The implementation of a plan to expand the telegraph service in 1920 (Taisho 9) meant that the time was ripe for the introduction of a telegraph printer. Various types were tested from 1922 (Taisho 11). This included research, development and trials of telegraph equipment able to print Japanese. However, a US-made Japanese telegraph printer was completed and the main lines were converted to printer operation starting with the Tokyo - Osaka link in June 1927 (Showa 2). The first Japanese made telegraph printer appeared in 1937 (Showa 12) and this was used to replace the previous equipment on the main line between Tokyo and Osaka.