Adds KYOCERA Founder Dr. Kazuo Inamori to Oral History Library
04/18/2012| 09:15am US/Eastern
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The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) has completed its extensive oral
history of Dr. Kazuo Inamori, a pioneer in the field of engineered
ceramics who, at 80, is regarded as one of Japan's most respected living
entrepreneurs.
The institution's renowned Oral History Program compiles interviews with
leaders in the fields of science and industry as a means to record the
personal experiences of those who have improved our world.
Inamori founded the Kyoto Ceramic Co. (now Kyocera Corporation) in 1959
and spent decades developing new applications for engineered ceramics ?
in everything from early TVs to semiconductors, Japan's bullet train,
IBM computers and the NASA space program. His leadership philosophy
guided him in establishing Japan's No.2 telecommunications carrier, DDI
(now KDDI) in 1984, and in accepting a volunteer assignment in 2010 to
lead the bankruptcy turnaround of Japan Airlines, which is succeeding
ahead of schedule.
"CHF was eager to add Dr. Kazuo Inamori's oral history to our collection
? not only because of his original work in developing ceramics for the
semiconductor industry, but also because of his unique approach to
leadership," said Tom Tritton, CHF president. "In his various roles as
an entrepreneur, inventor, management innovator and philanthropist, as
well as his devotion to high ethical standards in dealing with
co-workers, collaborators and competitors, Kazuo Inamori has shown how
one determined, talented individual can improve the lives of millions."
CHF recorded about 10 hours of conversations in which Inamori talked
about technology, the philosophy of leadership, his entrepreneurial
ventures and his commitment to philanthropy and ethical principles. His
oral history covers such topics as:
-
His early development of the tunnel kiln and ceramic components like
the U-shaped kelcima, which supported Japan's nascent TV industry;
-
His collaborative efforts in developing the world's first laptop
computer in the 1980s;
-
His strategy in launching DDI (now KDDI), Japan's second-largest
telecommunications carrier, and success in reducing telecom rates for
millions of consumers;
-
His current unpaid efforts in leading Japan Airlines from bankruptcy
to the highest profits it has ever recorded;
-
His establishment of the non-profit Inamori Foundation and the Kyoto
Prize, Japan's highest private award for global achievement; and
-
His views and aspirations for the future.
Inamori's accomplishments also influenced the decision by CHF's
selection committee to present him with its Othmer Gold Medal in 2011.
In receiving this award, Inamori joined an esteemed group of innovators
that also includes Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel; James Watson,
co-discoverer of DNA; George Whitesides, a pioneer in several areas of
chemistry and nanotechnology; Jon Huntsman Sr., a groundbreaking
contributor to the modern chemicals industry; and Arnold Beckman, who
played a pivotal role in the birth of Silicon Valley.
CHF has accumulated nearly 500 oral histories exploring a wide range of
scientific and technological achievements that range from chemistry to
biotechnology. Besides the oral histories of 21 Nobel laureates, CHF has
also collected the life stories of more than 50 key figures in the world
of semiconductors ? among them such important innovator/entrepreneurs as
Intel's Moore and Andrew Grove, as well as Fairchild's Jay Last and
Julius Blank.
CHF's oral histories, including audio and visual recordings and bound
transcripts, are accessible by visiting The Donald F. and Mildred Topp
Othmer Library of Chemical History at CHF in Philadelphia, PA.
Transcripts can be ordered by visiting www.chemheritage.org/discover/collections/oral-histories.
About KYOCERA
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/),
the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in
1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics").
By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and
integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading
supplier of solar power generating systems, telecommunications
equipment, printers, copiers, electronic components, semiconductor
packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended
March 31, 2011, the company's net sales totaled 1.27 trillion yen
(approx. USD15.3 billion). The company is ranked #604 on Forbes
magazine's 2011 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly
traded companies.
About the Chemical Heritage Foundation
The Chemical
Heritage Foundation (CHF) fosters an understanding of chemistry's
impact on society. An independent nonprofit organization, we strive to
-
Inspire a passion for chemistry;
-
Highlight chemistry's role in meeting current social challenges; and
-
Preserve the story of chemistry and its technologies and industries
across centuries.
CHF maintains major collections of instruments, fine art, photographs,
papers, and books. We host conferences and lectures, support research,
offer fellowships, and produce educational materials. Our museum and
public programs explore subjects ranging from alchemy to nanotechnology.
KYOCERA CONTACT:
Jay Scovie / (San Diego)
858-576-2674
jay.scovie@kyocera.com
or
CHF
CONTACT:
Neil Gussman
717-314-2494
neilg@chemheritage.org
© Business Wire 2012
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