This page highlights the company’s history to date and the milestones that have brought us to where we are today.
In 1924, our history begins with Keijiro Yao's ambition and spirit of challenge.
In 1936, Yaou Shop Co., Ltd. was established, and it began the procurement and sale of phonographs, records, and musical instruments.
With a constant global focus, our challenge-driven spirit and future vision have brought us to where we are today.
Choosing in-house development to explore the expanding potential of radio, the company began producing radio receivers in 1938 — taking its first bold step forward.
This passion and dedication to manufacturing live on today as part of our DNA and the General brand, established in 1946.
By refining our technologies and expanding what was possible, we took on the challenge of entering the home appliance sector.
We brought comforts to households, including televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. We also supported cities and communities with communication equipment, including firefighting and taxi radio systems.
With this, our driving force became the goal of bringing comfort and smiles to people’s lives.
The company launched its first window-type air conditioner in 1960, began mass production in 1964, and developed its own proprietary air-flow mechanism in 1969. These developments set the foundation of the air conditioner business that continues to this day.
The company also launched a water-cooled air conditioner that used groundwater in 1962, and this tradition of adopting new technology lives on in us today.
Sales of household appliances and fire safety and disaster prevention equipment continued to show robust growth in the domestic market. At this time, the company began exporting air conditioners to Kuwait in 1971 and signed a technology licensing agreement with a Taiwanese firm in 1973. The company then set up subsidiaries in the U.S. in 1976, and in Australia and Germany in 1977. This marked the start of a global expansion that has enabled us to reach the position we are in today.
Our technological capabilities have enabled us to develop numerous world- and industry-first air conditioners. These include air conditioners featuring 1/f fluctuation in 1989, an innovative lambda-shaped heat exchanger in 1992, both industry firsts, and the automatic filter cleaning mechanism in 2003 and DUAL BLASTER—a dual air flow model in 2013, both world firsts. Through manufacturing, we will continue to support and protect the comfort of people and families.
Since our founding, we have carried forward a spirit of challenge, an enduring passion for manufacturing, and built trust throughout our history. In January 2026, we changed our name to GENERAL Inc., marking our 90th anniversary. With this, we resolve to carry these values into the future and renew our commitment to continue protecting people’s smiles.
Guided by the technological capabilities cultivated since our founding and a spirit of challenge,
we have continued our journey while valuing our customers’ comfort.
In caring for everyday life and the environment, and pursuing a better quality of living,
we evolve—from creating "air" conditioners to creating "Life" Conditioners
