Toshiba Memory
There are two aspects to Toshibas early history: one is Tanaka Seisou (Tanaka Engineering Works), founded in 1882, based on a factory founded in 1875 by Tanaka Kumo (1799-1881). Tanaka has been known since childhood for his works such as mechanical dolls and perpetual motion clocks. Eventually, under the name Shibaura Seisakusho (Shibaura Engineering), his company became one of Japans largest heavy electrical appliance manufacturers. Another was Shiranaisha, Japans first incandescent lamp manufacturer. Subsequent diversification saw the company develop into a consumer goods manufacturer. In 1899, it became Tokyo Denki (Tokyo Electric Company). In 1939, the two companies, leaders in their respective fields, merged to form Tokyo Shibaura Electric Works (東京石浦電株式会社), a comprehensive electrical equipment manufacturer. The company soon became known as "Toshiba," which became its official name in 1978.