History of Innovation

Our Journey

Tokuji Hayakawa

Tokuji Hayakawa, the Founder

"Make products that other companies want to imitate"

Tokubijo Snap Buckle

Tokubijo Snap Buckle

Tokuji created the Tokubijo, an adjustable holeless belt buckle, and later launched his own business.

Mechanical “Sharp” Pencil

Mechanical “Sharp” Pencil

The Hayakawa Mechanical Pencil was later refined into the Sharp Pencil, which became the origin of the company’s name.

HVAC Solutions

  1. Water-cooled Air-conditioner (RC-101)

    The four-legged water-cooled air conditioner used groundwater to generate cool air efficiently and became a popular, more affordable alternative to other luxury models at the time.

  2. Sharp’s 1st Ductless Mini-split

    Sharp expanded its air conditioning lineup with ductless mini-split systems designed for efficient and reliable indoor comfort.

  3. World’s 1st
    World’s 2nd

    World’s 1st RAC with
    an Electric Expansion Valve

    Sharp introduced the world’s first inverter room air conditioner equipped with an electric expansion valve. While this system was the world’s second inverter air conditioner overall, the addition of precise electronic refrigerant control marked a significant advancement in energy efficiency and performance.

  4. Sharp’s 1st RAC for Cold Climate

    In 1995, Sharp Corporation developed its first room air conditioner designed for cold climates, delivering stable heating performance in low outdoor temperatures.

  5. Japan 1st

    The 1st RAC with Five Functions

    The first room air conditioner with five functions was introduced, integrating cooling, heating, humidification, dehumidification, and ventilation into a single system, allowing more precise control of indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality.

  6. World’s 1st

    The 1st RAC with Plasmacluster® Ion Technology

    The first heat pump equipped RAC with Plasmacluster ion technology was introduced by Sharp, enabling simultaneous climate control and air purification. This innovation helped improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne contaminants and enhancing overall comfort.

  7. Japan 1st

    Long Panel Technology to Strengthen “Coanda Air Flow”

    The Kireion (キレイオン) room air conditioner (SX and SV series RAC), was launched in November 2007. Featuring a long panel design, it delivered wider airflow coverage and enhanced air circulation, helping create a cleaner and more comfortable indoor environment.

  8. Japan 1st

    DC-Powered RAC

    A DC-powered room air conditioner was introduced by Sharp as Japan’s first heat pump equipped RAC system capable of directly using DC electricity, supporting more energy-efficient and sustainable operation.

  9. Japan 1st

    Airest Mini-split with Built-in Air Purifier

    The launch of the Airest marked the arrival of a new concept air conditioner designed to deliver both climate control and air purifier-level performance, helping create a cleaner and more comfortable indoor environment.

  10. Japan 1st

    PV-linked Energy Saver

    A PV-linked energy saver room air conditioner was introduced, enabling intelligent integration with solar power systems to automatically optimize energy use. This innovation supported greater energy savings and more sustainable indoor comfort.

  11. World’s 1st

    Airest Mini-split with Built-in Air Purifier Using MERV 14 Certified Filters

    The Airest featuring built-in MERV 14 filtration received an AHR Innovation Award, recognizing its advanced air purification performance and contribution to healthier indoor environments.

  12. North America 1st

    FilterSweep Mini-split with Built-in Automatic Filter Sweeping System

    The FilterSweep heat pump featuring an automatic filter sweeping system that cleans the filter regularly to prevent dust buildup. This innovation helps maintain optimal airflow, energy efficiency, and reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

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