Major Japanese electronics companies entered the computer market in the 1960s, and Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial) was also developing mainframe computers. However, during the Japanese economy faced a recession after the 1964 Summer Olympics, Panasonic decided to exit the computer business, and focused on home appliances. The decision brought a huge success, and Panasonic grew to become one of the largest electronics companies. In the late 1970s, the company intended to open new business other than home appliances. Also, the microcomputer revolution let Panasonic interest in its potential. One of Panasonic's distributers, Yamagata National, told Panasonic's president, Toshihiko Yamashita, that "Recently, NEC's personal computers sell well in Yamagata too, and our dealers also request merchandise. However, we must purchase not only personal computers but also home appliances from NEC. I think Matsushita also need develop personal computers". Yamashita ordered the vice president, Shunkichi Kisaka, to develop a personal computer, and Kisaka called on Kazuyasu Maeda of Matsushita R&D Center.