Happy Anniversary to Johnson Controls Japan

In June, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Johnson Controls Co., Ltd., our Japanese subsidiary, commemorating this milestone with a virtual event to honor their history and achievements.

With headquarters in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, and led by President Hiroshi Yoshida, the organization supports our global mission to develop building technologies and services that will create a healthy, connected and sustainable future.

In 1971, as we looked to expand our global reach and grow our list of innovative building solutions outside North America, we established a joint venture with Saginomiya Seisakusho Co., Ltd., a small manufacturer of automated controls. In 1985, the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls and changed its name to Johnson Controls Japan.

In 1987, we jointly developed and released the industry's first distributed total DDC system, called "Comprehensive Building Management System ibmax," using a 32-bit microprocessor. In the same year, the company moved to Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, its current location.

Throughout its history, Johnson Controls Japan has helped us expand our reach and influence in building automation systems, healthy buildings, and safety and security in key geographies and verticals across APAC.

Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the pace of progress for improving the health, safety and security of buildings of all types and sizes. This office has remained steadfast in its commitment to creating connected, sustainable smart buildings and cities throughout Japan by adopting solutions like our OpenBlue platform.

Recently, we hosted a seminar to commemorate the anniversary and Johnson Controls Japan’s 50 years of successes. During our time together, key company stakeholders discussed keys to developing data-driven smart buildings and smart cities, what lies ahead for our APAC customers, the communities we serve and our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and a healthy planet across the 150-plus countries in which we operate.