For the fiscal year ended March 2025, Olympus reported consolidated revenue of approximately ¥997.3 billion, with operations spanning roughly 40 countries and regions.1

The company traces its history to 1919, when Takeshi Yamashita founded Takachiho Seisakusho in Tokyo.2 His original ambition differed significantly from the corporation’s modern identity: he sought to establish domestic Japanese production of microscopes, which at the time relied heavily on foreign technology. The firm launched its first microscope, the Asahi, in 1920.2

The trademark “Olympus” was subsequently adopted, inspired by Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the gods in Greek mythology. This choice also created a conceptual link with the company’s Japanese name, Takachiho, which carries its own associations within Japanese mythology.2

The company underwent several name changes throughout its history:

• 1919: Takachiho Seisakusho
• 1942: Takachiho Optical Co., Ltd.
• 1949: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
• 2003: Olympus Corporation1

Olympus’s early expertise was rooted in precision optics. Microscope manufacturing was particularly significant as it established foundational capabilities in precision lens manufacturing, optical engineering, miniature mechanical components, imaging and precision manufacturing. These competencies eventually formed the technological basis for both the camera business and the medical endoscopy division.

This shared heritage is a crucial aspect of the company’s history; cameras and medical equipment were not unrelated ventures. Both emerged from fundamental expertise in optics, imaging, miniaturisation and precision engineering.

Olympus entered the camera industry in the 1930s. In 1936, it introduced the Semi-Olympus I, its first camera, which utilised a Zuiko lens and established the Zuiko optical brand.3

Major photographic milestones

1936 — Semi-Olympus I
The company’s first Olympus-branded camera.

1959 — Olympus Pen
Utilising a half-frame format, the Pen allowed photographers to capture twice as many exposures from a standard 35mm film roll. It became one of the company’s most successful designs.3

1963 — Olympus Pen F
A remarkably compact interchangeable-lens half-frame SLR that marked a significant milestone in compact camera design.3

1972 — OM-1
Originally introduced as the M-1 before being renamed, this compact 35mm SLR became a signature product. Its diminutive size helped establish the brand’s reputation for compact, lightweight photographic equipment.3

1990s — μ / Stylus
The compact μ series made Olympus particularly prominent in the consumer point-and-shoot market.

1996 — CAMEDIA
Marked the entry into the consumer digital camera era with the CAMEDIA C-800L/C-400L.3

2003 — E-1
Introduction of the E-1, an interchangeable-lens digital SLR based on the Four Thirds System.3

2008 — Micro Four Thirds
Joint announcement with Panasonic of the Micro Four Thirds standard, designed for smaller interchangeable-lens cameras.3

2009 — PEN E-P1
Revival of the historic PEN name in a modern mirrorless digital camera.

2012 — OM-D E-M5
The OM-D line combined classic OM design philosophy with modern mirrorless technology.3

Olympus developed a distinctive philosophy centred on small size, low weight and innovative engineering. Rather than competing solely through larger sensors or professional-grade bodies, the company frequently focused on maximising photographic capability within a compact form factor. This approach is evident across its history, from the Pen and OM series to its digital Micro Four Thirds cameras.

The company also pioneered or popularised technologies including compact SLR designs, half-frame photography, weather-resistant compact cameras, digital SLR systems, Micro Four Thirds, in-body image stabilisation and computational photography features. OM Digital Solutions describes the inherited imaging philosophy as emphasising compact and lightweight design, reliability and unconventional approaches to imaging.3

Medical technology eventually became far more strategically significant to Olympus than cameras. The company began developing medical imaging technology relatively early; in 1950, it developed what it describes as the world’s first practical gastrocamera.2 This achievement enabled physicians to examine the interior of the stomach using a miniature optical imaging system.

Subsequent developments included gastroscopes, fibre-optic endoscopes, surgical endoscopes, endoscopic imaging systems, therapeutic instruments and minimally invasive surgical technologies. By combining optics with miniaturisation, Olympus became a major player in gastrointestinal endoscopy and minimally invasive medicine, ultimately transforming its corporate identity from an optical manufacturer to a medical technology company.

While cameras built consumer recognition, endoscopy established Olympus’s strategic importance in healthcare. Endoscopes allow physicians to visualise the body’s interior through narrow instruments, reducing reliance on open surgery. The portfolio has expanded from early gastrocameras to include flexible and rigid endoscopes, high-definition digital imaging, surgical visualisation, treatment instruments, therapeutic devices and integrated systems.2

The medical business focuses heavily on early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.1

A defining aspect of Olympus’s history is that its two major identities—camera manufacturer and medical company—developed from similar technological foundations. Both domains require progression through optics, miniaturisation, imaging, precision mechanics, electronics and digital image processing. While a camera places a lens and sensor outside the body, an endoscope positions a miniature optical system inside it. This overlap facilitated unusually transferable expertise between consumer and medical imaging.

For decades, Olympus was among the world’s best-known Japanese camera brands. Major photographic families included:

• OM: Classic 35mm SLR system renowned for compactness and mechanical sophistication.
• PEN: Legendary half-frame family later revived as a digital mirrorless line.
• μ / Stylus: Compact consumer cameras famous for stylish, pocketable designs and weather resistance.
• CAMEDIA: Digital compact camera line.
• Four Thirds: Digital SLR standard based on a smaller sensor format and dedicated lenses.
• Micro Four Thirds: Mirrorless system developed jointly with Panasonic.
• OM-D: Mirrorless family inspired by the original OM SLR concept.
• Tough: Rugged compact cameras designed for outdoor and underwater use.

The most significant change in Olympus’s modern history occurred around 2020–2021. Facing challenges from the shifting consumer camera market and the rise of smartphones, Olympus announced in 2020 an agreement to transfer its imaging business to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP). The transaction was completed on 1 January 2021, with the business transferred to a new entity, OM Digital Solutions Corporation.1

Consequently, cameras traditionally referred to as “Olympus cameras” are no longer produced by Olympus Corporation.

Following the transfer, OM Digital Solutions introduced the OM SYSTEM brand. In October 2021, the company announced that former Olympus imaging and audio products would transition to this new branding.5 The lineage is now structured as follows:

Olympus Corporation → Historical imaging division → Transferred to Japan Industrial Partners → OM Digital Solutions → OM SYSTEM

Modern products such as the OM-1, OM-5 and OM-series lenses belong to OM Digital Solutions rather than Olympus Corporation’s current medical business.

Olympus is now primarily a medical technology company. Its business centres on technologies that assist healthcare professionals in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease, performing minimally invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes. Major areas include endoscopic and therapeutic solutions.2

The company states its purpose as “Making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling.”1 As of April 2025, it reports operations in approximately 40 countries and regions, with technologies addressing more than 100 diseases or conditions.4

The modern corporate identity differs markedly from historical public perception. Where Olympus was once synonymous with cameras, lenses and microscopes, it is now defined by medical technology, endoscopy and minimally invasive treatment. Photography remains part of the corporate history but is no longer the primary business. The separation of the imaging division marked the end of a significant era.

Another key distinction concerns the former scientific and industrial divisions. Historically, Olympus produced microscopes, industrial inspection equipment, scientific imaging systems and non-destructive testing equipment. These businesses have since been separated and are now associated with Evident. Olympus explicitly states that its former Life Science Solutions and Industrial Solutions products are no longer owned or controlled by Olympus Corporation and are marketed by Evident.2

The historical ecosystem has effectively split into distinct successors:

This distinction is essential for research, as the name “Olympus” may refer to different entities depending on the period.

• 1919: Takeshi Yamashita establishes Takachiho Seisakusho in Tokyo to manufacture microscopes domestically.2
• 1920: First Asahi microscope goes on sale.
• 1921: Olympus is registered as a trademark.2
• 1936: First Olympus camera, the Semi-Olympus I, is launched.
• 1949: Company becomes Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
• 1950: Development of the world’s first practical gastrocamera.
• 1959: Olympus Pen launches.
• 1963: Pen F launches.
• 1972: OM-1 launches.
• 1980s–1990s: Becomes a major manufacturer of compact film cameras.
• 1996: Enters consumer digital photography with CAMEDIA.
• 2003: Company name becomes Olympus Corporation; E-1 DSLR launches.
• 2008: Micro Four Thirds standard announced with Panasonic.
• 2009: PEN E-P1 launches.
• 2012: OM-D E-M5 launches.
• 2020: Planned transfer of imaging business announced.
• 2021: Imaging business officially transferred to OM Digital Solutions; OM SYSTEM brand introduced.15
• 2026: Continues to operate primarily as a global medical technology company, expanding therapeutic and endoscopic portfolios.1

Several recurring themes define the Olympus story:

• Precision: Originating in precision optical instruments, this engineering culture persisted throughout the company’s history.
• Miniaturisation: A consistent focus on making sophisticated technology smaller, whether in cameras or medical instruments.
• Imaging: From microscopes to endoscopes, creating useful images has been central to technological development.
• Innovation: Pursuit of designs differing from mainstream approaches, from half-frame cameras to minimally invasive medical devices.
• Human benefit: Contemporary purpose explicitly focused on healthcare and improving quality of life.2

Olympus is notable for its long evolution across microscopes, cameras, digital imaging and medical imaging. Its history encompasses three major eras:

• 1919–1950s (Optical Era): Microscopes, lenses and precision instruments.
• 1950s–2010s (Imaging Era): Cameras, photographic lenses, SLRs and mirrorless systems alongside expanding medical technology.
• 2020s–present (Medical Technology Era): Primary focus on healthcare, while the former camera business continues independently under OM SYSTEM.

Understanding the difference between Olympus Corporation and OM SYSTEM is critical. Although they share a historical lineage, they are distinct entities today.

• Olympus Corporation: Focuses on medical technology, endoscopy, surgical technologies, therapeutic devices and healthcare.
• OM Digital Solutions / OM SYSTEM: Focuses on mirrorless cameras, M.Zuiko lenses, Tough cameras, audio products and imaging technology.

Olympus Corporation confirmed the imaging business transfer in 2021, while OM Digital Solutions describes its history as the continuation of the former Olympus Imaging business.1

1. About Us : OLYMPUS
2. Milestones – Olympus UK & Ireland
3. 올림푸스
4. Business Overview | Olympus
5. Announcement of the New OM System Brand | OM SYSTEM