Communications organisation in Japan

In an ongoing effort to meet the growing needs of industry users worldwide, the HART® Communication Foundation has opened an office in Tokyo, Japan with Mr. Kaoru (Carl) Sonoda as General Manager, HCF Japan Operations. The Tokyo office provides users and Foundation member companies with application assistance, information and technical support on the HART Communication Protocol that includes an understanding of Japanese process industry requirements.

“Our focus is always on the global perspective. Think global, act local. So, it has always been our plan to establish satellite offices in major world areas,” says Foundation Executive Director Ron Helson. “Carl Sonoda is a welcome addition to the Foundation. He has 30 years of field communication expertise and will help us better support and promote HART Communication in Japan. His knowledge and experience have already proven invaluable in our commitment to the Japanese market.”

Sonoda will be the focal point for Foundation activities in Japan. He will coordinate with the Foundation’s staff in Austin, Texas, to provide marketing and technical activities on the world’s leading field communication protocol including educational programs, seminars, training, trade shows, documents and website content in Japanese language.

Sonoda is recognized as an expert in digital communication, instrumentation design, new product development and product management / marketing. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Meiji University and has published numerous papers and magazine articles on digital communication and field devices.

Sonoda has been involved in Foundation marketing activities and working groups and has made valuable contributions to Foundation programs for the past 11 years. He recently retired from Yokogawa Electric Corporation.