Notable Moments

Orders for the U-shaped Kelcima were increasing month by month, and by November 1956, the research section where Inamori worked became independent as the Special Magnetic Section. By 1957, orders from Matsushita Electronics reached 20,000 to 30,000 units per month, and the Special Magnetic Section grew into a significant revenue-generating sector of the company. Inamori himself petitioned the company to hire additional staff. The members who joined during this time would later support the founding of Kyocera.

In the spring of 1958, Inamori, who had been appointed as head of the Special Magnetic Section, was increasingly engrossed in his work, dreaming of becoming a top-tier engineer. Yet within months, he would suddenly depart from Shofu altogether.

At that time, Inamori was focused on developing ceramic vacuum tubes, which would become a significant pillar of the business if successful. Since forsterite porcelain was used in these vacuum tubes, the development was entrusted to Inamori, who had succeeded in synthesizing forsterite. Inamori was desperately trying to meet expectations, but the level of technology required for commercialization was elusive, and development progressed slowly.

It was during this time that Inamori was unilaterally informed by a new manager who had joined from another company, "This is as far as you can go with your background and skills. We'll take it from here. You can step back now."

Upon hearing these words, Inamori thought, "I can't realize my dream as an engineer in a company that completely lacks an understanding of the human mind." He immediately expressed his intention to resign, saying, "If that's the case, fine. If you're saying that I'm no longer needed, then I'll quit outright." Despite the company's attempt to retain him in other work, he left Shofu Industrial in December 1958.