Sony's first CD player was introduced to the world in October 1982 by Ohga, a month after he became president of Sony. He went on to push development of other audio formats including the MiniDisc and Super Audio CD, but both failed to match the popularity of the CD.

Ohga added CEO to his title in 1989 and led Sony through its expansion into the gaming business and the introduction of the PlayStation.

He became chairman and CEO in 1995, and was chairman from 2000 until his retirement in 2003.

Sony's current CEO, Howard Stringer, paid tribute to Ohga in a statement.

"When I first joined Sony in 1997, Ohga-san was serving on the frontlines of Sony management as Chairman and CEO," said Stringer. "His numerous and successful endeavors were well-known both inside and outside of Sony. Witnessing Ohga-san’s leadership firsthand was truly an honor, and one I continued to enjoy and benefit from in countless ways in the years that followed."