The History of Canon Company

A Japanese firm called Canon Inc. specializes in making cameras, copiers, and computer printers, among other image and optical devices. Japan's capital city of Tokyo is home to Canon Inc. Yoshida Goro and his in-law, Uchida Saburo, formed the business in 1933 under the name Seiki-kougaku-kenkyuujo, or Laboratory of Precision Optical Equipment, with financial support from Uchida's close friend Takeshi Mitarai. The first objective was to carry out research for the creation of high-quality cameras. Their first camera, the Kwanon, named after the Buddhist god of kindness, Kwannon, was made public in June 1934. Additionally, the term "Kyasapa" for the lens is derived from Mahakyasapa, a student of the Buddha.

But Yoshida left the lab in 1934 because he felt it was not what he intended, the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory. The Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory thought that despite increased research, they were not making progress in developing lenses, which are incidentally the most crucial in the production of cameras. Up until they ultimately chose to work with the lens manufacturer Nippon Kogaku Kogyo (which is now Nikon Corp.). At the time, Nippon Kogaku was a sizable optical equipment producer with a focus on military gear. Additionally, they will attempt the domestic market while operating under the direction of the new business.

Therefore, the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory's invitation to collaborate on the development of cameras was well-received. Their joint effort led to the creation of "Ij start Canon" which was their first mass-produced item. The first high-quality Japanese-made 35mm rangefinder camera was the Hansa Canon, which was formally unveiled and sold to the Japanese public in February 1996 for 275 yen. It had a Nikkor 50mm f/3.5 lens. It was thereafter renamed Canon instead of Kwanon. Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory worked with Omiya Shashin Yohin Co., Ltd. (Omiya's camera and accessory shop) at the time to assist with its marketing. Omiya personally registered the word Hansa as a trademark for the Hansa Canon.

The name of the corporation that owns the Canon trademark experienced a number of name changes as it developed. The Japan Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory was established in June 1986, replacing the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory. The Japan Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory transferred the firm's ownership to a joint stock corporation on August 10, 1937, and changed the name to Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd. This date was chosen as the founding date of Canon Inc. When clients complained about having trouble remembering the name of the company that made their Canon camera, Takeshi Mitarai (1901-1984), the president of Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd., decided to rename the company to Canon Camera Co., Ltd. heard complaints from consumers who had difficulty remembering the name of their Canon camera manufacturer, so Mitarai decided to change the name of Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd. to Canon Camera Co., Ltd. on September 15, 1947.