*** Let us take a look at the 30-year history of the All Japan Neon-sign Association. ***

Society is currently passing through an age of major change. In other words, for us who are engaged in providing technology it is an "age of change of what is needed by society."

The information industry to which we belong@can no longer merely foist technical progress on society as in the past: we are now obliged to function as a vital cog within society. For example, we have to take into account of exacting environmental standards. However outstanding is a technology, it cannot function positively without sincere concern for the environment.

We are called upon to move forward together with society while keeping up with advances in information technology. This cannot be done if we rely merely on the limited concept of the neon sign. We can respond effectively only by working within the new conceptual framework represented by electric signs. What we are pursuing is gcommunication that is both effective and socially considerate." Aiming to create the future, which is more comfortable to live in, we too are now changing.



HISTORY OF THE ALL JAPAN NEON SIGN ASSOCIATION(AJNA)

1951: Formation of National Federation of Local Neon-sign Associations. (Predecessor of AJNA)


1968: (October) Foundation of AJNA.
AJNA was founded and it gained legal personality to become a public incorporated body.

1972 (February): Publication of "A Textbook on Neon Sign Installation," which has since gone through four editions.

1973 (October): At the time of the first oil shock, AJNA cooperated for the energy saving with restrictions on the use of neon signs throughout Japan. At the same time AJNA has been striving to convey an image of neon signs as gan energy-saving advertising medium.h

1977 (May): Publication of "Neon Signs in Japan."

1979 (December): Holding of the first examination for neon sign installation engineers. This examination has been held every year since and has been passed so far by about 600 candidates.

1981 (July): Launch of the neon sign tube processing technician qualification system. 300 people have so far received this qualification.

1986 (October): Revision of fire prevention regulations made it compulsory for qualified neon sign installation engineers to carry out inspections and maintenance.

1988 (September): The Electrical Engineers' Law was revised and a new qualification gQualified Neon Sign Engineerh was defined. AJNA has been commissioned to carry out the training involving the recognition of persons qualified to conduct installation work. More than 9,000 people have so far completed this course of training.

1992 (April): Formation of the Association of Qualified Neon Sign Engineers. The Association currently has 900 members.

1993 (February): Production and distribution of a video on the training of neon sign engineers.

1998 (March): Completion and publication of a survey on the effectiveness of outdoor advertising.
1998 (May): Production of a video on the history and current state of neon signs in Japan under the title "30 years of progress: Illuminating Urban Life: 1968-1998"

1998 (June): Presentation of a series of events to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Association including the "Ginza Neon Light Extinguishing Performance" and the "1st Neon Art Competition."

1999 (May): Joined the International Sign Association (ISA).









1998 Copyright (c) All Japan Neon-Sign Association