Japan's First X-ray Tube

Tokyo Electric began X-ray tube research in 1914, because it was becoming almost impossible to obtain X-ray tubes in Japan, due to World War 1.

The Experimental Laboratory (later the Mazda Research Laboratory ) had already seen substantial success in research into the special materials needed for vacuum tubes, and the laboratory was well-versed in the technologies of gas-discharge equipment used in manufacturing light bulbs.
As a result of its efforts in an unfamiliar field, in which it had no experience, the laboratory successfully completed a wholly Japanese-produced X-ray tube in 1915.
This tube was supplied to the market under the name Giba X-Ray (Röntgen) Tube.
The name Giba came from the name of the Venerable Giba, a noted healer and a disciple of the Buddha in ancient India.)