Sharp traces its origins to 15 September 1912, when Tokuji Hayakawa established a small metalworking workshop in Tokyo. Among his early inventions were the Tokubijo snap buckle and, more notably, the Ever-Ready Sharp Pencil, introduced between 1915 and 1916. The success of this mechanical pencil inspired the name Sharp, which subsequently became the company’s official corporate and brand identity.2

The business expanded from metal products into radios, televisions, calculators, home appliances and semiconductors. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Sharp became known for introducing numerous industry-first products, particularly in display and electronics technology.3

In 1935, the company was incorporated as Sharp Corporation. Over the following decades, it grew into one of Japan’s leading electronics manufacturers with operations across Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.4

Following financial challenges during the 2010s, Sharp accepted a strategic investment from Foxconn. In 2016, Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) became the majority owner of Sharp Corporation, providing financial support and manufacturing resources whilst allowing the Sharp brand to continue operating globally.5

Sharp Corporation is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company manages research, manufacturing and sales operations across numerous countries and regions. As of 2026, Sharp employs more than 34,000 people worldwide.6

Sharp develops products and technologies across several major business segments:7

• Consumer home appliances
• Air conditioners
• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Microwave ovens
• Air purifiers
• Televisions
• Audio equipment
• Office printers and multifunction devices
• Commercial displays
• Laptops and business computers
• Electronic components
• Camera modules
• Semiconductor devices
• Solar energy systems
• Industrial and IoT solutions

Sharp markets several well-known product lines, including:8

• AQUOS – LCD, OLED and smart televisions
• Plasmacluster – Air purification and ion technology
• HEALSIO – Premium cooking appliances
• RoBoHoN – Robot smartphone
• IGZO – High-performance display technology

Sharp has been recognised as an innovator throughout its history. Notable achievements include:9

• Inventing the Ever-Ready Sharp Pencil, which inspired the company’s name.
• Developing some of the world’s earliest LCD electronic calculators.
• Becoming a pioneer in LCD television technology.
• Advancing IGZO display technology, known for high resolution and energy efficiency.
• Developing Plasmacluster Ion technology for air purification.
• Investing in 8K displays, AI-enabled electronics, robotics and next-generation communications.

Sharp’s long-standing business creed is “Sincerity and Creativity.” In 2016, the company introduced the global corporate motto “Be Original.”, reflecting its commitment to developing unique technologies and products that improve everyday life.10

Sharp products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions through subsidiaries, distributors and licensing partners. The company serves both consumer and business markets, maintaining strong positions in home appliances, office equipment, display technologies and electronic components.11

Sharp is widely regarded as one of Japan’s historic electronics brands. It is particularly recognised for:12

• Reliable household appliances
• High-quality display technology
• A long history of engineering innovation
• Strong presence in Asian markets
• Advanced air purification systems
• Durable televisions and office equipment

Although the company underwent financial restructuring in the mid-2010s, its partnership with Foxconn strengthened its manufacturing capabilities and global competitiveness.

Today, Sharp focuses on technologies that combine hardware with AI, connectivity and energy efficiency. Its strategic priorities include:13

• Smart home appliances
• Office digital transformation solutions
• Advanced display technologies
• Semiconductor and imaging devices
• Renewable energy products
• AI and robotics
• Industrial automation

Sharp is one of Japan’s most established technology brands, with more than a century of history in electronics and innovation. From its origins as the maker of the Sharp Pencil to its current portfolio of smart appliances, displays and business technologies, the company continues to emphasise originality, engineering quality and practical innovation for consumers and businesses worldwide.

1. Corporate Overview | Sharp Corporation | Sharp Global
2. About Sharp | Sharp Global
3. A Sharp Journey | Sharp Corporation | Sharp Global
4. About Sharp | Sharp
5. Sharp Introduces New Corporate Motto: Be Original. | Press Releases | Sharp Global
6. Business Activities | Sharp Corporation | Sharp Global
7. Corporate Guide
8. 基本情報 | 会社概要 | 会社情報 | シャープ株式会社
9. 会社概要｜会社情報：シャープ
10. About Sharp | Sharp HealthCare
11. “Be Original.” Corporate Motto | Sustainability:SHARP CORPORATION
12. Business Philosophy | Sharp Corporation | Sharp Global
13. About Sharp | Sharp