Panasonic Founder Konosuke Matsushita's First U.S. Trip Shaped Company's Global Outlook

Matsushita's 1951 visit to the U.S. inspired him to modernize Panasonic and expand the company's reach worldwide.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In 1951, Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita took his first trip abroad, visiting the United States. The three-month journey opened his eyes to the technological and societal differences between Japan and the U.S., and inspired him to transform Panasonic into a more globally-focused company. Matsushita returned to Japan determined to modernize the company's design, establish overseas operations, and adopt a five-day work week - all based on what he had learned in America.

Why it matters

Matsushita's U.S. trip marked a pivotal moment in Panasonic's history, as it shifted the company's mindset from a domestic Japanese focus to a global outlook. The changes he implemented after returning - from design overhauls to international expansion - laid the groundwork for Panasonic to become the multinational electronics giant it is today.

The details

During his three months in the U.S., the 56-year-old Matsushita was struck by the prevalence of electrical appliances and the active role of women in the workforce. He sent 16 letters back to Japan detailing his observations and ideas, which were published in the company newsletter. Matsushita recognized the need to establish a brand reputation to export Panasonic products to the U.S., and believed the company's future rebuilding efforts should be centered in New York. He also advocated for adopting a two-day weekend, which Panasonic implemented in 1965.

  • On January 18, 1951, Matsushita took his first overseas trip, flying from Japan to the U.S.
  • Matsushita spent three months visiting various parts of the U.S. before returning to Japan.
  • In 1951, Panasonic established its first in-house design divisions based on Matsushita's observations in the U.S.
  • In 1952, Panasonic signed a technical cooperation agreement with Philips, as Matsushita sought to rapidly modernize Japan's electronics industry.
  • Panasonic Corporation of America (MECA) was established in 1959 to expand the company's presence in the U.S. market.

The players

Konosuke Matsushita

The founder of the Panasonic Group, who took his first overseas trip to the United States in 1951 at the age of 56.

Mumeno Matsushita

Konosuke Matsushita's wife, who was present to see him off at the Osaka train station before his U.S. trip.

Panasonic Holdings Corporation

The multinational electronics company formerly known as Matsushita Electric, which Konosuke Matsushita founded and transformed based on his experiences in the U.S.

Philips

The Dutch electronics company that Panasonic signed a technical cooperation agreement with in 1952, as part of Matsushita's efforts to modernize Japan's electronics industry.

Panasonic Corporation of America (MECA)

The U.S. subsidiary of Panasonic established in 1959 to expand the company's presence in the American market.

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What they’re saying

“At last, the time has come for us to genuinely follow our wishes and take action. I want to see us take our management approach so far back to the drawing board, and to rebuild Matsushita Electric with a global outlook.”

— Konosuke Matsushita, Founder, Panasonic (Panasonic)

“I will soon visit the US. It is important that I learn from the world's most advanced management methodologies and come up with more reasoned policies.”

— Konosuke Matsushita, Founder, Panasonic (Panasonic)

“Who will be the ones to bring about the future we are due? It must be us, the Japanese, ourselves. In that spirit, let us make this year a big one.”

— Konosuke Matsushita, Founder, Panasonic (Panasonic)

What’s next

Panasonic plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Konosuke Matsushita's historic U.S. trip in 2026, highlighting how it shaped the company's global expansion and modernization efforts.

The takeaway

Konosuke Matsushita's openness to learning from the United States during his first overseas trip in 1951 was a pivotal moment that transformed Panasonic from a domestic Japanese electronics company into a globally-focused innovator. His willingness to adapt Panasonic's practices based on what he observed in America laid the groundwork for the company's long-term success.