Ricoh Company, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational technology corporation that focuses on digital workplace solutions, office equipment, commercial and industrial printing, IT services, document management, and imaging technologies. Established on February 6, 1936, the company has evolved from a manufacturer of sensitized paper into a major provider of office automation and digital transformation solutions. Headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, Ricoh operates across approximately 200 countries and regions. 1

• Company Name: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
• Founded: February 6, 1936
• Headquarters: Ōta, Tokyo, Japan
• Industry: Information Technology, Office Equipment, Digital Services
• President & CEO: Akira Oyama
• Global Presence: Around 200 countries and regions
• Employees & Group: 246 subsidiaries and affiliates (as of March 2026) 2

The origins of Ricoh are linked to the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) in Japan. In 1936, the sensitized paper division of Rikagaku Kogyo was separated to establish Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd., led by Kiyoshi Ichimura, who is recognized as the founder of Ricoh.

Significant milestones in the company’s development include:

• 1936: Founded as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd.
• 1938: Renamed Riken Optical Industries, expanding operations into cameras and optical equipment.
• 1950: Launched the Ricohflex III, contributing to the popularization of affordable cameras in Japan through mass production.
• 1955: Entered the office equipment sector with the Ricopy 101, its first copier.
• 1963: Officially adopted the name Ricoh Company, Ltd.
• 1970s onward: Expanded internationally, establishing subsidiaries in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• 2000s–present: Shifted focus from primarily hardware manufacturing to digital services, workflow automation, cloud solutions, and managed IT services.

Ricoh’s current operations encompass several key business segments:

Digital Services

The company provides solutions designed to help organizations digitize and automate business processes, including:

• Managed IT services
• Cloud services
• Workflow automation
• Document management
• Collaboration tools
• Cybersecurity support
• Digital workplace consulting

Office Equipment

Ricoh manufactures various office devices, such as:

• Multifunction printers (MFPs)
• Laser printers
• Scanners
• Digital duplicators
• Wide-format printers
• Fax systems
• Production printing systems

Commercial & Industrial Printing

High-speed digital printing systems are developed for applications in:

• Publishing
• Packaging
• Direct mail
• Textile printing
• Industrial printing

Industrial Products

The company also produces:

• Electronic components
• Precision optical equipment
• Thermal media
• Industrial inkjet printheads
• Manufacturing systems

Imaging

With a long history in photography and imaging technologies, Ricoh’s imaging business includes:

• Ricoh GR premium compact cameras
• 360° cameras (Theta series)
• Pentax interchangeable-lens cameras (through Ricoh Imaging)
• Camera lenses and accessories

The product portfolio features:

• Multifunction printers
• Office printers
• Scanners
• Digital production presses
• Interactive whiteboards
• Unified communication systems
• Workflow software
• Cloud document solutions
• Managed print services
• Digital cameras
• 360-degree cameras
• Industrial printing systems

Ricoh invests significantly in research and development, concentrating on areas such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Automation
• Digital workflow optimization
• Cloud computing
• Industrial inkjet technology
• Imaging science
• Optical engineering
• Sustainability technologies

The organization has transitioned from a hardware manufacturer to a provider of integrated digital workplace solutions, combining devices, software, and services. 3

The corporate philosophy of Ricoh is based on the “Spirit of Three Loves,” established by founder Kiyoshi Ichimura:

• Love your neighbor
• Love your country
• Love your work

Currently, the company defines its purpose as helping people achieve “Fulfillment through Work” by transforming workplaces and enabling productivity and creativity. 4

Sustainability is central to Ricoh’s corporate strategy. Initiatives include:

• Carbon emission reduction
• Renewable energy adoption
• Circular economy programs
• Energy-efficient products
• Responsible manufacturing
• ESG integration into corporate governance

The company has received recognition in global sustainability rankings for its environmental and social initiatives.

Ricoh serves customers ranging from small businesses to multinational enterprises across industries such as:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Government
• Manufacturing
• Finance
• Retail
• Legal services

Its worldwide network covers approximately 200 countries and regions through subsidiaries, distributors, and service organizations. 5

Ricoh established a direct presence in the Philippines in 1999 when Ricoh Company, Ltd. acquired the local distributor and formed Ricoh (Philippines), Inc. The Philippine subsidiary provides office automation products, managed print services, digital workplace solutions, and technical support to businesses throughout the country.

Ricoh is recognized globally as a prominent office technology company. While often associated with printers and photocopiers, its business scope has expanded into digital transformation, managed IT services, cloud-based workflow solutions, commercial printing, and imaging technologies. Its history of innovation, global reach, and emphasis on sustainability have positioned it as a significant player in the digital workplace industry.

1. Company Data | Global | Ricoh
2. Ricoh at a Glance | Global | Ricoh
3. Corporate Overview | Ricoh Philippines
4. This popular compact camera brand has been ranked on the Global 100 sustainability list for the 14th time
5. Celebrating 20 years, Three Loves, One Growing Company | Ricoh