Olympus 100th Anniversary

Olympus was founded in Japan on October 12, 1919 under the name K.K. Takachiho Seisakusho (㈱高千穂製作所, meaning Takachiho Works Co., Ltd.) by Yamashita Takeshi (山下長) initially producing microscopes for the Japanese market, because at that time, Japan imported all its microscopes (and other instruments), mainly from Germany. Yamashita Takeshi, the founder of the Company, had a strong desire to create something truly original, believing that mere imitations of imported products would not suffice. In the following year, Yamashita’s dream of producing a domestic microscope was realized with the introduction of the Asahi — the first microscope manufactured by Takachiho. Thereafter, the same optical technologies developed for our microscopes and the Company’s focus on specialist needs, continued to be applied and infused into additional innovations, including the Company’s first camera — the Semi-Olympus I — and the world’s first practical gastro-camera, a precursor to the endoscope. This approach has carried Olympus through to the present day.

Throughout our rich history, Olympus has been known for pioneering many “world's first” products and providing innovative, advanced products and services in the medical, scientific solutions and imaging fields. As Olympus marks its 100th Anniversary in October 2019, employees around the world will celebrate and reflect on the Company’s history, while also looking to the future as we move forward and continue to realize Our Purpose of “Making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling” as a forward-looking innovator.

Olympus 100th Anniversary logo commemorates the historic milestone and embodies the Company's determination to reach new heights. During this Olympus 100th Anniversary year, all Olympus employees will take part in a variety of activities, uniting the company across the globe and contributing to the communities in which we live and work.

Going forward, Olympus will continue to contribute to society by making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling around the world.