What do you consider a modern object? In reality almost anything could be a modern object… Some examples of a “Modern Object” could be a camera, a car, a glass cup, etc. In my judgment one of the most revolutionary and groundbreaking modern objects is the 40 year old “SONY Walkman”. I make this claim because it wasn’t just only a great invention but it revolutionized how we listen to sound, also changed how we go about our day to day. I prove my claim by using quotes from CNN and more.

                  I love my Airpods Pro… I use them when i go shopping, when I’m commuting to and from work, doing my homework, actually I’m using them right now. Your Airpods, Beats, Bose headphones, regular ear buds, etc, most likely all have been inspired some way or another by the “SONY Walkman”. Have you ever heard the term “____ walked so ____ can run”, well thats what the walkman did. The walkman walked so our airpods and headphones could sprint. 

                  But did you ever wonder how the thought of this came up or how it fully came along?. Well the walkman actually first started as a playback device for journalists. It only started to change because of the co founder of SONY Masaru Ibuka. He then asked one of his deputies if he could make a better version. At the time this version was heavier and less convenient as to the on we all know. This prototype impressed Ibuka so much he started pushing for a version that could go on the market for sale. Not everyone approved but what he said changed many peoples minds, he said “don’t you think a stereo cassette player that you can listen to while walking around is a good idea”[2]. In other words at the start the walkman wasn’t approved of by many people, they didn’t see the use of a cassette player that does not record. After 4 months of production the first walkman was created. 

                  When Japanese designer, Nobutoshi Kihara, was designing this modern object he had personal space in mind. He also wanted to keep the Japanese tradition of meticulous miniaturization. Creating the “SONY Walkman” a portable tape recorder that doesn’t record… but plays audio through headphones. CNN made an article about the “SONY Walkman” basically saying Nobutoshi Kihara achived his goal, describing it as “…an instrument to define personal space…“[1]. In other words Nobutoshi Kihara wanted personal, in other words he didnt want to share his music with anyone else.  This object did not only revolutionize the way we hear music or listen to audio but paved the way for other portable objects to be made and help achieve Nobutoshi Kihara’s goal of personal space.   

                 Next time you’re listening to music through headphones or listening to a podcast you should think back to where it all started. 1979 in Japan SONY’s co founder got the amazing idea to ask his deputies to make him a prototype tape recorder that does not record but only plays audio. I hope reading this short piece made you think of how revolutionary this object is.                  

[1]“Our List of the 20 Designs That Defined the Modern World.” CNN, Cable News Network, edition.cnn.com/interactive/style/20-designs-that-defined-the-modern-world/#sony_walkman. 

[2]“The First Sony Walkman Goes on Sale.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 13 Nov. 2009, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-first-sony-walkman-goes-on-sale. 

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