Have you heard of the “G” mark on batteries? Many associate it with GS Yuasa, a leading battery manufacturer. But the history of “GS” began right here in Kyoto at the “Nippon Denchi Hassho no Chi” or “The birthplace of Nippon Denchi”. You might be surprised to know that this seemingly ordinary spot witnessed the birth of Japan’s battery industry. The story begins in 1917 when Shōzan Shimazu founded Nippon Denchi Kabushiki Kaisha, later known as Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd., right on this very ground. Demand for batteries soared during World War I as imports from Germany dwindled. Shimazu, a visionary entrepreneur, recognized the need for domestically produced batteries. He established his factory here, laying the foundation for Japan’s future in battery technology. While the company eventually moved to southern Kyoto in 1942, this site continued as the Imagedagawa factory until 1959. Look around. Envision the bustling activity of those early years, the innovation, and the dedication that once filled this space. The legacy of Nippon Denchi, however, did not disappear. The company merged with YUASA in 2004, forming what we know today as GS Yuasa. The “G” in their brand stands as a tribute to Shōzan Shimazu, connecting a global company back to this very spot in Kyoto. So the next time you see that “G” mark, remember its humble beginnings, right here at the “Birthplace of Nippon Denchi” – a quiet testament to Kyoto’s role in shaping technological advancement.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to