this best was your wife.

Thanks to you, “Subaru” began official operation from September 17th and the VLBI Space Observatory Program’s “HALCA” is benefiting the work of astronomers around the world.

It is clear that your existence was invaluable not only to Japan and its industry, but also to the nations of the world. For such an individual to have so quickly departed this world is truly regrettable.

Representing Mr. Morita's Friends

The Honorable
Thomas S. Foley

US Ambassador to Japan

Morita-san, today I come here with my wife Heather on behalf of the American government and people, and on behalf of so many of your friends in so many countries, to pay our deepest respect to your memory. You have been a friend of 30 years. It is hard for me; it is hard for all of us, to realize that you are gone. But we come to thank you for the many gifts of your life.

Together with your close friend, Ibuka-san, whom you respected and admired like an older brother, you founded and built Sony into a firm of worldwide

renown and reach. It became as well known among my countrymen as Coca-Cola, McDonald's or General Electric. Under your leadership, Sony created brilliant and wonderful products—the Trinitron, the Walkman, the CD player and all of those products which have delighted millions of customers in countless areas of the world.

Sometimes, you told me, you had to fight the doubts of your own colleagues as well as the opposition of your competitors to bring these benefits to Sony customers. You told me, for example, that there was initial disbelief within Sony that the Walkman would sell well during its early years. You told them that it would sell well even in its first year and you were proven right.

It seemed to me that you always did what you thought was right, and you always said what you thought was true. Although you were a great friend of my country and a strong supporter of the US-Japan relationship, you candidly expressed your independent views, and at times you were outspoken and critical.

Because of your wide acquaintance, your opinion was always important. Also, you caused me and many of us in the US to reexamine our perspectives, particularly with reference to our trade and economic relations. You told me, for example, with a twinkle in your eye, that every year you ordered the most expensive American automobile—with a right-hand drive. And of course, it was not available. I am happy to report, it is available now. But your ability to communicate directly to business and political leaders in the US and in other countries made you enormously effective.

Among your many accolades, you were chosen by *Time* magazine as one of the 20 most significant business people of the 20th Century. Your achievements were also recognized here in Japan. It was a tribute to Sony, a new giant of Japanese industry, but especially to you, Morita-san, that you were expected to become the chairman of the Keidanren, the most important economic organization of Japan and one of the most important in the world. At that moment, tragically you were stricken.

100 ◎Joint Memorial Service

L4

## Messages of Condolence

You were admired by so many in every walk and rank of life. To the business and political leaders of my country and so many nations, you were perhaps the best known of all Japanese citizens, except for his Majesty, the Emperor himself. However, you treated everyone with the same dignity and respect, regardless of their station or position in life. I was told by someone who simultaneously interpreted for you that after your speech, you came back to the interpretation booth and sat down and spoke casually and easily with them. No other person of importance had ever done that before. They were deeply impressed.

You were a person who truly crossed the cultural distance, comfortable in the circles of business and public life of Western countries while remaining in so many respects a traditional Japanese husband and father. You were a very patriotic Japanese, a firm believer in the Japanese point of view. In addition, since you could communicate effectively with non-Japanese, as few have been able to do, you were the most effective Japanese spokesman of your time.

With your vision and influence, Sony achieved enormous success. Its name is synonymous with innovation in electronics and products marked by quality, reliability and utility. Sony advanced into the fields of entertainment and communications, matching its hardware excellence with great achievements in software. With the success of Sony and other Japanese firms in my country and other lands, you always suggested that they should be good public and corporate citizens. And you spent much effort to see that this was carried out. It is one of your legacies that Sony, and so many other Japanese companies, have become well-known, not only for the excellence of their products but for the sincerity of their corporate responsibility.

But perhaps, as I stand here before your memory and your photograph, I think what a wonderful life you have lived. To be able, through this great company and through all its many wonderful products and services, to have provided—for hundreds of millions (even billions) of people of every age and circumstance—great pleasure, information, culture and knowledge is a

wonderful achievement. Many of these countless numbers, while they know the name of Sony, will never know your name. Yet they have reason to bless your memory. May we speak for them, Akio, my old friend, and thank you for all that you have done and for all that you were. These last years were difficult. Supported by your wife and family, you have now come to rest.

In the words of Shakespeare in *All's Well That Ends Well*, "More is owed to him than is paid; and more is owed than all can pay." But we come today to offer our profound respects and our deepest thanks.

Joint Memorial Service © 101

Sony Corporation General Managers' Meeting
("Sony Times" June 6, 1989)

Three Types of Creativity

Morita's
Message

When the tape recorder was first launched, Mr. Morita used every conceivable means to explain what a tape recorder does. This photo shows some of the flyers that were sent as part of a direct mailing strategy. The flyers provide an explanation of its convenience and various uses representing the starting point of Sony's marketing creativity.

In a discussion with a group of Westerners, an individual commented that, "It is an outrage that Japan uses technology invented in the West and then turns around and afflicts damage on the West through sales of its products based on Western technology." It is often said that Japanese lack creativity, while Westerners are very strong in terms of creative ability. So, I guess this means that technological innovation and invention are signs of creativity. However, we are not pursuing academic activities. We are building an industry and that requires three types of creativity.

The first type of creativity is the creativity of invention, discovery, or technological innovation. This is a necessity, but alone does not lead to the development of an industry. The second type of creativity is product planning and production creativity. For example, the Walkman involved no surprising invention or discovery. It was instead the result of product planning, which utilized already existing technology combined with production efforts

to sell a product for 33,000 yen. The result was that Sony was able to turn this into big business. The third type of creativity is marketing creativity. When the Betamax was first sold, few people thought that a VTR for home use would sell. As a result of our efforts to promote the idea of "time shift" (a phrase coined by Mr. Morita to describe the concept behind the home-use VCR freeing the public from the constraints of television scheduling) popularity of the VCR spread even without videos. It was the same with the transistor radio and the micro television. Products that customers said they did not need and stores said would not sell, succeeded because of marketing creativity.

If it is Sony's destiny to continually provide the world with something new, then we must maintain a way of thinking that exhibits these three types of creativity. Even engineers, who develop new technology, must put effort into thinking about what kinds of products will be effective or about what type of marketing will be required in order for many people to appreciate a product. A product that merely satisfies the creator will not sell, even if it utilizes advanced technology and contains various functions. Only when we create products which satisfy customers, can we say that true product planning has occurred. Even with marketing creativity, taking a marketing innovation one step further could result in the creation of an even newer industry. Even if a creation has the ability to make the entire world take notice, there are times when it does not become a product even if the timing is ripe for developing an entirely new genre. Sony has wonderful technology, so if we effectively use the second and third types of creativity, there is still room for growth. Sony employees should put forth their best efforts keeping in mind that individuals who create have also been granted the mission to create new industries.

102 ©Message

[L]

## Morita's Message

### Entrance Ceremony Message

("Sony Times" April 11, 1989)

# Your Chosen Path, Your Utmost Effort

"On behalf of the entire Sony Group, I would like to say a few words in welcoming you upon entering Sony.

Schools and companies are different. School is where you pay tuition fees, but the company pays you a salary. Over the years, amid extremely fierce competition, we built up the image that Sony is ultimately different. Your purpose in entering Sony is to strengthen that image, and to become part of this competitive spirit.

Those gathered here are truly taking the next step forward in life. You will be spending these special times of your precious lives here at Sony. Strive hard to insure

that each and every day is lived to its fullest. Hopefully, you will not regret spending your priceless youth at Sony because if you do, you will lead an unhappy life. Everyone has the right to a happy life. However, whether you lead a happy or unhappy life depends entirely on your own efforts and way of thinking. During this following three-month period, I urge you to consider whether or not Sony is where you want to spend your life. Moreover, if you think that you cannot be happy here, please resign from your position as soon

as possible. Ultimately, resigning will be in your best interest.

However, if after much thought you decide to work at Sony, I urge you to give 100 percent in working for this company and your superiors from now on. I want you to work at Sony if by working here you can experience joy and desire toward your work. It is precisely because we have gathered such individuals together that we are able to outperform the competition.

## Work with Enthusiasm and Desire

The company is a structure with a single shared destiny. An entire company can fail because of one person's mistake. Each and every employee should carry out his or her duties while keeping in mind a sense of responsibility to the company and displaying creativity. It is important to implement good ideas quickly.

Unlike school, at Sony every day is a test. At school, tests are graded on a scale of 0 to 100. However at Sony, the scale ranges from minus several thousand to plus several thousand. Working hard at a place like Sony offers opportunities to make the most of one's efforts

and test one's true abilities. Carry out every task you are given to the best of your abilities and with a fighting spirit. Do not aim to outperform others. Instead, aim to carry out your work differently from those around you. "Be one step ahead of others." These limited efforts when combined together comprise the entire company's strength. I look forward as each of you wholeheartedly endeavors to create a new chapter in your lives.

Message 103

Experiencing a Total Solar Eclipse on the Island of Hawaii—My Personal Narrative
*(Family September 1991)*

# Beauty Beyond Description
Viewing the Mystery of the Sun
from an Elevation of 4206 Meters

## Mr. Morita Always and Everywhere “Full of Curiosity”

### A Plan Two Years in the Making

On July 11, 1991 one of the greatest solar eclipses of this century occurred. Travelling from the Western half of the Pacific Ocean, it spread over Hawaii and Mexico and extended to Brazil—forming a path some 1,500 km in length and 258 km in width. Solar eclipses occur once every one or two years, and are observable from limited regions on earth. However, it is said that a solar eclipse like this, lasting an incredible 6 minutes and 59 seconds, will not occur again until the 22nd Century.

Moreover, within the Hawaiian chain, the island of Hawaii was located at the center of this eclipse. Mount Mauna Kea (summit elevation 4206 meters), is located on this island and boasts one of the most eminent astronomical observatory complexes in the world—considered as a Mecca for astronomy. In the history of solar eclipse observation, this particular eclipse presented ideal conditions and was a once in a lifetime opportunity for astronomers.

Fortunately, I too was able to witness this eclipse from the summit of Mount Mauna Kea. On the day of the eclipse, the summit was restricted to authorized personnel only. Even so, I was allowed access due to special circumstances.

Two years earlier, I attended a gathering which provided the opportunity to tour one of the observatories on this summit. At that time, I turned to the researcher who was giving an explanation of the observatory's large telescope and asked, "How do you clean the mirror's surface when it collects dust?" With a surprised look on his face, he said, "Many people have come to the observatory, but you're the first to ask that question." I was simply asking a question based on natural curiosity, but he found it strangely intriguing which

ended up surprising me instead. According to the researcher, because the surface of the mirror is extremely delicate, direct wiping is not possible. So, what they do is put a fresh coat of aluminum on the mirror's surface once a year. They have an on-site aluminizing chamber located in the basement of the observatory.

Subsequently, the researcher set aside some time specifically to explain things to me in detail. This one incident led to quickly becoming on familiar terms with the observatory staff. I also learned of the eclipse on this occasion. I was resolved to see it with my own eyes by any means possible and immediately made hotel reservations, though the eclipse was still two years away. So, this ultimately became an event I waited two years for. It was one of life's last glimpses that I was determined with indomitable resolve to see.

Perhaps by some celestial intervention our wishes were granted, since the staff members which I had met two years previously were anticipating our arrival, and invited us to the summit which was off limits to the general public.

Thinking back now, nothing can compare to our luck that day because while overcast skies prevented those on the ground from observing the eclipse, we were above the clouds at the summit. At that point, I decided that I could not keep to myself the awe of this century's celestial show. I would not only like to, but also feel I must share this with our Sony *Family* readers. This became the impetus for writing this article.

### Hawaii's Solar Eclipse Fever

As you know, a total solar eclipse is a phenomenon where complete night suddenly befalls day as the sun,

104

[Lc]

## Morita's
# Essay

moon, and earth form a single line with the moon completely shrouding the sun. On the island of Hawaii, roughly 60,000 people from various countries of the world including astronomers, members of the press and tourists (about 4,000 of this number were Japanese) were crammed on an island with a population of 120,000. The entire island of Hawaii was caught up with eclipse fever. Hotel and rental car reservations were booked more than a year in advance and even additional flights provided by the airlines were insufficient to meet demand. However, with the next total solar eclipse not visiting Hawaii for another 115 years, the great fuss was probably to be expected.

Having wrapped up a meeting the previous day in Pittsburgh, we stuffed our skiwear into our bags and my wife and I were soon en route on a nonstop flight to Hawaii. The following day at 1:30 am, we departed the hotel in a four-wheel drive sent from the summit (less than half a day had passed since our arrival).

Roughly 700 meters higher than Mount Fuji, Mount Mauna Kea is dangerous to climb in one go. At the mid elevation camp of 3,000 meters, we rested to adjust to the atmospheric pressure. To prepare for below freezing temperatures at the summit (-2°C), we changed into the skiwear we brought.

We reached the summit at 5:30, just after the 5:26 sunrise. Television and news crews from around the world were frantically setting up their camera equipment despite the fact that the low atmospheric pressure was affecting their dexterity. The Japanese TV station NHK had come to be the first to film a solar eclipse in high-vision and they were using Sony equipment to do this. I think many may have seen their broadcast which aired August 16.

## Enrapture

The sun started to disappear at 6:30 am—partially at first. Those people who were feeling queasy from the change in atmospheric pressure used the smelling-salt spray my wife brought and thanked us. We came well prepared.

At 7:25 am, the sun was completely covered by the moon. We were stunned as darkness, silence, and chill set in at once. People murmured "beautiful" which was

followed by bated silence as the hidden sun radiated a corona.

The brilliance of the expanding corona is said to be the same brightness as a full moon. At times, that height reaches thirty times the diameter of the earth. The prominence of the large blaze was something I could confirm with my own naked eyes. I felt I was experiencing the immeasurable energy of the sun. It was beyond words—a truly graphic, magnificent and cosmic spectacle. The interval lasted 4 minutes and 12 seconds. Soon, the sun began to appear from behind the moon's shadow. Moments like these are indescribable.

The instant the sun began to peek from behind the moon's shadow, there was a dazzling flash of light like a shining diamond. This was surrounded by a green halo. Someone coined it the "diamond ring." Surely, no other name is more apt. Just as the name implies, it was extremely beautiful. We were truly enraptured.

Gradually, light returned to the surrounding area. As the eclipse drew to a close, the moon's shadow withdrew

completely from the sun. The sun started to again illuminate the earth as if nothing ever happened. All around, there was a disbelief that it was over as a touch of sadness lingered in the air. However, it was certain there were no regrets among those gathered. My wife and I were so moved that we were beside ourselves. I was at a loss for words. For me, the 4 minutes and 12 seconds of this day will always hold special meaning. Though the duration may have been short, I was left with a renewed realization regarding the magnitude of the scale of our universe.

Essay ©

105

Epilogue

Even though we had prepared ourselves, Mr. Morita's
passing was still sorrowful and poignant. The prior departure
of Mr. Ibuka had occurred in December of 1997. The
memorial publication commemorating Mr. Ibuka's life
contains the following message from Mr. Morita.

"I will not say 'Good bye' since I know we will meet again.
We will not be apart forever."

Yet no one could have anticipated Mr. Morita would be
joining his dear friend so soon. With only two years
separating the departure of one from the other, both founders
have now set foot for the afterlife. Within Sony, there is the
feeling that an epic era has drawn to a close. However, we
cannot remain steeped in sentiment forever. We must set
about our work as editors and translators in piecing together
a memorial to commemorate his life.

How does one attempt to convey Mr. Morita's
accomplishments and his overflowing affable charm? While
we as the editorial and translation staff were concerned with
such worries over the past year, once we began reading the
contributions of so many people from outside the company,
we discovered that it was ourselves who were becoming
reacquainted with Mr. Morita's accomplishments and charm.
We would like to take this opportunity to once again express
our gratitude to those who have contributed to this
memorial.

Mr. Morita, are you enjoying yourself along with Mr.
Ibuka in Heaven? One can imagine that Mr. Morita, who
valued cheerfulness, and Mr. Ibuka are both deep in
discussion, "We can't let those on Earth show us up. We
should begin something new in this world."

Mr. Morita and Mr. Ibuka together founded and built
Sony. We hope that those who read this memorial will be
touched by Sony's beginnings and spirit because more than
anyone or anything, it was Mr. Morita's desire to see the
next generation carry on this mission.

(The Editorial and Translation Staff)

Sony's corporate jet, "The Falcon"
The aircraft which took Mr. Morita "the international
businessman" all over the world.
(also shown on back cover)

106 ©Epilogue

The Honorable Henry Kissinger

Text of speech given at The Japan Society, February 2, 2000

Japan represents America's key relationship
important we have in the world. But it can
Americans and Japanese have always been
decisions. Our Japanese interlocutors are con-
When an American president says, "Yes,"
when a Japanese prime minister says, "Yes"
has been told. So the possibility for misco-
was my good fortune that (for reasons no
decided. I needed a permanent tutorial on J
I don't really remember how, but he suddenl
an integral part of it.

Thus, I never visited Japan without first finding a little note from Akio and having a brief introductory visit by him. He saw to it that a group of young Japanese would be invited to his house for dinner for me to meet with, followed by a more senior group of young Japanese for breakfast. In this manner, I learned something of the distinctions between a country comprised of many ethnic groups that had never encountered supreme obstacles, and of an old society that had survived by patience, homogeneity and resilience.

Ours was, I must say, a rather one-sided relationship because I don't know what I did for Akio, who spoke English with no greater an accent than I do, and who was familiar with the American themes. We visited each other's houses, and it was always moving for me to see Akio, a great patriot, yet an individual who had learned that, in the current world, Japan had to excel by relating to other societies rather than by separating itself from them. He was a great friend of America but without modifying his identity. He was also the man who proved, with Sony, that every great idea and every great achievement are dreams before they become reality.

For some inscrutable reason, Akio seemed to think that I understood technology. Therefore I was often exposed to briefings about the latest gadgets that Sony had developed. On one of my last encounters with Akio, we had dinner at his house and he was telling me about the applications of high definition television---to which I could

Rebecca.

After reading it over a
few times, I think I'd
either ∎ send them the
corrections they didn't make
+ stick with the way Gina
edited it -or- ∎ show HAK
what changes they didn't make
+ see what he suggests. He
might say it's fine as is. (t.c.)

The Honorable Henry Kissinger

Japan represents America's key relationship
important we have in the world. But it can
Americans and Japanese have always been
decisions. Our Japanese interlocutors are con-
When an American president says, "Yes,"
when a Japanese prime minister says, "Yes
has been told. So the possibility for misco-
was my good fortune that (for reasons not
decided. I needed a permanent tutorial on J-
don't really remember how, but he suddenly
an integral part of it.

The Honorable Henry Kissinger

Japan represents America's key relationship in the Pacific, and it is one of the most
important we have in the world. But it cannot be said that communications between
Americans and Japanese have always been easy. Americans are good at making
decisions. Our Japanese interlocutors are concerned with the framework of decisions.
When an American president says, "Yes," it means he will try to do something. But
when a Japanese prime minister says, "Yes," it means that he has understood what he
has been told. So the possibility for miscommunication on both sides is enormous. It
was my good fortune that (for reasons not entirely clear to me) when Akio Morita
decided. I needed a permanent tutorial on Japan, he <u>decided to</u> become my professor. I
don't really remember how, but he suddenly showed up in my life and quickly became
an integral part of it.

hardly respond with immediate precision and knowledge. So he thought I should get a briefing. We looked over my schedule, which was full. He looked at the clock, and noticing it was about 10:30 at night, said, "let's do it now!" So we set off for his factory, which was not, I must tell you, right around the corner from his house. Upon finally arriving there around 11:30pm, he had the whole Sony technical team assembled. For about an hour and a half, he gave me an explanation of high definition television--- which, on one level, was totally wasted on me. On another level, however, one had the strangest sense that here was a man dedicated to exploring the future, despite being already at the pinnacle of his achievements, a man who still felt that he had to continue to build and invent. Akio was such a man, an individual who led a full and inspiring life.

Personal relations between Japanese and Americans are often complicated. What Nancy and I saw in Akio was a great man, an inspiring leader but, above all, a treasured friend whose absence leaves a big hole in our lives.

The Honorable Henry Kissinger

Japan represents America's key relationship in the Pacific, and it is one of the most
important we have in the world. But it cannot be said that communications between
Americans and Japanese have always been easy. Americans are good at making
decisions. Our Japanese interlocutors are concerned with the framework of decisions.
When an American president says, "Yes," it means he will try to do something. But
when a Japanese prime minister says, "Yes," it means that he has understood what he
has been told. So the possibility for miscommunication on both sides is enormous. It
was my good fortune that (for reasons not entirely clear to me) when Akio Morita
decided I needed a permanent tutorial on Japan, he decided to become my professor. I
don't really remember how, but he suddenly showed up in my life and quickly became
an integral part of it.

Ours was, I must say, a rather one-sided relationship because I don't know what I did
for Akio who spoke English with no greater an accent than I do, and who was familiar
with the American themes. We visited each other's houses, and it was always moving
for me to see Akio, a great patriot, yet an individual who had learned that, in the current
world, Japan had to excel by relating to other societies rather than by separating itself
from them. He was a great friend of America but without modifying his identity. He was
also the man who proved, with Sony, that every great idea and every great achievement
are dreams before they become reality.

hardly respond with immediate precision and knowledge. So, he thought I should get a briefing. We looked over my schedule, which was full. He looked at the clock, and noticing it was about 10:30 at night, said, "let's do it now!" So we set off for his factory, which was not, I must tell you, right around the corner from his house. Upon finally arriving there around 11:30pm, he had the whole Sony technical team assembled. For about an hour and a half, he gave me an explanation of high definition television--- which, on one level, was totally wasted on me. On another level, however, one had the strangest sense that here was a man so dedicated to exploring the future, despite being already at the pinnacle of his achievements, a man who still felt that he had to continue to build and invent. Akio was such a man, an individual who led a full and inspiring life.

Personal relations between Japanese and Americans are often complicated. What Nancy and I see in Akio is a great man, an inspiring leader but, above all, a treasured friend whose absence leaves a big hole in our lives.

May-16-00 12:51pm

From-SONY CORP OF AMERICA

+2128336899

I-012 P.02/03 F-951

## The Honorable Henry Kissinger

For some inscrutable reason, Akio seemed to think that I understood technology. Therefore I was often exposed to briefings about the latest gadgets that Sony had developed. On one of my last encounters with Akio, we had dinner at his house and he was telling me about the applications of high definition television—to which I could

May-16-00 12:51pm

From-SONY CORP OF AMERICA

+2128336899

T-012 P.03/03

F-951

MAR-25-00 SAT 15:55

GOLDHAMMER

FAX NO. 5617450358

P. 02

The Honorable Henry Kissinger

Japan is America's key relationship in the Pacific, and one of the most important we have in the world. But it cannot be said that communications between Americans and Japanese are always easy. Americans are good at decisions. Japanese interlocutors are concerned with the framework of decisions. When an American president says, "Yes," it means he will try to do something. But when a Japanese prime minister says, "Yes," it means he has understood what he has been told. So, the possibility for miscommunication on both sides is enormous. It was my It was my that that when that when that had the good fortune that (for reasons not entirely clear to me) Akio Morita decided I needed a permanent tutorial on Japan, and that he was going to be my professor. I don't really remember, but he suddenly showed up in my life and quickly became an integral part of it.

I never visited Japan without finding a little note and brief introductory visit, and then I saw to it that a group of young Japanese were invited to his house for dinner for me to meet with, followed by a senior group of young Japanese for breakfast. In this manner, I learned something of the distinction between a country of many ethnic groups that had never encountered super obstacles, and the old society that had survived by patience, homogeneity and resilience.

It was, I must say, a rather one-sided relationship because I don't know what I did for Akio, since he spoke English with no greater accent than I do, and he was familiar with the American theme. We visited each other's houses and it was always moving for me to see Akio, a great patriot, yet an individual who had learned that in the current world, Japan had to excel by relating to other societies rather than separating itself from them. He was a great friend of America, however, never modified his identity. He was also the man who proved, with Sony, that every great idea and every great achievement is a dream, before it became a reality.

For some inscrutable reason, Akio seemed to think that I understood technology and therefore I was often exposed to briefings about the latest gadgets that Sony had developed. On one of my last encounters with Akio, we had dinner at his house and he was telling me about the applications of high definition television to which I could not respond with immediate precision and knowledge. So, he thought I should get a briefing. We looked over my schedule which was full. He looked at the clock noticing it was

P.02/04

MAR-24-2000 16:36

MAR-25-00 SAT 15:56

GOLDHAMMER

FAX NO. 5617450358

about 10:30 at night he said, "let's do it now!" So we set off for his factory, which was not, I must tell you, right around the corner from his house. Upon finally arriving there around 11:30pm, he had the whole Sony technical team assembled and for about an hour and a half, he gave me an explanation of high definition television which, on one level, was totally wasted on me. On another level, however, one had to sense that there was a anybody who was so dedicated to exploring the future, and yet was already at the pinnacle of his achievements, could still feel that he had to continue to build and invent.

He was such a man, an individual who led a full and inspiring life.

Personal relations between Japanese and Americans are often complicated. What Nancy and I see in Akio is a great man, an inspiring leader and above all a treasured friend whose absence leaves a big hole in our lives.

P.03/04

MAR-24-2000 16:37

03/24/00

FRI 11:34

FAX

201

9:30

03:04

SUNY

002

The Honorable Henry Kissinger

Japan is America's key relationship in the Pacific and one of the most important we have in the world. But it cannot be said that communications between Americans and Japanese are always easy. Americans are good at decisions. Japanese, interlocutors are concerned with the framework of decisions. When an American president says, "Yes," it means he will try to do something. But when a Japanese prime minister says, "Yes," it means he has understood what he has been told. So, the possibility for miscommunication on both sides is enormous. I had the good fortune that (for reasons not entirely clear to me) Akio Morita decided I needed a permanent tutorial on Japan, and that he was going to be my professor. I don't really remember, but he suddenly showed up in my life and quickly became an integral part of it.

I've never visited Japan without finding a little note and brief introductory visit, and then he saw to it that a group of young Japanese were invited to his house for dinner for me to meet with, followed by a senior group of young Japanese for breakfast. In this manner, I learned something of the distinction between a country of many ethnic groups that had never encountered super obstacles, and the old society that had survived by patience, homogeneity and resilience.

It was, I must say, a rather one-sided relationship because I don't know what I did for Akio since he spoke English with no greater accent than I do, and he was familiar with the American theme. We visited each other's houses and it was always moving for me to see Akio, a great patriot, and yet an individual who had learned that in the current world Japan had to excel by relating to other societies rather than separating itself from them. He was a great friend of America who, however, never modified his identity. He was also the man who proved, with Sony, that every great idea and every great achievement is a dream before it becomes a reality.

05/24/00 FRI 11:00 FAA 201 9:00 05:04

SUNY

about 10:30 at night and he said, "let's do it now!" So we set off for his factory, which was not, I must tell you, right around the corner from his house. Upon finally arriving around 11:30pm, he had the whole Sony technical team assembled and for about an hour and a half, he gave me an explanation of high definition television which, on one level was totally wasted on me. On another level, however, one had to sense that anybody who was so dedicated to exploring the future, and yet was already at the pinnacle of his achievements could still feel that he had to continue to build and invent. He was such a man, an individual who led a full and inspiring life.

SONY

Sony Corporation
6-7-35 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan
Cable Address: SONYCORP TOKYO Telephone: (03)5448-2111 Telex: SONYCORP J22262

MAR 08 2000

March 2, 2000

The Honorable Dr. Henry Kissinger
c/o Kissinger Associates
350 Park Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10022 USA

Dear Dr. Kissinger:

We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your concern regarding Founder and Honorary Chairman Akio Morita who passed away last October. From the beginning of this year, our Internal Communications group has been undertaking plans to issue a publication in his memory. This publication will be produced in English and Japanese and will be distributed internally as well as be presented to outside parties on appropriate occasions. In creating this publication, we are hoping to include episodes and memories of noted acquaintances who shared in Mr. Morita's life.

Dr. Kissinger, we would be very honored if you would allow us to use the speech you gave at the Japan Society for inclusion in this publication.

We are truly thankful for your time and assistance in this endeavor which we plan to complete by September of this year. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy the enclosed English version of "In Memory of Mr. Ibuka: Founder and Chief Advisor of Sony Corporation" issued in 1998.

In addition to the above, if you have any questions regarding this request, please do not hesitate to contact the individual in charge at the address below.

Contact Individual: Ms. Hiroko Onoyama, Vice President
Sony Corporation of America, 550 Madison Ave. 33rd F, New York, NY 10022-3211
TEL: 212-833-6833 FAX: 212-833-6899

KISSINGER ASSOCIATES, INC.

350 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10022

TELEPHONE: 212-759-791/FACSIMILE: 212-759-0042

FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET

TO: Gina
FROM: Rebecca Nelson
COMPANY: 
DATE: 3/24/2000
FAX NUMBER: 
TOTAL NO. OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER: 3
PHONE NUMB: 
RE: 
In Memory of Akio Morita
NOTES/COMMENTS:

Hi Gina -

There was a gathering at the Japan Society in February. HAK gave remarks, remembering Akio Morita. Sony plans a publication in Morita's memory and they would like to include HAK's remarks. Attached is a transcription of the remarks, sent to us by Sony. Is this an instance when you do some editing before giving them to HAK to approve?

Hope all is well and thank you for your help.

Rebecca

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START=MAR-24 16:36
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SONY

March 2, 2000

Dear Dr. Kissinger:

Sincerely,

Nobuyuki Idei, President and CEO

MAR 08 2000

03/24/00

FRI 11:35

FAX 201 930 0564

___ SONY

Outstanding Items from Rebecca

March 24, 2000

Letters:

Scott Moyers (Random House). Beginning Fall, 2000, Random House will publish two books a list, three lists a year. The series called Modern Library Chronicles, will include contributions from great historians and thinkers on important historical subjects. HAK asked to write a short history of the Cold War or another subject of his choice. Deadline: none stated. You said to sit on it. (Date presented: 1/24/2000)

**Thomas Farmer and AAB Colloquium.** Thomas Farmer asks your comments on his draft of a funding application and outline of a colloquium on German-American relations during the latter part of the 19th century. You said to let it sit. (Date presented: 2/4/2000) Included in Berlin Travel Package.

**Eric Schechler (Jerusalem Report) Article on Ashiva.** Schechler is writing an article on Ashiva and including Aish Hatorah. Since you were the 1998 recipient of the King David Award, he would like some words from you about your background and involvement. Has been on your call list. (Date presented: 1/4/2000)

**International Assembly for Economic, Cultural Scientific Cooperation.** Invites you to become Honorary Member of the Academy of Development and Peace. Other members include prominent people who have contributed significantly toward development of peace.

Longer Writing:

**University of Texas Response to Letters to the Editor.** (Date presented: 2/9/2000)

**Publication in Memory of Akio Morita.** Sony Corporation will issue a publication in memory of Akio Morita. It will be distributed internally and presented to outside parties on appropriate occasions. They would like to include the speech you gave at the Japan Society. (HAK has at RH)

**A Future Perfect** by John Micklethwait. Would like you to write endorsement for his book which he describes as a political defense of globalization. (Date presented 3/15/2000) (HAK took with him to Europe)

**Newsweek piece on Vietnam.** First draft due by Tuesday, April 18. Closing date is Sat., April 22.

Older Items

**US Panama Business Council Ambassadorial Awards Luncheon.** Please approve for sending copy of remarks to Council. Remarks in folder on your desk (Date of Speech: 10/15/99)

Projects

**Photo Album for Children.** Do you have photos to bring to office?