Canon’s predecessor, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, is founded in Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, to conduct research into quality cameras.
1933
1934
1934
The Kwanon, Japan's first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera, is produced in prototype form.
KWANON
1935
The company files for registration of the "Canon" trademark.
1935
1936
1936
The Hansa Canon, a 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera, is introduced.
1937
Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd. is founded.
1937
1939
1939
In-house production of Serenar Lens commences.
1940
1940
Japan's first indirect X-ray camera is developed.
Indirect X-ray camera
1942
Takeshi Mitarai is appointed president of Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd.
Takeshi Mitarai
1942
1945
1945
Production commences for the midrange J II focal-plane-shutter camera.
1946
The Ginza Camera Service Station opens.
1946
The Canon S II is introduced, receiving great acclaim from ranking officers in the Occupation Forces and foreign buyers in Japan.
1947
The company becomes Canon Camera Co., Inc.
Government designates Canon cameras priority exports when Japan resumes export activities.
1947
1949
Canon shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the first time when postwar stock trading resumes.
1949
The Canon II B wins first prize at a national camera exhibition held in San Francisco.
1951
Canon concentrates head office and manufacturing plants in Shimomaruko, Ohta-ku, Tokyo.
1951
1952
1952
The Canon IVSb, the world's first speed-light synchronized 35 mm flash-and-shutter camera, is introduced.
1954
1954
Canon and the NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories jointly develop a television camera to prepare for the commencement of television broadcasting.
1955
Canon’s New York branch office is opened.
1955
1956
Supplier of precision components Chichibu Eikosha Co., Ltd. (today, Canon Electronics Inc.) becomes a Canon affiliate.
1956
The Canon 8T, an 8 mm cinecamera, is introduced.
1957
Canon Europa, the sole European distributor, is established in Geneva.
1957
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.
1958
1958
A field zoom lens for television broadcasting is introduced.
1959
Through a tie-up with Documat Inc. of the U.S., Canon enters the micrographics market.
Canon enters the market for magnetic heads.
1959
The Canon Flex, Canon’s first SLR camera, is introduced.
The Synchroreader is introduced.
1960
1960
Canon develops a magnetic head for use in VTRs.
1961
The company's main factory in Toride (today, the Toride Plant) is completed.
1961
"Electric-eye" boom is sparked by the introduction of the Canonet.
Canon completes Japan's first rotary microfilm system.
