Shimadzu’s Relationship to Storage Batteries
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Mention car batteries and it’s not surprising that many people think of the two letters “GS”.
The initials “GS” in GS Yuasa batteries, famous even today, actually stand for Genzo Shimadzu.
2008 marked the 100th anniversary of the registration of this trademark.
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GS Storage Battery, circa 1904
A History of Doing Our Best for Responding to Customer Requests
In 1882, Shimadzu published what is said to be its oldest product catalog, “Science Equipment Catalog List.” At the end of the catalog, there is a note that reads, “We will manufacture whatever the customer requests.”
The “Science Equipment Catalog List” lists the physical instruments needed for science education at the time.
Genzo Shimadzu Sr., the founder of Shimadzu Corporation, was motivated by an open-minded curiosity about manufacturing. It seems that whenever he saw an instrument for the first time, he became interested in it. If he could not make something himself, he would ask another supplier to make it for him, and if he still could not make it, he would import it from the West and provide it to his customers. This included Edison’s phonograph.
Japan’s Edison: Genzo Shimadzu Jr.
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Born in 1869, Genzo Shimadzu Jr. (hereafter Genzo) invented many things in his 82 years and has been called Japan's Edison. He managed to teach himself a great deal about physics and chemistry, even though he only completed three years of elementary school to help with his family's business. Driven by curiosity and a passion for science and technology, he developed and manufactured physics and chemistry equipment, and was recognized as one of Japan’s top ten inventors in 1930.
Though Genzo registered 178 patents during his lifetime, perhaps the most representative was a method for manufacturing reactive lead powder, a material used for manufacturing storage batteries. -
Genzo Shimadzu Jr.
Batteries Named after his Initials
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In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the production of electrical products increased in line with industrial development. At the same time, however, the supply of electric power was insufficient, which increased the demand for storage batteries. Genzo realized the importance of domestic production of storage batteries and began to produce them, using overseas products as a reference. In 1897, he completed a small lead-acid battery with a capacity of 10 amperes. This was the first industrially manufactured storage battery in Japan. It was later named "GS Battery" after his initials.The storage battery business was subsequently separated from Shimadzu and became independent with the establishment of Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. in 1917. This technology and the spirit behind its creation live on in today's GS Yuasa International Ltd.
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Storage Battery
Electric Vehicle on the Streets of Kyoto in the Taisho Period (1912-1926)
At present, electric vehicles are attracting attention. However, in the Taisho period (1912-1926), Genzo preferred to drive a Detroit electric car imported from the U.S. about 100 years ago. He equipped this Detroit vehicle with his GS battery and used it to commute to work. Known as Genzo's silk hat because of its shape, it was the focus of interest for the people of Kyoto.
Genzo Shimadzu Jr. and his Detroit Vehicle (Photo provided by: GS Yuasa International Ltd.）
After Genzo's death, his Detroit vehicle was carefully stored. In 2008, GS Yuasa established its Detroit Electric Vehicle Restoration Project and managed to get it running again in 8 months. Currently, the Detroit is on display in the company's lobby.
Today, there are many electric vehicles cruising the streets. I wonder if Genzo envisioned such a future when he drove his Detroit car around Kyoto.
This content is a re-edited version of an article from our owned media “SHIMADZU TODAY”.
SHIMADZU TODAY features our latest corporate topics, news and stories. SHIMADZU proceeds various activities for society day after day.
