MISSION
Contribute to society through the development of superior,
original technology and products.
During its modernization process, Japan primarily relied on importing products and technology.
Namihei Odaira, head of the engineering department at Hitachi Mine, decided to develop their own products, believing that "improving technological capabilities without relying on overseas technology would lead to the development of this country and make people's lives more convenient and fulfilling."
In 1910, he built the mine’s first motor and founded Hitachi, Ltd. Since then, Hitachi has carried forward Odaira's MISSION, continually addressing the societal challenges of each era.
Founder
The words of Namihira Odaira
I want to make it myself, whatever it takes.
Before founding Hitachi, Odaira dealt with high-voltage transmission technology at Tokyo Electric Light. Dissatisfied with merely installing imported machinery, Odaira switched jobs to Hitachi Mine despite his friends’ discouragement. He chose to take on challenges, leaving a prestigious job to advance technological development and expand access to electricity.
Even quitting the production business came to my mind, but now I am quite confident in the future of this business.
In 1911, Odaira started his long-awaited electric machinery manufacturing business, gaining the trust of customers through trial and error. In 1919, as the business was growing, the factory was severely damaged by a devastating fire. At that moment, Odaira told his employees: “Your hard work got us where we are today, so this must not stand in our way," and he resolved to rebuild the business. The factory was restored by the efforts of all employees. In 1920, it became an independent organization, Hitachi, Ltd.
A company does more than just pursue profits.
This statement is part of a speech made by Namihei Odaira to new recruits and represents the fundamental concept of our MISSION. Since its founding, Hitachi has engaged in activities for supporting society, such as training personnel at its "apprentice training center" and providing water supply to local residents through Hitachi’s industrial water. These activities have continued to this day.
The Origin of the Hitachi Mark
To enhance recognition and association with quality, Namihei Odaira created the Hitachi Mark we know today. By combining the Japanese characters “日(hi)” (meaning “the sun”) and “立 (tachi)” (meaning “rise” or “stand”).
The four projections of the outer circumference represent solar flares and his determination at the time of founding to "standing tall and rising up together with the sun."
