Notable Moments

Once Inamori decided to leave Shofu Industries, his subordinates in the Special Magnetic Section began saying that they would resign and follow him. Soon, there was a move to establish a new company where Inamori could fully engage in technology development.

However, there was no capital. Inamori and Aoyama approached Aoyama's old college friends, Ichie Nishieda, an executive director for Miyagi Electric Company, and Tamotsu Majikawa, a managing director, requesting capital investment.

"I don't know what kind of brilliant engineer he is, but it's not something that simple for a 26 or 27-year-old to accomplish," retorted Mr. Majikawa dismissively. To this, Aoyama replied, "Inamori's passion is exceptional. He will definitely succeed." Mr. Majikawa then asked, "Can a business succeed on passion alone?"

Inamori and Aoyama repeatedly visited them, passionately discussing the potential of fine ceramics. Ultimately, Mr. Nishieda, Mr. Majikawa, and Mr. Otoya Miyagi, president of Miyagi Electric Company, agreed to invest.

Mr. Nishieda told Inamori, "I felt something when I heard your story. That's why I decided to work with you." He then added, "Don't let money control you," and "This company belongs to all your employees with you at the center, so everyone should own shares and work hard."

Mr. Nishieda put his own home up as collateral to borrow 10 million yen from the bank for equipment purchases and operating capital. When he consulted his wife, she reportedly laughed and replied, "If a man is enamored enough with another man to lend him money, then I don't mind."

Instead of owning shares and controlling the company, the three investors bet on Inamori and were prepared to lose their invested capital if things went wrong.

Thanks to the warm backing of these benefactors, the newly-founded Kyocera took its first step as a private enterprise.