HISTORY

Since its founding, SMK has prioritized technology and quality, continuously developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance everyday life. As we reflect on our 100-year journey, we showcase some of SMK’s most iconic products.

1930s

The Great Depression, triggered by the stock market crash on Wall Street in October 1929, had a significant impact worldwide. While various countries implemented policies to revive their economies, the world ultimately moved toward war.

Mass media developed, with radio becoming the central source of information.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1932

    Completed construction of a new head office factory in Togoshi, Shinagawa, and the facility began operations.

  • 1937

    The Olympic 680 model radio receiver won a prize at the first competitive exhibition held by the Japan Radio Association.

1950s

This era marked the beginning of postwar recovery and rapid economic growth. With technological advancements, such as the launch of commercial radio broadcasting and black-and-white television, Japan’s economy developed rapidly.

The era of high economic growth began, and the “Three Sacred Treasures”—black-and-white TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators—emerged.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1953

    Opened the Osaka Sales Office.

  • 1956

    Completed construction of a new head office factory.

  • 1957

    Sales exceeded 100 million yen.

  • 1959

    Completed construction of a new head office building.

1960s

With the Tokyo Olympics and the launch of the Shinkansen, Japan’s period of high economic growth reached full swing.

The arrival of a rock band from overseas sparked a rock boom among young people, establishing a strong record culture.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

Number of Employees

1,206

FY1969

Net Sales

5.7billion yen

FY1969

  • 1962

    Listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

  • 1963

    Opened the Toyama Factory.

  • 1964

    Opened the Kanagawa Factory.

  • 1969

    Opened the Nagoya Sales Office.

1970s

As Japan’s rapid economic growth ended, the country entered a phase of stability. Social issues such as environmental pollution, political distrust, and changes in international relations became more prominent.

The spread of the “3Cs”—color TVs, air conditioners, and cars—improved everyday life.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

Number of Employees

766

FY1979

Net Sales

25.3billion yen

FY1979

  • 1971

    Opened the Ibaraki Factory.

  • 1973

    Established Taiwan Showa Electronics Co., Ltd. In Taiwan,
    SMK Europe N.V. in Brussels, Belgium, and
    SMK Electronics Corporation, U.S.A. in Los Angels.

  • 1974

    Established SMK Brasileira Industria Electronica Ltda. in San Paulo, Brazil.
    Sales exceeded 10 billion yen for the fiscal year ended in May.

  • 1976

    Established Showa Ikeda Memorial Foundation.

  • 1978

    Established SMK Electronics (H.K.) Ltd. in Hong Kong.
    Listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

  • 1979

    Established SMK Electronics (H.K.) Ltd., Singapore Branch in Singapore.

1980s

After rapid economic growth and stability, Japan entered the bubble economy, becoming the world’s second-largest economy during an unprecedented boom.

The release of the headphone stereo (portable cassette players with headphones) in 1979 gave rise to the culture of “carrying music.”

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

Number of Employees

1,074

FY1989

Net Sales

62.4billion yen

FY1989

  • 1982

    Established SMK Manufacturing, Inc. in San Diego.

  • 1984

    Established SMK Philosophy and Action Guidelines.

  • 1985

    Changed the company name to SMK Corporation.

  • 1987

    Established SMK (U.K.) Ltd. in the U.K.

  • 1988

    stablished SMK Electronica S.A. de C.V. in Tijuana, Mexico.

  • 1989

    Established SMK Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia.

1990s

The bubble economy collapsed, and Japan entered a recession due to the subsequent financial crisis, marking the beginning of the "Lost Decade," which lasted into the early 2000s.

Mobile phones became widespread, starting the era of one phone per person.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

Number of Employees

7,926

FY1999

Net Sales

71.3billion yen

FY1999

  • 1994

    Established SMK Dongguan Gaobu Factory in Dongguan, China and
    SMK Trading (H.K.) Ltd. in Hong Kong.

  • 1996

    Established SMK Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, China.

  • 1998

    Established SMK Electronics (Phils.) Corporation in the Philippines.

  • 1999

    Opened Gate City Office in Tokyo.

2000s

Following the collapse of the bubble and the Global Financial Crisis, Japan faced a financial downturn. At the same time, the internet boom and the rise of social media marked the IT revolution.

The release of smartphones accelerated mobile internet.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

Number of Employees

12,906

FY2009

Net Sales

64.4billion yen

FY2009

  • 2000

    Established SMK Hungary Kft. in Hungary.

  • 2001

    Established SMK Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Shanghai Branch in Shanghai, China.

  • 2004

    Opened China Technical Development Center.

  • 2006

    Established SMK Electronics Int'l. Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China.
    Opened SMK Electronics Int'l. Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Beijing Office in Beijing, China.

2010s

The economy recovered after the Global Financial Crisis, but deflation persisted. Various economic policies were implemented to overcome deflation.

As smartphones became widespread, small mobile devices supporting and complementing their functions flooded the market.

SMK's HIGHLIGHTS

Number of Employees

5,593

FY2019

Net Sales

54.2billion yen

FY2019

  • 2010

    Opened SMK Electronics Corporation U.S.A., Detroit Office in Detroit.
    SMK Europe N.V. Dusseldorf Branch in Dusseldorf, Germany, and
    SMK Electronics Trading (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Chongqing Office in Chongqing, China.

  • 2013

    Established SMK Career Service.

  • 2014

    Opened SMK Electronics Singapore Pte. Ltd. Thailand Representative Office in Thailand.

  • 2015

    Established SMK Electronics Europe Limited in Dublin, Ireland.

2020s

Geopolitical risks, environmental issues, population decline, and aging are becoming more prominent.
At the same time, the development of new technologies such as AI, robotics, and autonomous and safe driving is progressing. SMK continues to provide solutions by developing technologies, products, and services that address a wide range of societal and customer challenges.

HealthcarePromotion of health for all

  • EMG sensors
  • Sleep apnea syndrome risk visualization technology
  • mmWave vital sensors
  • Deep body temperature measurement technology

Energy
harvestingGrowing use of
sustainable energy

  • Self-contained power supply coin battery modules

AIDevelopment of
information society

  • Milweb™ Sleep

Car electronics,
xEV/ADASPrevention of
traffic accidents

  • Occupant detection sensors
  • FPC connectors with locking feature
  • USB 3.2 Gen2 compliant 24-pin connectors with locking feature
  • Ethernet connectors
Our Future