21) Mid-sized Enterprises Entered into Semiconductor Business
One after Another
Germanium transistors and diodes developed by JRC
Two front running companies already started semiconductor business
and most of electric manufacturers in Japan had begun the research and development
of semiconductor technologies in various levels around 1954. Several enterprises
had supplied samples.
The photo shows germanium transistors and diodes developed by Japan Radio
Co., Ltd., (JRC). Various kinds of packages were used. Shukichi Fukagawa and
Susumu Yamashita (President of JRC later), who were among pioneers of the
Japanese semiconductor industry were in JRC and took charge of directing the
R & D group in the company. Yamashita said, "JRC once tried to start
a vacuum-tube radio business, but it did not work out well. We studied transistors
with the idea that vacuum-tubes would be replaced by transistors. However,
diodes, instead of transistors, played a major role in our actual business."
Later, JRC contracted with Raytheon in US for business and technical collaboration,
and this partnership was extended into a joint venture company, New Japan
Radio Co., Ltd. between JRC and Raytheon.
(Photo: by courtesy of Jun-ichi Nishizawa)