As one of the leading electronics makers in Japan, Toshiba Corp. has a history of more than 107 years promoting the international standardization of the electro-technology. Ichisuke Fujioka, co-founder of Toshiba, served as a member of the preparatory meeting, and attended the official inauguration of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in London, in 1906. Japan was the only Asian country present at the inauguration meeting and Fujioka made progressive comments there.
Since then, Toshiba has maintained a long-term, close relationship with the IEC. As a multi-tiered maker involved in the production of everything from heavy electric machinery such as power generators through to household appliances, each division has developed its products with international standardization in mind. This trend became especially strong after World War II as Japan's economy developed tremendously, and the company reacted by becoming more business-oriented.
In 1995, the World Trade Organization was established, settling on the mission of promoting international trade on a global scale. "This became the turning point for the IEC to become more strategic, and under the guidance of the Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry of Japan, Toshiba employees have actively attended IEC's Technical Committees (TC), as specialists and committee members, in whichever fields we are involved in," explained Atsushi Itsukaichi, Chief Specialist of the Technology Planning Office, Technology and Innovation Division of Toshiba Corporation.