Saturday, August 31, 2013

Historic photo identified

Dr. Yuji Ooba, son of Dr. Seiichi Ooba of Fuji Photo Film, found photos from early 1960's.       With the help of Mr. Shigeru Ishihara, former executive of Mitsui & Co and current and former Fuji empolyees , Mr. Ishii, Mr. Aso and Mr. Horie, the background of the photo and identification of some of the faces were obtained.

This appears to be from the reception at the old Imperial Hotel hosted by Fuji Photo Film around 1964.
The faces identified so far are; front from left, Dr. and Mrs. Ooba, legendary founder/ then president Mr. Setsutaro Kobayashi, Mr.& Mrs. Halpern, Mrs. Kobayashi, Mr. and Mrs. Kume of Mitsui & Co.
Mr. Ishihara is far right 3rd row and Mrs. Ishihara is 3rd from the right.


Both Mr. Kume and Mr Ishihara were stationed in New York then.       Initial approach to Polychrome was done by Fuji and the follow up was apparently done through Mitsui Trading.    
In the same year a team of Fuji technical personnel visited Yonkers to be trained for the technology
transfer.       Dr. Ooba headed the team and the member lead by Mr. Yonezawa stayed several weeks for the training.
Far left is Mr. Yonezawa, 4th.. Dr. Ooba, Ray Lauzon, Mr. Halpern, Mr. Ikegaya  of Mitsui then Mr. Gumbinner.


Historical activities

Aug 1963...... Licensing Agreement signed
Feb. 1964..... Technical staff visited Polychrome (see above picture)
April 1965.... Odawara PS plate factory completed
Aug. 1954.... Started to sell PS plate
Dec. 1970...  Yoshida Mianami (current ) factory completed