Nikon is marking its 109th anniversary today, putting the spotlight on the early history of one of Japan's most recognizable imaging and optics brands.
The anniversary traces back to July 25, 1917, when the company was established in Tokyo as Nippon Kogaku Kogyo Kabushikigaisha, also known in English as Japan Optical Industries Co., Ltd. The company says its creation came from a merger involving Tokyo Keiki's optical instruments division and mirror-related operations.
That background highlights Nikon's roots in precision optics, long before the name became closely linked with cameras and photography gear around the world. The founding story reflects an industrial beginning centered on optical manufacturing in Tokyo.
The 109-year milestone serves as a reminder of how long Nikon has been part of Japan's technology and manufacturing landscape. For followers of the brand, the anniversary is a simple but notable look back at where Nikon began in 1917.
