Chapter 29 2. Honors received by Konosuke Matsushita

In the 1950s, the Japanese emperor and his wife awarded Konosuke Matsushita the "Deming Award" after visiting the Takaki and Ibaraki factories of Matsushita Electric. In June 1958, the Queen of the Netherlands awarded Konosuke Matsushita the "Knight of the Queen of the Netherlands" in view of her outstanding contribution to promoting the economic exchanges between the Netherlands and Japan. From 1958 to 1962, newspapers and magazines such as "Time" magazine, "Life" magazine, and "New York Times" in the United States used Konosuke Matsushita as a cover character.

In 1961, Konosuke Matsushita won the "Japan Advertising Award", which is specially awarded to those who have made significant contributions to public life and the advancement of publicity technology. In 1964, Japan's "Mainichi Shimbun" ranked the top of the list in the "Your Most Admired Person" activity held by high school students nationwide. In September 1964, the American "Life" magazine published a Japanese album before the Tokyo Olympics, with Konosuke Matsushita as the cover character, evaluating him as a great industrialist, philosopher, and best-selling author. (American car magnate) and Yamujia (American pastor and writer) as one pioneer".

In 1965, in view of Konosuke Matsushita's contribution to Japanese society, Waseda University awarded Konosuke Matsushita an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.In the same year, he was awarded the "Second Class Order of the Rising Sun" by the Emperor. In 1970, he was awarded the "First Class Ruibao Medal" by the Emperor. In April 1970, the World Expo was held in Osaka, where Matsushita Electric set up the "Matsushita Konosuke Pavilion" to exhibit the excellent products produced by the company. In 1971, Konosuke Matsushita was awarded an honorary doctorate by Keio University in Japan.

In October 1972, the King of Belgium awarded Konosuke Matsushita the Crown Medal. In 1976, the United States celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Konosuke Matsushita and his wife were invited to participate in the Japanese parade festival in Los Angeles. This was the second time Konosuke Matsushita visited Los Angeles.During the first visit, the city’s mayor, Predy, designated the day Konosuke Matsushita arrived in Los Angeles as “Matsushita Konosuke Day”; Letter of Appreciation for the Festival". In 1979, in view of Konosuke Matsushita's contribution to the development of Malaysia's industry, the Malaysian government awarded Konosuke Matsushita the "Banglima Munk Niguala Medal".

In 1981, Konosuke Matsushita was awarded the "Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun, First Class" by the Emperor, which is Japan's highest medal of honor. In March 1983, the King of Spain awarded Konosuke Matsushita the "Grand Cross of National Achievement", which is the highest medal awarded to civilians by the Spanish royal family.In the same year, the King of Spain visited the renovated Panasonic History Museum. In May 1987, Konosuke Matsushita was awarded the "First Class Rising Sun Tung Flower Grand Cordon", and the Emperor of Japan personally awarded him the medal in the Imperial Palace.

In 1989, Konosuke Matsushita passed away at the age of 95. His death caused great repercussions in Japan. People mourned this legendary figure one after another. His funeral was almost a state funeral.