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A History of Value Creation

Since its founding in 1937, Canon has grown by creating value through continuous self-transformation to meet the needs of society in every era.

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Development of Products and Businesses

1960

1961

Launch of Canonet
A low-priced model with internal automatic exposure mechanism rapidly became a hit product. Helped to popularize photography

キヤノネット
1964

Launch of Canola 130, the world’s first 10-key electronic calculator
This model condensed the previous format with 10 keys for each number column into a single 10-key format. The 10-key format goes on to become the de facto standard

Canola 130

1970

1970

Launch of Japan’s first domestically produced plain-paper copier (PPC)
Using its camera lens technology, succeeded in commercializing a stepper. Subsequent contributions to the development of semiconductor devices included the world’s first sub-micron level print line width

NP-1100
NP-1100
1970

Launch of Japan’s first domestically produced semiconductor lithography equipment
Using its camera lens technology, succeeded in commercializing a stepper. Subsequent contributions to the development of semiconductor devices included the world’s first sub-micron level print line width

PPC-1
PPC-1

1980

1984

Launch of world’s smallest, lightest laser printer
Contributed to the realization of desktop publishing, followed by the rapid spread of laser printers

LBP-8
LBP-8
1985

Launch of the world’s first inkjet printer using Bubble Jet technology
Subsequently developed superior miniaturization and color printing technologies, leading to the popularization of high-resolution, full-color printing at home

BJ-80
BJ-80
1987

Launch of CLC-1, the world’s first digital full-color copying machine
In an era dominated by monochrome copying, realized high-resolution, full-color copying, marking the start of a new era

CLC-1
CLC-1

1990

1990

Start of toner cartridge recycling program
Quickly recognizing the large volume of consumed cartridges as an issue for companies, started a recycling program
1999

Developed and manufactured a corrector for the Subaru Telescope
Enabled cosmic observation over a wide field and expedited research aimed at illuminating the origins of space


Subaru Telescope (USA Hawaii)

2000

2000

Launch of iR series new-generation network MFDs
Realized seamless linking of input and output of paper and digital documents and enabled digitization of paper documents and output from remote locations
2000

Launch of PowerShot S100 DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS in other regions), the world’s smallest, lightest digital compact camera
A high-image-quality digital camera that was stylish and easy to carry became a hit product
2007

Expansion of industrial equipment business
Canon Tokki (formerly Tokki) joined the Group. Contributed to spread of devices using OLED displays through successful realization of OLED panel manufacturing equipment in the 2010s

2010

2010

Expansion of digital commercial printing business
Canon Production Printing (formerly Océ) joined the Group. Promoted advanced digital printing that doesn’t require plates
2011

Launch of Cinema EOS System
New possibilities in visual expression for the motion picture production industry 2015

2015

Strengthening of network camera field
Leading global company Axis Communications joined the Group. Expanded Canon’s presence in the field of public security

2016

Expansion of the medical business
Canon Medical Systems (formerly Toshiba Medical Systems) joined the Group. Expanded businesses that serve patients and medical institutions

2018

Opened the Canon Eco Technology Park, an automated recycling plant
Developed as a site for communicating environmental activities. The plant, designed for recycling MFDs and toner cartridges in a clean environment, includes experiential showroom