The History of Canon
1933 - 1961
Prologue up to the birth of Canon

[Enterprise] Canon’s predecessor, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, is founded in Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, to conduct research into quality cameras.

[Products] The Kwanon, Japan's first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera, is produced in prototype form.

[Enterprise] The company files for registration of the "Canon" trademark.

[Products] The Hansa Canon, a 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera, is introduced.

[Enterprise] Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd. is founded.

[Products] In-house production of Serenar Lens commences.

[Products] Japan's first indirect X-ray camera is developed.

[Enterprise] Takeshi Mitarai is appointed president of Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd.

[Products] Production commences for the midrange J II focal-plane-shutter camera.

[Enterprise] The Ginza Camera Service Station opens.

[Products] The Canon S II is introduced, receiving great acclaim from ranking officers in the Occupation Forces and foreign buyers in Japan.

[Enterprise] The company becomes Canon Camera Co., Inc.

[Enterprise] Government designates Canon cameras priority exports when Japan resumes export activities.

[Enterprise] Canon shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the first time when postwar stock trading resumes.

[Products] The Canon II B wins first prize at a national camera exhibition held in San Francisco.

[Enterprise] Canon concentrates head office and manufacturing plants in Shimomaruko, Ohta-ku, Tokyo.

[Products] The Canon IVSb, the world's first speed-light synchronized 35 mm flash-and-shutter camera, is introduced.

[Products] Canon and the NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories jointly develop a television camera to prepare for the commencement of television broadcasting.

[Enterprise] Canon’s New York branch office is opened.

[Enterprise] Supplier of precision components Chichibu Eikosha Co., Ltd. (today, Canon Electronics Inc.) becomes a Canon affiliate.

[Products] The Canon 8T, an 8 mm cinecamera, is introduced.

[Enterprise] Canon Europa, the sole European distributor, is established in Geneva.

[Products] The Canon L1 still camera and Canon 8T 8 mm cine-camera become the first products to receive the Good Design product designation awarded by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

[Products] A field zoom lens for television broadcasting is introduced.

[Enterprise] Through a tie-up with Documat Inc. of the U.S., Canon enters the micrographics market.

[Enterprise] Canon enters the market for magnetic heads.

[Products] The Canon Flex, Canon’s first SLR camera, is introduced.

[Products] The Synchroreader is introduced.

[Products] Canon develops a magnetic head for use in VTRs.

[Enterprise] The company's main factory in Toride (today, the Toride Plant) is completed.

[Products] "Electric-eye" boom is sparked by the introduction of the Canonet.

[Products] Canon completes Japan's first rotary microfilm system.