Unchanging principles for a rapidly changing world
Panasonic was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita. That year, Panasonic introduced an improved attachment plug, which allowed people to power an electrical appliance from a light socket. Next was a double cluster socket that made it possible to power lights and appliances from a single source. Our principles of making life ever more comfortable originated from these small ideas.
To address the changing times, we continue to develop the products of the future worldwide, always cherishing the principles our founder defined for us over a century ago.
Irons
Finishing fabrics smoothly and beautifully
1927 First electric iron
1954 Steam iron
1983 Iron with powerful steam shot system
1988 Cordless steam iron
2009 Double-headed iron with 360° Quick
Panasonic introduced its first ever household appliance, an electric iron, in 1927. At the time, the iron was still thought of as a luxury item, but this product had an affordable price. Panasonic developed its first steam iron, eliminating the sprayer and making ironing quicker. Next, Panasonic focused on improving usability. Panasonic addressed a key demand by offering a cordless iron, then introduced a compact model that was comfortable to grip and easy to control. Customers were pleased by how easy Panasonic irons were to use. Featuring a double-headed soleplate, today’s Panasonic irons move with 360° freedom to defeat wrinkles like nothing else. Panasonic will continue to refine the ease of use and style of its irons. With the right ideas and technologies, even ironing is easy.
Washing Machines
Keeping clothing beautiful with minimal time and effort
1951 First washing machine
1960 Twin tub washing machine
1971 Programmed fully automatic washing machine
2000 Top load washer dryer
2003 Washer dryer with tilted drum
Panasonic introduced its first washing machine in 1951. It symbolized liberation from the chore that consumed so much time. Enthusiasm towards better products led to a washing machine that included cleaning and drying functions with just the touch of a button. In 2003, Panasonic introduced a washer with tilted drum to make loading/unloading laundry easier while reducing water consumption. Following shortly was a model featuring ActiveFoam, generating superfine foam which drastically boosts washing performance. By continually introducing new technologies, Panasonic has led the trend in washing machine evolution. Going forward, Panasonic will continue to reduce the burden of household work while delivering even gentler cleaning and more beautifully finished results.
Refrigerators
Keeping food incredibly fresh and delicious
1953 First refrigerator
1970 Refrigerator with separate freezer door
1984 Refrigerator with -3°C partial freezing compartment
1996 Inverter refrigerator
2005 Refrigerator with compressor on top and fully extending drawers
Panasonic introduced its first refrigerator in 1953. It soon became a symbol of the ideal lifestyle where family members could enjoy fresh produce and delicious food. Eating a wider variety of foods than ever before in the 1970s, over 90% of households in Japan came to own a refrigerator. Even after refrigerators became a part of daily life, they continued to evolve. Perfect temperature control for perishable foods was what people were looking for. In support of the growing food culture and its new needs, Panasonic introduced partial freezing, which helps keep perishable foods fresh even longer. Going forward, Panasonic will continue to address the needs of the era while helping families enjoy delicious food.
TVs
Delivering thrills to the living room
1952 First TV
1960 Color TV
1991 HD TV
2003 Flat-panel plasma HDTV
2017 4K OLED TV
In 1952, Panasonic introduced its first TV, which delivered black-and-white broadcasts. Its TVs drew people in like never before to the new world of audiovisual entertainment. Live, color broadcasts of the Tokyo Olympics largely helped to spur sales of the new color TVs. People also started wanting more out of their TV experience, selecting models with multiple speakers for more advanced sound and models with large screens for more exciting viewing. More recently, Panasonic’s newest 4K OLED TV stunned viewers with its incredibly realistic image quality, delivering a more compelling visual experience than ever before. With advanced and refined TV technologies, Panasonic is always ready to delight and entertain families everywhere.
Air Conditioners
Keeping rooms cool for outstanding comfort
1958 First room air conditioner
1972 Room heater/air conditioner
1993 Air conditioner with human detection sensor
2008 Air conditioner with nanoe™
2009 Air conditioner with ECONAVI
Panasonic launched its first room air conditioner in 1958. This was the model that initiated Panasonic’s leadership in developing comfortable air control systems. For comfort, households rapidly adopted room air conditioners both in summer and winter. Amid the social trend towards a more health-conscious lifestyle, Panasonic introduced an air conditioner featuring nanoe™, which employs the purifying power of water. The next Panasonic pursuit of airconditioned environment comfort led to models featuring indirect airflow. Airflow towards the walls and ceiling created natural comfort. Panasonic air conditioners will continue to evolve for the better.
Hair Dryers
Drying hair to help everyone be their most beautiful
1937 Frist hair dryer
1960 Pistol-style hair dryer
1977 1000W hair dryer
2001 Ionic hair dryer
2006 Hair dryer with nanoe™
Panasonic hair dryers are a favorite around the world. It all began with the launch of the company’s first model in 1937 at a time when allowing hair to dry naturally was the usual approach. Succeeding products were continually sharpened to meet the consumers' need to dry hair more quickly and efficiently. Smooth, shiny, and healthy hair is what consumers living in the 21st century are expecting from their hair dryers. Always seeing beyond existing technologies, Panasonic consistently establishes new types of hair dryers through what is achieved in research, namely the recent development of nanoe™ technology. Hair drying technologies of Panasonic will never stop evolving.
Menʼs Shavers
Providing everyone with an ideal shave
1955 First electric shaver
1974 Shaver with rotary net-shaped stainless steel blade
1981 Washable shaver with water-resistant design
1995 Shaver with linear motor
2004 Shaver with automatic cleaning and charging stand
Panasonic introduced its first electric razor in 1955. It was the beginning of a new style of shaving—no water needed to get the job done. Next, Panasonic aimed for optimal sharpness, developing a wear-resistant outer blade made of stainless blade steel. Panasonic developed a linear motor shaver, then used blade forging technologies born of traditional Japanese sword making for an ultra-deep yet gentle shave. Further research into shaving ergonomics led to the easy-grip design and then shavers that could wash and dry themselves on the charging stand. Today, Panasonic shavers feature a 5-blade design for deep shaving and a pivoting head for extra gentleness. Panasonic will continue working to make shaving a truly enjoyable experience.
Vacuum Cleaners
Making vacuum cleaners that make housework easier
1958 Frist cylinder vacuum cleaner
1960 Vacuum cleaner with retractable cord
1988 Vacuum cleaner with dust sensor
2002 Household robotic vacuum cleaner prototype
2015 Robotic vacuum cleaner “RULO”
Panasonic launched its first cylinder vacuum cleaner in 1958, helping reduce the time required to complete housework. As Japan’s homes continued to evolve, the demand for vacuum cleaners also grew. Dust sensors developed by Panasonic detected dust that human eyes could not see, adding visual elements to vacuum cleaners. Dust detection still remains the core of Panasonic’s vacuum cleaning technology today. The year 2015 marked our first robotic vacuum cleaners, the culmination of 30 years’ worth of technological development. Cleaning the entire surface of a room, this product has taken labor savings to the next stage by eliminating the need for human intervention. Going forward, Panasonic will continue to develop unique technologies to make keeping the home cleaning easier than ever.
Audio
Delivering a realistic and uplifting audio experience
1964 First stereo console “Asuka”
1970 Direct-drive turntable
1975 Linear phase 3-way 3-speaker system
2015 High-resolution audio system
2016 Premium all-in-one HiFi system “OTTAVA™”
Launched in 1964, Panasonic’s stereo console “Asuka” earned acclaim not only for its outstanding sound quality but also for its design as a fine piece of furniture. Then, in 1965, Panasonic launched its first product under the Technics brand. Offering stable rpms for precise sound reproduction, the technology became a worldwide broadcasting standard. In 2015, Panasonic launched the premium all-in-one HiFi stereo system “OTTAVA™.” The system delivers truly fine Technics sound in a compact package with a stunning design. With its audio technologies constantly adopting new media, Panasonic has worked to reproduce sound with the greatest fidelity possible and help listeners get a sense of the artist’s true intentions. Audiophiles everywhere continue to appreciate the difference.
Microwave Ovens
Making cooking delicious food easy
1963 First microwave oven
1977 Convection/microwave oven
1988 Convection/microwave oven with inverter
2002 Steam/convection/microwave oven
2006 Steam/convection/microwave oven with high-powered heater
Panasonic introduced its first microwave oven in 1963 eliminating a great deal of the labor required to prepare meals. Succeeding models came with convection oven heating and uplifted microwaves to a multi-function home appliance. Eventually, people would turn to microwave ovens not only for convenience but also enhanced flavor. Panasonic responded to the demand with the microwave oven with inverter technology, which made extremely precise heating control possible. Today, the inverter remains a core technology in Panasonic microwaves. Microwave ovens started out as a simple way to heat food, but they are now advanced cooking tools appreciated by amateurs and pros alike. Panasonic is dedicated to applying advanced technology to enhance cooking into the future.
Cameras
Keeping great memories with us forever
1982 First video camera and portable recorder
1985 Camcorder “MACLORD MOVIE”
1988 Camcorder with optical image stabilization
2001 Digital camera “LUMIX”
2008 Digital single lens mirrorless camera “LUMIX G”
Panasonic introduced its first consumer video camera and portable recorder in 1982, giving people the freedom to record their lives. Later models continued to become more compact and lightweight. Also, electronic image stabilization made it easier than ever to record their lives’ most important events on videotape. Panasonic would go on to leverage its video camera technologies in its compact digital cameras. In combination with easy-to-use controls, advanced image stabilization and refined video recording technologies put professional-level video capability in everyone’s hands. Today, select Panasonic cameras can shoot video in astounding 4K. Panasonic’s leading-edge recording and playback technology mean that memories are preserved with the greatest clarity and realism.