Sony Group Corporation

Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation operating in electronics, entertainment, gaming, and financial services, known for PlayStation, consumer electronics, and media content.

Company Type

public

Founded

1946

Headquarters

Tokyo, Japan

Stock

Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6758

About Sony Group Corporation

Sony operates across multiple business segments: Electronics, Entertainment (Pictures, Music, and Gaming), and Financial Services. The company employs approximately 109,700 people globally and serves millions of customers through its diverse product and service offerings.

The Electronics segment includes consumer electronics like televisions, cameras, audio equipment, and mobile devices. The Entertainment segment encompasses Sony Pictures (film and television production), Sony Music (record labels and music publishing), and Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation gaming).

Sony generates revenue through product sales, subscription services, content licensing, gaming software and hardware, and financial services. The company maintains a strong commitment to innovation and quality across all business segments.

History of Sony Group Corporation

Sony was founded in 1946 as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita in post-war Japan. The company initially focused on repairing and building electronic equipment, introducing Japan's first tape recorder in 1950.

In 1958, the company changed its name to Sony Corporation, derived from "sonus" (Latin for sound) and "sonny" (American slang for young boy). Throughout the 1960s, Sony expanded globally, introducing innovative products like the world's first transistor television and portable radio.

The 1970s and 1980s saw Sony revolutionize consumer electronics with products like the Walkman portable cassette player (1979) and the Compact Disc (1982, co-developed with Philips). The company also entered the film industry by acquiring Columbia Pictures in 1989.

In 1994, Sony launched the PlayStation gaming console, which became one of the most successful gaming platforms in history and established Sony as a major player in the video game industry. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Sony continued to innovate in electronics, entertainment, and gaming.

In 2021, Sony acquired Crunchyroll, a major anime streaming service, significantly expanding its presence in anime content distribution. The company continues to evolve its portfolio to compete in the digital entertainment and technology landscape.

Brands Owned by Sony Group Corporation

Sony Group Corporation owns 4 brands in our database.

Crunchyroll

Owned by Sony Group Corporation

Leading anime streaming service with 17 million paid subscribers offering 50,000+ episodes, manga, and Asian dramas with simulcast episodes, original productions, and community features for anime fans worldwide.

anime-streamingmangaasian-drama

PlayStation

Owned by Sony Group Corporation

Sony's video gaming brand encompassing consoles, games, and online gaming services.

gamingvideo-gamesconsole

Sony Music Entertainment

Owned by Sony Group Corporation

American global music company and one of the world's largest record labels, operating multiple music labels and music publishing services.

musicrecord-labelmusic-publishing

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Owned by Sony Group Corporation

American film and television production and distribution company known for movies, television shows, and entertainment content worldwide.

film-studiotelevisionentertainment

Shop Sony Group Corporation Brands

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Crunchyroll on Amazon

Sony Music Entertainment on Amazon

Sony Pictures Entertainment on Amazon

Stock Information

Sony Group Corporation Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+Diversified revenue streams across electronics, entertainment, and gaming
+Strong brand recognition and reputation for quality and innovation
+Leading position in gaming with PlayStation ecosystem
+Extensive content library through film, television, and music production
+Global presence with strong distribution networks

Considerations

-Intense competition in consumer electronics from Korean and Chinese manufacturers
-High research and development costs for technology innovation
-Dependency on global supply chains for manufacturing
-Currency fluctuations impacting international revenue
-Challenges adapting to rapidly changing technology and media consumption habits

Frequently Asked Questions About Sony Group Corporation

Is Sony a subsidiary of another company?

Sony is not a subsidiary of another company. It operates as an independent, publicly traded corporation since its founding in 1946.

Is Sony publicly traded?

Yes, Sony is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 6758, allowing investors to own shares in the company.

When was Sony founded?

Sony was founded in 1946 by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation, later renamed Sony in 1958.

Who founded Sony?

Sony was founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, two Japanese entrepreneurs who built the company into a global technology and entertainment conglomerate.

What is Sony's market position?

Sony maintains leading positions in gaming with PlayStation, consumer electronics, and entertainment production, competing globally as one of Japan's most influential multinational corporations.

About Sony Group Corporation

History of Sony Group Corporation