Panasonic Panapet Radio - 02

A 1970 Panasonic Panapet R-70 yellow sphere (or ball and chain) AM transistor radio with personal earphone, made in Japan. In working order, it requires 1 x 9v battery. The quirky ‘Panapet’, was produced by Panasonic in 1970 to commemorate the World Expo in Osaka. The ball-shaped radio that hung on a chain was advertised by Panasonic with tag lines like “Don’t listen to squares” and “Your next radio can really be a ball.” Two chrome-plated dials on the surface control the tuning and volume, and the tuning display is set into the ball. First exhibited at the World Expo in Osaka, the Panapet perfectly captured the playful pop spirit of the early 1970s. With its boldly futuristic spherical design and space age styling, it was an instant hit with the young and youthful-at-heart when it burst onto the scene.