• Company Name: Canon Inc.
• Founded: 10 August 1937
• Headquarters: Ōta, Tokyo, Japan
• Industry: Imaging, Optical, Electronics, Medical Equipment
• Founder Origins: Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory
• Chairman & CEO: Fujio Mitarai (as of 2025)
• Employees: Approximately 165,000 worldwide
• Global Presence: More than 300 subsidiaries with operations in over 180 countries and regions1

Canon traces its origins to 1933, when the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory was established in Tokyo with the aim of producing high-quality cameras domestically.

In 1934, the laboratory developed the Kwanon prototype, Japan’s first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera. The name ‘Kwanon’ was inspired by the Buddhist bodhisattva of mercy. In 1935, the company adopted the simpler and more internationally accessible trademark Canon, which later became its official corporate identity.1

The company was formally incorporated as Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd. in 1937, initially focusing on camera manufacturing. Over the following decades, Canon expanded its product portfolio to include:

• Camera lenses
• X-ray imaging equipment
• Calculators
• Copying machines
• Laser printers
• Office equipment
• Digital cameras
• Medical imaging systems
• Semiconductor manufacturing equipment

In 1969, the company officially changed its name to Canon Inc.1

Canon’s guiding philosophy is Kyosei, introduced in 1988.

Kyosei is defined as:

“Living and working together for the common good.”

This philosophy informs Canon’s business strategy, environmental initiatives, technological innovation and social responsibility efforts worldwide.1

Canon operates across several major sectors.

Imaging

Canon is among the world’s largest manufacturers of:

• Mirrorless cameras
• DSLR cameras
• Compact cameras
• Cinema cameras
• Camera lenses
• Binoculars

Notable product families include:

• EOS R Series
• EOS DSLR Series
• PowerShot
• RF Lenses
• EF Lenses
• Cinema EOS

Printing

Canon is a leading manufacturer of:

• Inkjet printers
• Laser printers
• Multifunction printers
• Large-format printers
• Commercial printing systems
• Office copiers

Key brands include:

• PIXMA
• MAXIFY
• imageCLASS
• imageRUNNER

Medical Systems

Canon provides healthcare technologies including:

• MRI scanners
• CT scanners
• Ultrasound systems
• X-ray equipment
• Diagnostic imaging software

Industrial Equipment

Canon also develops:

• Semiconductor lithography equipment
• OLED manufacturing systems
• Industrial cameras
• Machine vision systems
• Precision optical components1

Cameras

Canon is particularly noted for its professional and consumer cameras, including:

• EOS R1
• EOS R5
• EOS R6
• EOS R8
• EOS R50
• EOS Rebel Series
• PowerShot Series

Lenses

Canon manufactures:

• RF Mount lenses
• EF Mount lenses
• Cinema lenses
• Broadcast lenses
• Super telephoto lenses
• Macro lenses

Printers

Popular printer families include:

• PIXMA
• MAXIFY
• imageCLASS
• SELPHY photo printers

Canon has contributed numerous technological advances, including:

• Early autofocus camera systems
• Optical image stabilisation
• CMOS image sensor development
• Professional cinema imaging technology
• Laser printing technology
• High-performance RF mirrorless lens system
• Medical imaging innovations

The company consistently ranks among the world’s top patent holders.1

Canon has established a reputation for:

• High image quality
• Reliable engineering
• Durable professional equipment
• Advanced optical design
• Strong after-sales support
• Continuous research and development

Its products are widely used by:

• Professional photographers
• Filmmakers
• News organisations
• Scientists
• Medical professionals
• Businesses
• Students
• Hobbyists

Canon emphasises environmental responsibility through initiatives such as:

• Recycling programmes
• Energy-efficient manufacturing
• Carbon emission reduction
• Resource conservation
• Product life-cycle management

These efforts align with the company’s Kyosei philosophy.1

• 1933: Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory founded.
• 1934: Prototype Kwanon camera developed.
• 1935: ‘Canon’ trademark registered.
• 1937: Canon formally incorporated.
• 1965: Entered the international copier business.
• 1969: Renamed Canon Inc.
• 1975: Developed a laser printer.
• 1987: Introduced the EOS camera system.
• 2003: Launched the EOS Digital DSLR era.
• 2018: Entered the full-frame mirrorless market with the EOS R system.
• 2020s: Expanded into advanced medical, industrial and imaging technologies.1

Canon’s brand is built around:

• Innovation
• Precision
• Reliability
• Creativity
• Professional imaging excellence

Its long-standing slogan, “Delighting You Always”, reflects its focus on delivering high-quality products and customer satisfaction.1

Canon Inc. is one of the world’s most influential imaging and optical technology companies. Since its beginnings in Tokyo in the 1930s, it has evolved from a camera manufacturer into a global leader in imaging, printing, healthcare and industrial technologies. With decades of innovation, a strong commitment to quality and the philosophy of Kyosei, Canon remains one of the most trusted and recognisable brands in photography and imaging worldwide.

1. Basic Information | Canon Global