The prototype was built in 1978 by audio-division engineer Nobutoshi Kihara for Sony co-founder Masaru Ibuka. Ibuka wanted to be able to listen to operas during his frequent trans-Pacific plane trips, and presented the idea to Kihara. The original idea for a portable stereo is credited to Brazilian-German inventor Andreas Pavel.

The first Walkman was marketed in 1979 in Japan, using the name Walkman. From 1980, it was known as the Soundabout in many other countries including the US, Freestyle in Sweden, and the Stowaway in the UK. Advertising, despite all the foreign languages, still attracted thousands of buyers in the US specifically. Sony President and co-founder Akio Morita hated the name "Walkman" and asked that it be changed, but relented after being told by junior executives that a promotion campaign had already begun using the brand name and that it would be too expensive to change.

The names "Walkman", "Pressman", "Watchman", "Scoopman", "Discman", and "Talkman" are trademarks of Sony, and have been applied to a wide range of portable entertainment devices manufactured by the company

Want to know more about the Sony Walkman patent print? We have created a description page here.

Print - Available in 12" x 18" or 24" x 36":

• Using Epson UltraChrome water based HDR ink-jet technology
• Basis Weight: 192 gsm
• Media Thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• ISO Brightness: 104%
• Opacity: 94%

Framed Print - Available in 12" x 18" or 24" x 36":

• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included

Canvas - Available in 24" x 36":

• Acid-free, PH-neutral, poly-cotton base
• 20.5 mil (0.5 mm) thick canvas
• Printed on textured and fade-resistant canvas (OBA-Free)
• Mounting brackets included
• Hand-glued solid wood stretcher bars
• 1.5″ (3.81 cm) deep

Metal - Available in 24" x 36":

• Aluminum metal surface
• MDF wood backing frame
• An additional coating applied for true color replication
• Scratch and fade resistant

Deluxe Hardwood - Available in 12" x 18" or 24" x 36":

• Premium plaque
• High Definition hardwood print
• Glass like finish
• No need for frame
• Lifetime protective seal 
• Currently shipping in the U.S. only

Fast shipping: 3-10 business days. Designed with ❤️