History of Sony in Timeline
Sony is a Japanese multinational conglomerate based in Tokyo. It has diverse business operations spanning electronics, imaging, film and television, music, video games, and other sectors. It is a major player in the global technology and entertainment industries.
May 1946: Establishment of Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo
On 7 May 1946, Masaru Ibuka was joined by Akio Morita to establish a company called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation).
1946: Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. Founded
In 1946, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. was founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita. This marked the beginning of what would become Sony Corporation, with initial capital of ¥190,000 and eight employees.
1955: TR-63 Radio Launched U.S. Market
According to Schiffer, Sony's TR-63 radio cracked open the U.S. market and launched the new industry of consumer microelectronics in 1955.
1955: First Sony-branded product: TR-55 transistor radio
In 1955, the first Sony-branded product, the TR-55 transistor radio, was released.
January 1958: Company name did not change to Sony until January 1958
The company name did not officially change to Sony until January 1958.
1958: Company Name Changed to Sony Corporation
In 1958, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. adopted the name Sony Corporation. The company also changed its name to "Sony" in 1958.
1958: Company changed its name to Sony
In 1958, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo changed its name to "Sony".
1959: Production of the TV8-301
In 1959, Sony produced the TV8-301, the world's first all-transistor television.
1960: Akio Morita founded Sony Corporation of America
In 1960, Sony co-founder Akio Morita founded Sony Corporation of America.
1961: Listed on the New York Stock Exchange
Since 1961, Sony has maintained American depositary receipts on the New York Stock Exchange.
1968: Portable Transistor Radios Reach 5 Million Units
By the end of 1968, American teens had begun buying portable transistor radios in huge numbers, helping to propel the fledgling industry from an estimated 100,000 units in 1955 to 5 million units.
1968: Introduction of Trinitron Brand
In 1968, Sony introduced the Trinitron brand name for its lines of aperture grille cathode-ray tube televisions and computer monitors.
1971: Masaru Ibuka Handed Presidency to Akio Morita
In 1971, Masaru Ibuka handed the position of president over to his co-founder Akio Morita.
1971: Introduction of U-matic Videocassette Format
In 1971, Sony introduced U-matic, the world's first videocassette format, but it was unpopular for domestic use due to its high price.
1975: Launch of the Betamax Format
In 1975, Sony launched the Betamax format, entering the videotape format war against VHS.
1976: Establishment of Environmental Conference
In 1976, Sony established an Environmental Conference to address its effects on global warming, the environment, and resources.
1977: Demonstration of optical digital audio disc
In 1977, Sony demonstrated an optical digital audio disc, initiating the development of a worldwide standard in collaboration with Philips.
1979: Sony Began a Life Insurance Company
In 1979, Sony began a life insurance company, marking the start of one of its many peripheral businesses.
1979: Release of the Walkman
In 1979, Sony released the Walkman, the world's first portable music player, bundled with MDL-3L2 headphones, revolutionizing music listening habits.
1981: Demonstration of Sony Mavica Prototype
In 1981, Sony demonstrated a prototype of the Sony Mavica.
1983: Joint announcement of the Compact Disc (CD)
In 1983, Sony and Philips jointly announced the Compact Disc (CD), establishing a worldwide standard for digital audio storage.
1983: Introduction of 3.5-inch floppy disks
In 1983, Sony introduced 90 mm micro diskettes, commonly known as 3.5-inch floppy disks, which became a dominant format replacing the 5.25-inch floppy disks.
1984: Launch of the Discman series
In 1984, Sony launched the Discman series, extending the Walkman brand to portable CD players, enhancing the accessibility of music.
1985: Launch of Handycam Products and Video8 Format
In 1985, Sony launched its Handycam products and the Video8 format, which became popular in the consumer camcorder market.
1986: Launch of write-once optical discs (WO)
In 1986, Sony launched write-once optical discs (WO) with around 125MB size for archival data storage.
1987: Launch of Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
In 1987 Sony launched the 4 mm DAT or Digital Audio Tape as a new digital audio tape standard.
March 1988: CBS/Sony Group Rebranded as Sony Music Entertainment Japan
In March 1988, Sony integrated four of its wholly-owned subsidiaries into CBS/Sony Group, renaming the company Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ). This entity operates independently of Sony Music and is directly owned by Japanese Sony.
1988: Beginning of joint project between Nintendo and Sony
In 1988, Nintendo and Sony started a joint project to create a CD-ROM version of the Super Famicom.
1988: Acquisition of CBS Records
In 1988, Sony expanded beyond electronics by acquiring CBS Records, marking a significant move into the music industry.
1988: Launch of magneto-optical discs
In 1988, Sony launched magneto-optical discs, which were around 125MB size, specifically for archival data storage.
1988: Sony purchased CBS Record Group
In 1988, Sony purchased CBS Record Group for US$2 billion, marking one of its largest acquisitions. This acquisition also granted Sony rights to the ATV catalogue of Michael Jackson. The purchase of CBS Records laid the groundwork for the formation of Sony Music Entertainment.
1988: Release of Sony Mavica
In 1988, Sony released the Sony Mavica for the consumer market.
1989: Acquisition of Columbia Pictures Entertainment
In 1989, Sony acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment, further diversifying its portfolio into the film industry.
1989: Purchase of Columbia Pictures
In 1989, Sony purchased Columbia Pictures, further expanding Sony's media presence.
March 1991: Nintendo Denies Sony Deal
As late as March 1991, Nintendo denied the existence of the Sony deal to develop a CD-ROM version of the Super Famicom.
June 1991: Sony Reveals the Play Station
At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony revealed the "Play Station," a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive. However, Nintendo broke the partnership a day later.
1991: Sony Music Entertainment Established
In 1991, Sony established Sony Music Entertainment following the acquisition of CBS Records.
May 1992: Negotiations Officially End
In May 1992, negotiations between Nintendo and Sony officially ended.
June 1992: Meeting to Decide the Fate of the PlayStation Project
In June 1992, a pivotal meeting was held with Sony President Ohga, PlayStation Head Kutaragi, and senior board members to decide the fate of the PlayStation project. Kutaragi presented a 3D graphics CD-ROM-based system. Ohga decided to continue the project, leading to the development of the PlayStation.
1992: Introduction of the MiniDisc Format
Sony introduced the MiniDisc format in 1992 as an alternative to Philips DCC or Digital Compact Cassette and as a successor to the Compact Cassette.
1993: Introduction of SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound)
In 1993, Sony introduced SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound), a proprietary motion picture digital audio format featuring eight channels (7.1) of audio, challenging the Dolby Digital 5.1 standard. SDDS was designed exclusively for theatrical use and never developed for home theaters, and it was eventually overshadowed by DTS and Dolby Digital.
1994: Morita's Retirement
In 1994, Akio Morita retired after serving as chairman since the 1970s. During his time as chairman, Morita oversaw Sony's rise as a global brand, recognized for innovation in consumer electronics.
1994: Launch of the PlayStation
In 1994, Sony entered the home video game console market with the launch of the PlayStation.
1995: Sony enters Japanese anime business through Aniplex establishment
In 1995, Sony entered the Japanese anime business when Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ) established Aniplex as a subsidiary to manage creative productions.
1995: Sony merged its publisher with Michael Jackson's ATV Music Publishing
In 1995, Sony merged its publishing division with Michael Jackson's ATV Music Publishing, creating Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which became the second-largest music publishing company worldwide at the time. The company now owns the publishing rights to over 4 million compositions.
1996: Patent for Trinitron Expired
In 1996, Sony held a patent for its proprietary Trinitron until 1996.
1996: Introduction of Cyber-shot
In 1996, the first Cyber-shot digital camera was introduced by Sony.
1997: Introduction of DVD
In 1997, the DVD format was introduced after Philips and Sony abandoned its MMCD format and agreed upon Toshiba's SD format with one modification.
1998: Launch of Memory Stick format
In 1998, Sony launched the Memory Stick format, a type of flash memory card, for use in Sony's digital cameras and portable music players. However, it saw little support outside of Sony's own products.
1999: Videotape price fixing
From 1999 to 2002 Sony, Fuji and Maxell engaged in fixing professional videotape prices through regular meetings and other illegal contracts.
1999: Introduction of Sony's first portable digital audio players
In 1999, Sony introduced its first portable digital audio players; one from the Walkman division using Memory Stick flash storage and another a smaller pen-sized player with embedded flash storage from the Vaio division, both with OpenMG copyright protection technology and PC software for music transfer.
August 2000: Sony implements controversial DRM system
In August 2000, Sony worked on a DRM system that functions like a rootkit to enforce copyright claims on users of music CDs, leading to surveillance. Public outcry resulted in lawsuits, recalls, and settlements.
September 2000: Sony Market Capitalization Valued at $100 Billion
In September 2000, Sony had a market capitalization of $100 billion.
2000: "NGO Strategy" Leak
In 2000, Sony faced criticism after a document entitled "NGO Strategy" was leaked to the press, revealing the company's surveillance of environmental activists.
2001: Videotape sales in the EU
During the year 2001 prior to the investigation Sony sold professional videotapes for a total of €115 million inside the EU.
2001: Establishment of Financial Services Division in Japan
In 2001, Sony diversified further by establishing a financial services division in Japan.
March 2002: Sony Net Worth at $17.9 Billion
In March 2002, Sony's net worth, as measured by stockholder equity, was $17.9 billion.
2002: Investigation launched by the European Commission
In 2002, The European Commission launched an investigation that culminated in Sony, Fuji and Maxell receiving a total of 110 million US dollar fine for fixing professional videotape prices between 1999 and 2002.
2004: Release of Hi-MD Format
In 2004, Sony built upon the MiniDisc format by releasing Hi-MD. Hi-MD allows the playback and recording of audio on newly introduced 1 GB Hi-MD discs in addition to playback and recording on regular MiniDiscs. In addition to saving audio on the discs, Hi-MD allows the storage of computer files such as documents, videos and photos.
2004: Sony enters joint venture with Bertelsmann AG to create Sony BMG
In 2004, Sony entered a joint venture with Bertelsmann AG, merging Sony Music Entertainment with Bertelsmann Music Group to form Sony BMG.
2004: Introduction of Triluminos Display
In 2004, Sony introduced the Triluminos Display, a proprietary color reproduction enhancing technology, featured in the world's first LED-backlit LCD televisions.
2004: Native MP3 support in Network Walkman line of digital portable music players
Until late 2004, Sony's Network Walkman line of digital portable music players did not support the MP3 standard natively.
2005: Decline in Market Share of Digital Cameras
By 2005, Sony's market share of the digital camera market fell from a high of 20% to 9%.
2005: Howard Stringer Replaced Nobuyuki Idei as CEO
In 2005, Howard Stringer replaced Nobuyuki Idei as chief executive officer, marking the first time that a foreigner had run a major Japanese electronics firm.
2005: Sony BMG faces copy protection scandal
In 2005, Sony BMG was embroiled in a copy protection scandal after it was discovered that its music CDs installed malware on users' computers, posing a security risk.
2005: Discontinuation of Trinitron Computer Monitors
In 2005, Sony discontinued its series of Trinitron computer monitors.
2005: Sony Financial Group most profitable of Sony's businesses
In FY 2005, Sony Financial Group was the most profitable of Sony's businesses, earning $1.7 billion in profit.
2005: Introduction of the BRAVIA Brand
Until summer 2005 Sony used the LCD WEGA name for its LCD TVs. The company then introduced the BRAVIA name. All Sony high-definition flat-panel LCD televisions in North America have carried the logo for BRAVIA since 2005.
2006: Acquisition of Konica Minolta's Camera Business
In 2006, Sony entered the market for digital single-lens reflex cameras by acquiring the camera business of Konica Minolta and rebranding the company's line of cameras as its Alpha line.
2006: Loss of Market Share in the Global Television Market
In 2006, Sony lost its decades-long No.1 market share in the global television market.
2006: Commercial Availability of Blu-ray Players
In 2006, the first Blu-ray players became commercially available. Sony was one of the leading developers of the Blu-ray optical disc format.
June 2007: Greenpeace Guide Ranking
In June 2007, Sony ranked 14th on the Greenpeace guide, falling from its earlier 11th-place ranking. Greenpeace cited double standards in Sony's waste policies as the reason.
November 2007: Release of the Sony XEL-1
In November 2007, Sony released the Sony XEL-1, which was the first OLED television.
2007: Sony BMG acquired Famous Music
In 2007, Sony BMG acquired Famous Music for US$370 million, gaining rights to the catalogues of Eminem and Akon, among others.
2007: Fine for fixing professional videotape prices
In 2007, Sony, Fuji, and Maxell were fined a total of 110 million US dollar by the European Commission for fixing professional videotape prices between 1999 and 2002. Sony's fine was increased for obstructing the investigation.
2007: Discontinuation of Trinitron-based Television Sets in the U.S.
In early 2007, Sony discontinued the last Trinitron-based television set in the U.S. The end of Trinitron marked the end of Sony's analog television sets and monitors.
December 2008: Sony Announces Job Cuts and Manufacturing Site Reductions
On 9 December 2008, Sony announced a plan to cut 8,000 jobs, drop 8,000 contractors, and reduce its global manufacturing sites by 10% to save $1.1 billion per year.
2008: Sony forms new Sony Music Entertainment
In 2008, Sony bought out Bertelsmann's share in Sony BMG and formed a new Sony Music Entertainment. This led to management changes within the company.
2008: Sony purchased Gracenote
In 2008, Sony purchased digital music recognition company Gracenote for US$260 million.
July 2009: Original Joint Venture Agreement with Sharp
In July 2009, Sony and Sharp originally executed a joint venture agreement for the establishment and operation of Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP) to produce and sell large-sized LCD panels and modules.
2009: Introduction of "make.believe" Slogan
In 2009, Sony introduced a slogan known as "make.believe" in a bid to provide a unified brand for its global operations.
2009: Sony Traded at Market Bottom
In 2009, Sony traded at its market bottom.
2010: Discontinuation of 3.5" floppy disks
In 2010, Sony decided to discontinue the 3.5" floppy disk format, as it was replaced by newer media formats. At that point, Sony held more than 70 percent of the market share.
April 2011: Amendment to Joint Venture Agreement with Sharp
In April 2011, Sony and Sharp amended the joint venture agreement originally executed in July 2009, for the establishment and operation of Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP).
November 2011: Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics Ranking
In November 2011, Sony was ranked ninth (jointly with Panasonic) in Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics, scoring 3.6/10. A penalty point was incurred due to comments against energy efficiency standards in California.
December 2011: Sony's Market Capitalization Plunged to $18 Billion
By December 2011, Sony's market capitalization had plunged to $18 billion.
December 2011: Sale of LCD Joint Venture Stake with Samsung
In December 2011, Sony agreed to sell its stake in an LCD joint venture with Samsung Electronics (S-LCD) for about $940 million as part of restructuring efforts.
2011: Sony Faced Financial Difficulty
In 2011, Sony faced financial difficulty due to factors including the Great Recession, increased competition for PlayStation, and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The company had three consecutive years of losses leading up to 2011.
March 2012: Agreement to Further Amend Joint Venture with Sharp
On 28 March 2012, Sony and Sharp announced they had agreed to further amend the joint venture agreement for Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP).
April 2012: Sony Announces Workforce Reduction
In April 2012, Sony announced it would reduce its workforce by 10,000, which is 6% of its employee base, as part of CEO Kaz Hirai's effort to restore the company to profitability. This followed a 520 billion yen loss for fiscal year 2012.
May 2012: Sony's Market Capitalization Valued at $15 Billion
In May 2012, Sony's market capitalization was valued at about $15 billion.
2012: Sony Television Business Unprofitable
As of 2012, Sony was the third-largest maker of televisions in the world and the television business unit had been unprofitable for eight consecutive years.
2012: Kazuo Hirai Promoted to President and CEO
In 2012, Kazuo Hirai was promoted to president and CEO, replacing Stringer, and outlined his "One Sony" initiative.
2012: Revealing a Prototype of Crystal LED Display
In 2012, Sony revealed a prototype of an ultrafine RGB LED display, which it calls the Crystal LED Display.
2012: Sony/ATV acquired majority stake in EMI Music Publishing
In 2012, Sony/ATV acquired a majority stake in EMI Music Publishing, becoming the world's largest music publishing company.
January 2013: Sony sells US headquarters building
In January 2013, Sony announced the sale of its US headquarters building for $1.1 billion to a consortium led by The Chetrit Group.
2013: Job cuts in Sony's Mobile Phone Unit
From 2012 to 2013, 700 jobs were cut from the company's mobile phone unit and the remaining 300 cuts in the following fiscal year.
2013: Release of Televisions with Improved Triluminos Technology
In 2013, Sony released a new line of televisions with an improved version of the Triluminos Display technology, which incorporated quantum dots in the backlight system. It was the first commercial use of quantum dots.
2013: Demonstration of the first 4K OLED television
Later in 2013, Sony demonstrated the first 4K OLED television.
January 2014: Moody's Drops Sony's Credit Rating to Ba1
On 28 January 2014, Moody's Investors Services downgraded Sony's credit rating to Ba1, citing concerns about the company's profitability.
February 2014: Sale of Vaio PC Division and TV Division Spin-off
In February 2014, Sony announced the sale of its Vaio PC division to Japan Industrial Partners and spun off its TV division into its own corporation.
February 2014: Sony Announces Job Cuts to Focus on Mobile and Tablets
On 6 February 2014, Sony announced it would cut up to 5,000 jobs as part of an effort to sell its PC business and concentrate on mobile devices and tablets.
May 2014: Joint Ventures with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group
In May 2014, Sony announced it was forming two joint ventures with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group to manufacture and market Sony's PlayStation game consoles and associated software in China.
2014: Sony South Africa Closed TV, Hi-Fi and Camera Divisions
In 2014, Sony South Africa closed its TV, Hi-Fi, and camera divisions to reconsider its local distribution model.
2014: Sony participated within NRG Energy eVgo Ready for Electric Vehicle (REV) program
In 2014, Sony participated in the NRG Energy eVgo Ready for Electric Vehicle (REV) program, exploring EV charging parking lots.
2014: Tribune Media Company acquired Gracenote from Sony
In 2014, Tribune Media Company acquired Gracenote from Sony for $170 million.
2015: Introduction of LDAC audio coding technology
In 2015, Sony introduced LDAC, a proprietary audio coding technology, enabling high-resolution audio streaming over Bluetooth at up to 990 kbit/s at 32 bit/96 kHz. Sony contributed it to the Android Open Source Project starting with Android 8.0 "Oreo".
2015: Sony invested in ZMP INC
In 2015, Sony invested $842,000 in ZMP INC., leading to speculations about the development of self-driving cars.
2015: Purchase of Toshiba's Image Sensor Business
In 2015, Sony purchased Toshiba's image sensor business.
December 2016: Consideration of Restructuring U.S. Operations
In December 2016, it was reported that Sony was considering restructuring its U.S. operations by merging its TV & film business, Sony Pictures Entertainment, with its gaming business, Sony Interactive Entertainment.
2016: Stopping production of all remaining 1/2-inch video tape recorders and players
In 2016 Sony announced it was stopping production of all remaining 1/2-inch video tape recorders and players, including the Digital Betacam format.
2016: Sony sells its lithium-ion battery business to Murata Manufacturing
In 2016, Sony decided to sell its lithium-ion battery business to Murata Manufacturing.
2016: Sony owns all of Sony/ATV
Since 2016, Sony owns all of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
2017: Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics Rating
In 2017, Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics rated Sony approximately in the middle among electronics manufacturers with a grade of D+.
2017: Launch of OLED TVs under the BRAVIA brand
In 2017, Sony launched OLED televisions under the BRAVIA brand, expanding its television offerings.
2017: Sony returned to South Africa's market
In 2017, Sony returned to South Africa's market.
2017: Sale of Lithium-ion Battery Business
In 2017, Sony sold its lithium-ion battery business to Murata Manufacturing.
2017: Final Decision on Merger of TV, Film, & Gaming Businesses
In 2017, Sony was set to make a final decision on the possibility of the merger of the TV, film, & gaming businesses by the end of its fiscal year in March.
2017: Funimation acquired by Sony Pictures
In 2017, U.S.-headquartered Sony Pictures acquired Funimation, including its subsidiaries such as Wakanim and Madman Anime.
May 2018: Greenpeace's 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics Rating
As of May 2018, Greenpeace's 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics rated Sony approximately in the middle among electronics manufacturers with a grade of D+.
November 2018: Sony's Mobile Phone Division Lost Approximately US$480 Million
In November 2018, Sony reported that its mobile phone division had lost approximately US$480 million, leading to additional downsizing, including the closure of a manufacturing plant and halving of its workforce.
2018: Sony bought remaining shares in Sony/ATV Music Publishing
In 2018, Sony purchased the remaining shares in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
September 2019: LDAC Receives Hi-Res Audio Wireless Certification
On September 17, 2019, the Japan Audio Society (JAS) certified Sony's LDAC with its Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, making it one of the only codecs with this certification, along with LHDC.
2019: Launch of ELTRES LPWAN Standard
In 2019, Sony launched the ELTRES, the company's proprietary low-power wide-area wireless communication (LPWAN) standard.
2019: Merged mobile, TV and camera businesses
In 2019, Sony merged its mobile, TV and camera businesses.
2019: Sony Ranked 13th in Patent Applications
In 2019, Sony was ranked 13th in the world for the number of patent applications published under the PCT System, with 1,566 applications.
January 2020: Sony unveiled a concept electric car named Vision-S
In January 2020, Sony unveiled a concept electric car named Vision-S at the Consumer Electronics Show, designed in collaboration with Magna International. Sony stated its goal to develop automotive technology.
April 2020: Establishment of Sony Electronics Corporation
On 1 April 2020, Sony Electronics Corporation was established as an intermediate holding company to own and oversee its electronics and IT solutions businesses.
May 2020: Announcement of Name Change to Sony Group Corporation
On 19 May 2020, the company announced that it would change its name to Sony Group Corporation as of 1 April 2021.
December 2020: Funimation announced acquisition of Crunchyroll
In December 2020, Funimation announced it would buy AT&T's animation business Crunchyroll for $1.175 billion, aiming to compete globally with entertainment giants like Netflix.
2020: Sony's Business Segments in 2020
As of 2020, Sony is organized into business segments: Game & Network Services (G&NS), Music, Pictures, Electronics Products & Solutions (EP&S), Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS), Financial Services, and Others.
2020: Greenhouse gas emissions reduction target
By 2020, Sony, along with Philips, advocated for the EU to adopt an unconditional 30% reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions.
2020: Sony's Patent Applications Published
In 2020, Sony published 1,793 patent applications under the PCT System.
April 2021: Renaming to Sony Group Corporation
On 1 April 2021, Sony Corporation was renamed Sony Group Corporation. On the same day, Sony Mobile Communications Inc. absorbed Sony Electronics Corporation, Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc., and Sony Home Entertainment & Sound Products Inc. and changed its trade name to Sony Corporation.
April 2021: Planned Name Change to Sony Group Corporation
On 1 April 2021, the company was supposed to change its name to Sony Group Corporation. Also on the same day, the company announced that it would turn Sony Financial Holdings to a wholly owned subsidiary through a takeover bid.
August 2021: Funimation completes acquisition of Crunchyroll
In August 2021, Funimation finalized its acquisition of Crunchyroll.
2021: Ranked 88th on the Fortune Global 500
As of 2021, Sony ranked 88th on the Fortune Global 500 list.
2021: Sony Ranked Ninth in Patent Applications
In 2021, the WIPO's annual review ranked Sony ninth in the world for the number of patent applications published under the PCT System.
2021: Renamed to Sony Group Corporation
In 2021, the company was renamed Sony Group Corporation as it transitioned into a holding company structure, with its electronics business continuing under the name Sony Corporation.
2022: Crunchyroll becomes successor to Funimation
In 2022, Crunchyroll, co-owned by Aniplex and Sony Pictures, became the successor company to Funimation.
2022: Sony and Honda launch joint venture for electric vehicle partnership
In 2022, Sony Group and Honda launched a joint venture called Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) to develop electric vehicles.
December 2023: Sony removes Discovery app from gaming consoles
In December 2023, Sony announced that it would remove the Discovery app and its content, even if previously paid for, from its gaming consoles.
2023: Ranked 57th on the Forbes Global 2000
In 2023, Sony was ranked 57th on the Forbes Global 2000 list.
2023: Joint venture announced new "Afeela" brand and its first prototype model at the CES 2023
The joint venture announced its new "Afeela" brand and its first prototype model at the CES in 2023.
January 2024: Sony Valued at Over $112 Billion
As of January 2024, Sony was valued at over $112 billion, recognizing it as one of the largest Japanese companies by market capitalization and operating profit. It was also recognized as the most cash-rich Japanese company, with net cash reserves of ¥1.8 trillion.
February 2024: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Corporation of Japan to handle the release of Disney products
In February 2024, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Corporation of Japan reached an agreement with Disney to handle the release of Disney products on DVD and Blu-ray on a licensing model. Sony will market, sell, and distribute new Disney releases and catalog films on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra DVD through retailers and distributors in Canada and America.
September 2025: Financial Services Division to be a separate company
In September 2025, Sony's financial services division is planned to be turned into a separate company, with the group maintaining 20% of the shares.
November 2025: Sony Plans to Cease Telecommunications Chip Development Activities in Israel
In November 2025, it was reported that Sony plans to discontinue its telecommunications chip development activities in Israel.
December 2025: Lawsuit Against Sony over Smart TV "Spying"
In December 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Sony and other smart TV manufacturers, alleging illegal "spying" on consumers through automated content recognition (ACR) technology.
2025: Inclusion of TPS-L2 Walkman in Museum of Modern Art Exhibition
In 2025, a model TPS-L2 cassette Walkman from 1979 was included in Pirouette: Turning Points in Design, an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art featuring "widely recognized design icons [...] highlighting pivotal moments in design history."
2026: Expected Delivery of First Electric Vehicles by Sony Honda Mobility
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) is expected to deliver its first electric vehicles by 2026, which will be sold online starting in the United States and Japan.
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