Canon
Introduction:Canon is a Japanese multinational corporation that specializes in the manufacture of Imaging and optical products including cameras, camcorders, photocopiers, steppers and computer printers. Its Headquarters are located in Ōta, Tokyo. In 1933, a small laboratory dedicated to making high-quality cameras was set up in a simple apartment room in the Roppongi area of Tokyo. At the time, all high-quality cameras were European with the majority coming from Germany. It was in this small room that young people with a big dream earnestly began their work on producing a high-quality Japanese camera, marking the beginning of Canon. Through hard work and with an enterprising spirit, they eventually succeeded in building a prototype, which was named Kwanon after the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The following year, in 1935, Japan's first-ever 35mm focal-plane-shutter camera, the Hansa Canon, was born, along with the Canon brand.
Along with the move to Meguro Ward, manufacturing the "Hansa Canon" and hiring more employees, Japan Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory appeared to have made steady growth during those days, but the actual situation was different. It was reported that the production volume ranged from a maximum of 10 cameras per month to barely one camera per week. Despite the fact that the company had introduced Japan's first 35mm rangefinder camera, its production capability did not increase, resulting in tough business conditions. In order to overcome the financial difficulties, it decided to incorporate the company.
Factory scene in 1938
Birth of the Canon Camera Co., Inc.
The Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd. after having been restored, introduced the "S II" camera, which combined the viewfinder and coupled rangefinder into a single window in October 1946. In April 1949, the "II B" camera featuring a three-mode optical viewfinder was marketed. These two models contributed to consolidating the solid post-war foundation of the company.
The Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd., changed its name to Canon Camera Co., Ltd., on September 15, 1947. The decision was made to respond to the comments by camera-loving personnel in the Occupation Forces that it was very confusing to identify Canon for cameras, Serenar for lenses, and Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd. for the manufacturer of these products. After the change of corporate name, the single unified company name, "Canon" was used for the trademarks of cameras and lenses. This meant the rebirth of the camera manufacturer with the worldwide market in view.
President Mitarai made a trip to the United States in August 1950, three years after the change of corporate name, to observe the international trade fair and the trends in the camera market, as well as to look for the opportunities to establish a sales network in the United States. He visited the Bell and Howell Company, seeking their cooperation in Canon's sales in the United States. Unfortunately, his request was turned down because Canon cameras would not be accepted in the US market, no matter how good the cameras were, as long as they were made in Japan. The second reason for the rejection was that Canon's factories were all wooden buildings that could easily catch fire.
President Mitarai immediately decided to build a new factory by purchasing the plant site of the former Fuji Aviation Instruments Co., Ltd., located in Shimomaruko, Ohta Ward in Tokyo. It was June 1951 when a new factory building was completed, made of non-inflammable materials and with the most modern facilities.
