Hitachi table fan, advertising postcard, c. 1930. Caption reads: “Three amazing [ビックリ] considerations: Amazing nice shape! Amazing low price! Amazing long life!” Originally founded to manufacture electrical equipment for copper mining operations in the mining village of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Co. would soon expand to include consumer electrical goods. The company began production of table fans in 1916.

“The Hitachi engineering works were erected in 1909 at Hitachi-mura, Taga-gun, Ibraki prefecture as the subsidiary works to the Hitachi mine.

“… Though the works were originally intended to supply the mine and smeltery with electrical machineries newly built or repaired, they proceeded to expand and receive orders from the public, enthused by the current electrical enterprises there and in the country. The works were opened to the public in July 1911.”

– Japan in the Taisho Era: In Commemoration of the Enthronement , edited by Iwata Ishizawa, 1917