Sanyo Electric Co., an electronics company once headquartered in Osaka, Japan, had a rich history of logo evolution reflecting its journey in the global market. Acquired by Panasonic in stages starting in 2009, Sanyo became a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2011.

From its inception in 1947 until 1949, Sanyo used the National logo, then associated with Panasonic Corporation. In 1949, Sanyo introduced its first distinct logo, featuring a cursive script wordmark with a lightning bolt beneath it. This marked the beginning of a period dominated by hand-drawn, script-style logos.

Between 1949 and 1956, the company experimented with various script wordmarks. Initially, the design was bold and slanted but transitioned into a lighter, more casual style in 1953. The 1955 update saw the wordmark adopt a horizontal orientation, retaining its handwritten feel. By 1956, Sanyo moved away from scripts and introduced a cleaner, more simplified type.

In 1958, Sanyo briefly returned to a bold script logotype before settling on a clearer font in 1961. This iteration paired the wordmark with a roundel containing three arrowheads, symbolizing progress and forward motion. This combination reflected a focus on modernity and precision.

In 1967, Sanyo unveiled its current logo, which features a classic sans-serif typeface that prioritizes legibility. Notably, the "N" in the wordmark has unique ends resembling combs, giving the logo a distinctive touch while maintaining simplicity.

The typeface of the Sanyo logo bears a striking resemblance to Helvetica Neue Black Italic, a classic font created by Eduard Hoffmann and Max Miedinger. Its bold and clean aesthetic underscores Sanyo’s commitment to reliability and professionalism.

Sanyo’s logo history showcases a blend of bold innovation and timeless design, mirroring the company’s journey from an independent electronics pioneer to becoming a part of Panasonic's legacy.