My OperaHistory of Canon !
Sunday, October 21, 2007 1:23:36 PM
1933 Opening of the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory.
A description of Canon's history would not be complete without mention of the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, from where Canon traces its roots. The Laboratory was founded in 1933 in a third-floor apartment of the Takekawaya Building in Roppongi, Azabu Ward, Tokyo. Its objective was to produce high-grade cameras.
The Laboratory was set up jointly by a young man named Goro Yoshida, a passionate camera-lover, and his brother-in-law, Saburo Uchida. Their aim was to make cameras that could compete with the German models that were considered the most advanced of the day.
They started by analyzing existing cameras, which were difficult to obtain. Step by step, they studied each camera's internal workings, examined mechanisms, drew up design diagrams and procured parts. Funds to support this research came from Takeshi Mitarai, a close friend of Uchida. Mitarai later become president of the company and built its foundation.
As can be seen, Canon initially started out as a venture capital enterprise.
The modern Takekawaya Building in Roppongi, Tokyo
Source : www.canon.com
A description of Canon's history would not be complete without mention of the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, from where Canon traces its roots. The Laboratory was founded in 1933 in a third-floor apartment of the Takekawaya Building in Roppongi, Azabu Ward, Tokyo. Its objective was to produce high-grade cameras.
The Laboratory was set up jointly by a young man named Goro Yoshida, a passionate camera-lover, and his brother-in-law, Saburo Uchida. Their aim was to make cameras that could compete with the German models that were considered the most advanced of the day.
They started by analyzing existing cameras, which were difficult to obtain. Step by step, they studied each camera's internal workings, examined mechanisms, drew up design diagrams and procured parts. Funds to support this research came from Takeshi Mitarai, a close friend of Uchida. Mitarai later become president of the company and built its foundation.
As can be seen, Canon initially started out as a venture capital enterprise.
The modern Takekawaya Building in Roppongi, Tokyo
Source : www.canon.com
