The History of Canon - Canon South & Southeast Asia

Prologue up to the birth of Canon

1933

• Canon’s predecessor
  Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, is founded in Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, to conduct research into quality cameras.
   

1934

• Japan’s first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera
  The Kwanon, is produced in prototype form.
  
   

1935

• The company files for registration of the “Canon” trademark.
   

1936

• The Hansa Canon, a 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera, is introduced.
   

1937

• Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd. is founded.
   

1939

• In-house production of Serenar Lens commences.
   

1940

• Japan’s first indirect X-ray camera is developed.
  
   

1942

• Takeshi Mitarai is appointed president of Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd.
  
   

1945

• Production commences for the midrange J II focal-plane-shutter camera.
   

1946

• The Ginza Camera Service Station opens.
• The Canon S II is introduced, receiving great acclaim from ranking officers in the Occupation Forces and foreign buyers in Japan.

1947

• The company becomes Canon Camera Co., Inc.
• Government designates Canon cameras priority exports when Japan resumes export activities.
   

1949

• Canon shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the first time when postwar stock trading resumes.
• The Canon II B wins first prize at a national camera exhibition held in San Francisco.
   

1951

• Canon concentrates head office and manufacturing plants in Shimomaruko, Ohta-ku, Tokyo.
   

1952

• The Canon IVSb, the world’s first speed-light synchronized 35 mm flash-and shutter camera, is introduced.

1954

• Canon and the NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories jointly develop a television camera to prepare for the commencement of television broadcasting.
   

1955

• Canon’s New York branch office is opened.
  
   

1956

• Supplier of precision components Chichibu Eikosha Co., Ltd. (today, Canon Electronics Inc.) becomes a Canon affiliate.
• The Canon 8T, an 8 mm cinecamera, is introduced.

1957

• Canon Europa, the sole European distributor, is established in Geneva.
• The Canon L1 still camera and Canon 8T 8 mm cine-camera become the first products to receive the Good Design product designation awarded by Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
   

1958

• A field zoom lens for television broadcasting is introduced.
   

1959

• Through a tie-up with Documat Inc. of the U.S., Canon enters the micrographics market.
• Canon enters the market for magnetic heads.
• The Canon Flex, Canon’s first SLR camera, is introduced.
• The Synchroreader is introduced.

1960

• Canon develops a magnetic head for use in VTRs.

1961

• The company’s main factory in Toride (today, the Toride Plant) is completed.
• “Electric-eye” boom is sparked by the introduction of the Canonet.
• Canon completes Japan’s first rotary microfilm system.

First five-year plan

1962

• Canon develops its first five-year plan in preparation for full-fledged entry into the business machine market.
• Canon Latin America, the company’s sole distributor for Latin America, is established in Panama.
   

1963

• Canon SA Geneva is established.
  By abolishing the sole-distributor system, Canon moves to a new sales system, with outlets under the direct control of the headquarters in Tokyo.
• Canon starts work on optical fiber development.
• An X-ray mirror camera is introduced.
   

1964

• Tamagawa factory (today, the Tamagawa Office) opens, producing 8 mm movie cameras and lenses.
• The Canola 130, the world’s first 10-key electronic calculator, is introduced.
  
   

1965

• Canon U.S.A., Inc., is established.
• Canon enters the copying machine field with the introduction of the Canofax 1000.
   

1967

• The 30th anniversary slogan
  “Cameras in the Right Hand, Business Machines in the Left”- is announced.
• The ratio of exports to net sales surpasses 50%.
• Canon Latin America, Inc., is established.
   

1968

• Canon Business Machines Sales, Inc., is established in Japan.
• Canon Amsterdam N.V. (today, Canon Europa N.V.) is established.
• The Canon NP System, the original electro-photography technology, is introduced and Canon enters the plain-paper copier (PPC) market.
• Canon Electronics is successful in the mass production of four-track, four-channel stereo recording heads.
   

1969

• The company’s name is changed to Canon Inc.
• Canon Camera Sales Co., Inc., is founded for Japanese marketing.
• The Canon Research Center is established in Meguro, Tokyo.
• Fukushima Canon Inc. is established as a camera manufacturing plant.
• The world’s first lens employing fluorite is introduced.
   

1970

• Canon Inc., Taiwan, Canon’s first manufacturing facility outside of Japan, is established.
• Canon enters the market for personal calculators.
• The NP-1100, Japan’s first PPC, is introduced.
  
• The PPC-1, Japan's first mask aligner, is introduced.
  
   

1971

• Canon Business Machines Sales, Inc., and Canon Camera Sales Co., Ltd., merge to form Canon Sales Co., Inc.
• The Canon F-1, a top-end SLR camera, and FD lenses are introduced.
• The BP-1000 billing machine is introduced. Canon enters the field of office computers.
   

1972

• Canon Giessen GmbH, Canon’s first European manufacturing site, is established in Germany.
• The NP-70, the world's first PPC with the liquid-dry system, is introduced.
   

1973

• Canon Deutschland GmbH is established.
• Japan's first full-colour PPC is introduced.
• A macro zoom lens for cinematography wins an Academy Award in the science and technology category from the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
   

1974

• Takeo Maeda is appointed president of Canon Inc.
  
• Canon Business Machines, Inc., is established in California, U.S.A.
• Optron, Inc. (today, Canon Optron, Inc.) is established.
• The Canonac 100 and 500 office computers are introduced.
• The Communicator, a portable “tape-writer” for the speech impaired, is announced.
• Canon initiates sales of the Optacon, an electronic reader for the blind.
   

1975

• Canon France S.A.S. is established.
• Canon succeeds in developing a laser printer.

The first Premier Company Plan

1976

• The first Premier Company Plan is launched.
  A committee is established to discuss Canon development, production and sales systems.
• The Kosugi office opens as a base for optical equipment.
• Canon (U.K.) Ltd. is established.
• Canon enters the facsimile machine market.
• The AE-1 SLR camera with a built-in micro-computer is introduced, triggering an AE boom.
  
• The CR-45NM, the world’s first nonmydriatic retinal camera, is introduced.
   

1977

• Ryuzaburo Kaku is appointed president of Canon Inc.
  
• The Utsunomiya plant of Tochigi Canon Inc. (today, Canon Inc.’s Utsunomiya Plant) opens.
• The K-35 series of lenses for cinematography wins an Academy Award from the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
   

1978

• A product-specific business division structure is introduced.
• Canon Australia Pty. Ltd. is established.
• Canon begins offering colour copying services.
• The NP-8500, the world’s first retention-type copying machine, is introduced.
• The PLA-500FA, the world’s first mask aligner with a laser-based automatic alignment system, is introduced.
   

1979

• Copyer Co., Ltd. becomes an affiliated company.
• Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is established.
• Overseas sales exceed ¥100 billion for the first time.
• The LBP-10, using a semiconductor laser, is introduced.
  
• The AF35M, a fully automatic AF compact camera, is introduced.
• A mini floppy disk drive is introduced.
   

1980

• The Canoword 55 Japanese-language word processor, the first such product with roman alphabet inputting, is introduced.
  
• The Telefax B-601, Japan’s first G2 fax, is introduced.
• The Auto Ref R-1, an automatic refractometer, is introduced.
   

1981

• The Hiratsuka Plant opens as the Component Development Center.
• The Ami Plant opens as a precision equipment factory for the manufacture of facsimiles and precision molds.
• The Ueno Plant opens as a copying machine and laser printer chemical product manufacturing factory.
• The NP-8500 SUPER, an ultrahigh-speed copying machine capable of producing 135 copies per minute, is introduced.
• The New F-1, a professional-use system SLR, is introduced.
• A CVC video system is introduced.
   

1982

• The Second Premier Company Plan is launched.
• Oita Canon Inc. is established in Japan.
• The PC-10 and PC-20, the world’s first personal copying machines with replaceable cartridges, are introduced.
• The HT-3000 handy terminal is introduced.
• The AS-100 16-bit personal computer is introduced.
• The AP400 and AP500 electronic typewriters (for Western languages) are introduced.
• The Crib-O-Gram, an audio-visual tester for infants, is introduced.
   

1983

• Canon Bretagne S.A.S. is established in France.
• The Utsunomiya Optical Products Plant opens as a factory to manufacture mask aligners and peripheral equipment.
• The CanoWord Mini 5 personal-use word processor is introduced.
• The MyCard, credit card-sized calculator, is introduced.
• The T50 SLR camera is introduced and wins Japan’s 1983 Good Design Grand Prize.
   

1984

• A joint technology agreement is signed in the PRC.
  Copying machine production starts at facilities in Zhanjiang and Tianjin.
• Canon Components, Inc. is established in Japan.
• Canon starts OEM supply of laser printers to Hewlett Packard Co. of the U.S.
• The PC Printer 70 is introduced as the world’s first plain-paper reader/printer for COM.
• Canon announces laser beam facsimile machines.
• Practical tests of a still video camcorder are conducted at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
• The digital laser copying machine system NP-9030 is introduced.
• The LBP-8/CX, the world's smallest and lightest laser printer, is introduced.
• The FPA-1500FA stepper for 1 MDRAM is introduced.
• The PV14 x 12.5B HD, a zoom lens for high-definition television, is announced.
   

1985

• Canon Virginia, Inc., is established in the U.S.A.
• Lotte Canon Co., Ltd. (today, Canon Korea Business Solutions Inc.), a joint venture, is established in the ROK.
• The BJ-80, the world's first inkjet printer using Bubble Jet technology, is introduced.
• The Canofile 5500 electronic filing system is introduced.
• The EZPS5300 electronic editing and printing system is introduced.
• The Canovision 8 VM-E1, an 8 mm video camcorder, is introduced.
   

1986

• A tie-up agreement covering ISDN fax interface technology is concluded with Siemens AG of Germany.
• A tie-up agreement covering advanced medical equipment is concluded with Eastman Kodak Co. of the U.S.
• The FC-3 and FC-5 portable personal-use copying machines are introduced.
• The FAX L3100, conforming to the G4 standard, is introduced.
• The Canola BP1210-D, a Bubble Jet desktop calculator, is introduced.
• The T90 high-performance electronic SLR camera is introduced.
• The RC-701, the world’s first still video camera, and video system is introduced.
• Sales begin for the Auto Keratometer RK-1, which can measure both refractivity and corneal shape.
• Canon’s Corner Cube Reflector is installed in the Ajisai geodetic satellite.
   

1987

• The Canon Foundation is established to provide assistance for research into mutual understanding between Japan and Europe.
• Canon licenses camera technologies to GoldStar Precision of Korea, which begins production.
• The CLC-1, a digital full-colour copying machine, is introduced.
• The EOS autofocus SLR camera is introduced along with a range of EF lenses.
  
• The Board Copier A-1, an electronic blackboard that can print on plain paper, is introduced.
• Sales of the CanoWord α series Japanese word processor begin.
• Canon launches a broadcasting lens with 50x zoom, then the highest zoom ratio in the world.
• Sales of CAPLAS, a CAE software application for use in injection molding, commence.

The first Premier Company Plan

1988

• Canon announces its second inauguration with the launch of the First Global Corporation Plan, which introduces the corporate philosophy of kyosei.
• Canon Research Centre Europe Ltd. is established in the U.K.
• Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is established.
• Canon Business Machines de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. is established.
• Nagahama Canon Inc. is established in Japan.
• Canon becomes the first Japanese company to qualify for an in-house certification system using the CSA mark (Canadian electrical safety standard).
• PC series personal-use copying machine production reaches 2 million units.
• The Colour Bubble Jet Copier A1 is introduced.
• Sales of Canon’s optical disk system commence.
• Sales commence for the FAX 705, with Canon’s GENESIS digital image-processing technology.
• The RC-760 still video camera incorporating a 600,000 pixel CCD, the world’s largest, is introduced.
• The Q-PIC floppy disk camera is introduced.
   

1989

• Keizo Yamaji is appointed president of Canon Inc.
  
• Canon acquires equity in NeXT Inc. of the U.S., in exchange for sales rights for the Far East.
• Canon Dalian Business Machines, Inc., is established in the PRC.
• NP copying machine production reaches 5 million units.
• The CLC-500 colour laser copying machine is introduced.
  
• The Ai Note IN-3000, a PDA with handwritten input capability, is introduced.
• The EOS-1, a top-of-the-line autofocus SLR camera, is introduced.
• The A1 (A1Hi in other regions), an 8 mm video camcorder with high-end specifications, is introduced.
   

1990

• Canon forms the Environment Assurance Promotion Committee.
• Canon launches its toner cartridge recycling system.
• Canon Information Systems Research Australia Pty. Ltd. is established.
• Canon Information Systems R&D Europe Ltd. (today, Canon Research Centre France S.A.S.) is established.
• Canon Zhuhai, Inc. is established in the PRC.
• Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand) Ltd. is established.
• Niigata Canotech Co., Inc. (today, Canon Imaging Systems Inc.) is established.
• The NP9800, the world's first high-speed copying machine to incorporate fuzzy logic, is introduced.
• The BJ-10v notebook-size inkjet printer is introduced.
  
• The Canofile 250, an electronic filing system using magneto-optical disks, is introduced.
• The FPA-2000i1, an i-line stepper, is introduced.
   

1991

• Canon wins the first Chairman’s Award from the National Geographic Society for commencing the collection and recycling of toner cartridges.
• Canon succeeds in developing the world’s first display based on ferroelectric liquid crystal display (FLCD) technology.
• The L1 (EX1Hi in other regions), an 8 mm video camcorder with interchangeable lenses conforming to the VL-mount standard, is introduced.
   

1992

• Canon Seiko Co., Ltd. and Canon Chemical Co., Inc. merge to form Canon Chemicals Inc.
• Canon Electronic Business Machines (H.K.) Co., Ltd. begins operations.
• Laser printer production reaches 10 million units.
• Toner cartridge production reaches 100 million units.
• Canon develops world’s first 1-chip LSI featuring complete conformance with the JBIG (Joint Bilevel Image Group) advanced digital image compression scheme.
• Canon and the NHK Engineering Service Foundation jointly develop a high-speed camera conforming to the Hi-Vision format.
• The CLC550, the world’s first copying machine with anti-forgery technology, is introduced.
• The GP55, a digital copying machine combining superior image quality with computer compatibility, is introduced.
• Sales begin for the NP6030 copying machine, with an ecological design.
• Canon’s first full-colour inkjet printer, BJC-820, is introduced.
• The EOS 5, the world’s first eye-controlled AF SLR camera, is introduced.
• The T10G-RF, a video camcorder lens with image stabilizer using Canon’s Vari-Angle Prism, is introduced.

1993

• Hajime Mitarai is appointed president of Canon Inc.
  
• The Second Global Corporation Plan is initiated.
• Canon Group Environmental Charter is established.
• Copying machine production reaches 10 million units.
• Canon and IBM Japan, Ltd. jointly develop the world’s first notebook-size personal computer with a built-in printer.
• The Pixel Jet S, a full-colour inkjet copying machine, is introduced.
• The EOS REBEL XS (EOS 500 in other regions), a lightweight, compact SLR camera with built-in flash, is introduced.
   

1994

• Canon and IBM Corp. of the U.S. form tie-ups for the development and production of small computers using the PowerPC range of chips.
• The 5,000th mask aligner is produced.
• Inkjet printer production reaches 10 million units.
• The Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation rewards Canon with the Imperial Award for Innovations for its Bubble Jet printing system.
• The world’s first automatic-duplexing colour laser copying machine, the CLC800, is introduced.
• The Movie Boy E1 video camcorder with eye-controlled focusing and optical image stabilizer is introduced.
   

1995

• Fujio Mitarai is appointed president of Canon Inc.
  
• Canon forms the CS (customer satisfaction) Promotion Committee.
• Canon, in a first for a Japanese company, earns certification under the BS7750 international environmental standard for its Ami and Ueno plants.
• Custom Integrated Technology, Inc., a remanufacturing site for copying machines, is established in Virginia, U.S.A.
• Toner cartridge collection reaches 10 million units.
• After a 34-year hiatus, Canon reenters the binocular market with its 12 x 36 IS model, which compensates for hand-shake by incorporating Canon’s Vari-Angle Prism.
• Canon’s first digital SLR camera, EOS DCS 3, is introduced.
• The world’s first FLCD is commercialized.
• The EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world’s first camera lens with image stabilizer, is introduced.
• The CLC1000, a high-speed, full-colour copying machine with four photosensitive drums, is introduced.
  
• The SURE SHOT DEL SOL (PRIMA SOL in other regions), the world’s first fully solar powered camera, is introduced.

The Excellent Global Corporation Plan-I

1996

• The Excellent Global Corporation Plan is initiated.
• The Fuji-Susono Research Park opens in Susono, Japan.
• Industrial Resource Technologies, Inc., a toner cartridge-recycling site, is established in Virginia, U.S.A.
• Canon Latin America, Inc. moves to Miami, U.S.A.
• Canon Virginia ships its 5,000th remanufactured copying machine.
• The ELPH (IXUS in other regions), a 2x zoom compact camera with the Advanced Photo System, is introduced.
  
• Marketing commences for the FPA-3000EX3 stepper, which uses an excimer laser.
   

1997

• Green Procurement standards, promoting the purchase of environmentally friendly components and materials, are issued.
• Canon (China) Co., Ltd. is established.
• A new building is opened in the Kosugi Office of Canon Inc. as a base for business solutions and information technology activities.
• Tianjin Canon Co, Ltd, a copying machine manufacturing site, is established in the PRC.
• Camera production reaches 100 million units.
• Canon enters the digital video camcorder market with the OPTURA (MV1 in other regions).
   

1998

• Canon forms the Management Reformation Committee.
• Canon commences Group-wide production reform activities.
• Copying machine remanufacturing commences in Japan. Canon thus maintains such operations in Europe, the U.S. and Japan.
• Canon Software Development Center is established in New Delhi, India.
• Canon Inc. acquires equity in Tokyo Denshi Sekei Inc. (today, Canon i-tech, Inc.)
• Beijing PeCan Information System Co., Ltd.
  (Today, Canon Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.), a joint venture with Peking University, is established to develop software.
• Canon Middle East B.V. is established in the U.A.E.
• The DIGISUPER 25 XS broadcasting lens for high-definition television (HDTV) is introduced.
• The EOS-3 SLR camera with a 45-point area AF is introduced for professionals and semiprofessionals.
• Marketing begins for the CXDI-11 X-ray digital camera, with a large-area sensor.
   

1999

• The Ayase Office opens with the goal of reinforcing the R&D structure for semiconductor-related devices.
• Oita Canon Materials Inc. is established.
• Canon optical technologies are applied in the Subaru, one of the world’s largest astronomical telescopes.
• The BJC-8200 full-colour inkjet printer is introduced, featuring a new printing head technology, New “MicroFine Droplet Technology.”
• The compact GT270 eyeglass display is introduced.
   

2000

• Canon Inc. begins listing its American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
  
• Canon holds Canon EXPO 2000 global technology and product exhibitions in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
• Canon receives the Miles Supreme Award from the Society of Japanese Value Engineering.
• The Optics R&D Center opens in Utsunomiya, Japan.
• Canon receives the prestigious Copier of the Future IEA-DSM Award of Excellence.
• The PowerShot S100 DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS in other regions), a digital compact camera, is introduced.
  
• The iR series new-generation network MFD is introduced, providing document collation and distribution functions.
• The EOS D30 digital SLR camera is introduced, featuring a CMOS sensor.
   

2001

• Phase II of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan is initiated.
• Canon forms the Management Strategy Committee.
• Canon Europe Ltd. is established in London to cooperate with Canon Europa N.V. in the Netherlands to reinforce regional operations.
• Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd. is established in Hanoi as a production site for inkjet printers.
• Three companies in the Canon Group establish a copying machine production site in Suzhou, PRC.
• Canon Zhongshan Business Machines Co., Ltd., the Group's third laser printer production site in the PRC, is established.
• Canon develops the Multi-Layered Diffractive Optical Element technology.
• Canon introduces the first "camera direct" products, which allow digital pictures to be printed using an inkjet printer directly from a camera.
• The imageRUNNER 3300 (iR3300 in other regions), featuring environmentally conscious technologies, is introduced.
  
   

2002

• Fujio Mitarai, Canon Inc. president and CEO, is one of the first executives to receive a Business Reformer Commendation from the Japanese government.
• Canon Inc.’s new headquarters building opens in Shimomaruko, Tokyo.
• Ueno Canon Materials, Inc. is established.
• The EOS-1Ds pro-model digital SLR camera, featuring Canon’s 11.1-megapixel full-frame 35 mm CMOS sensor, is introduced.
• The LBP-2810/2710 colour laser printer, featuring the newly developed Four-Colour Vertical In-Line Engine, is introduced.
• The Colour imageRUNNER C3200 (iR C3200 in other regions), a colour network MFD with a newly developed Colour iR Controller, is introduced.
   

2003

• Canon Aptex Inc. and Copyer Co., Ltd. merge to form Canon Finetech Inc.
• Fukushima Canon Inc. is established as a base for high value-added mass production for the inkjet printer business.
• Canon (China) Co., Ltd. establishes 15 branch offices.
• Canon Technical Information Services Inc. is established.
• Implementation of an eco-friendly product transport modal shift begins.
• The DIGISUPER 100 XS broadcasting lens, featuring the world’s highest zoom lens range is introduced.
  
• The i70 (Bubble Jet i70 in other regions), an ultra-compact inkjet notebook printer, is introduced.
• The W8200, a large format printer using pigmented ink, is introduced.
• Canon begins shipping the 80-nanometer resolution ArF scanning stepper FPA-6000AS4.
• The EOS DIGITAL REBEL (EOS 300D DIGITAL in other regions), a high-resolution compact digital SLR AF camera, is introduced.
  
• The PowerShot S400 DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS 400 in other regions), which incorporates the DIGIC imaging processor, is introduced.
• The Colour imageRUNNER C6800 (iR C6800 in other regions), a new colour network MFD, which implements RoHS Directive in advance, is introduced.
   

2004

• Canon changes the stock trading unit from 1,000 shares to 100 shares.
• Canon holds its first briefing for individual investors.
• The Yako Development Center is completed for the concentration of R&D sections of inkjet printers.
• Canon Precision Inc. merges with Hirosaki Seiki, Inc.
• Canon creates Canon Ecology Industry Inc. and Canon Semiconductor Equipment Inc. from Canon N.T.C., Inc.
• Canon Ru LLC is established in Moscow, Russia.
• Igari Mold Co., Ltd. becomes a wholly owned subsidiary through a share exchange.
• Inkjet printer shipments reach 100 million units.
• The OPTURA500 (MVX35i in other regions)
  Digital camcorder, which incorporates the DIGIC DV imaging processor that delivers high image quality for still photos and video, is introduced.
• The PIXMA iP8500 inkjet printer featuring an all new design and the ChromaLife100 system is introduced.
  
• The REALiS SX50 (XEED SX50 in other regions), a multi-media projector incorporating the newly developed AISYS optical system, is introduced.
   

2005

• Canon holds Canon EXPO 2005, a showcase for Canon’s new products and future technologies, in New York, Paris, and Tokyo.
• The Compliance Card is distributed to 110,000 Canon Group employees.
• Construction of the leading-edge technology building at the Canon headquarters in Shimomaruko, is completed.
• Canon concludes a cooperative research agreement with Tokyo Institute of Technology.
• Canon and Microsoft Corporation of the U.S. agree to collaborate in the field of image processing technology.
• The Canon Group obtains combined ISO14001 certification.
• ANELVA Corporation and NEC Machinery Corporation are made consolidated subsidiaries.
• Canon receives its second Imperial Award for Innovations for the invention of a large screen sensor for real-time X-ray imaging systems.
• The XL H1 high-definition video camcorder is introduced.

The Excellent Global Corporation Plan-II

2006

• Canon launches Phase III of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan.
• Canon Inc., introducing a new corporate structure, appoints CEO Fujio Mitarai as chairman and Tsuneji Uchida as president and COO.
  
• Chairman Fujio Mitarai is appointed the second chairman of Japan Business Federation.
• Canon Sales Co., Inc. changes its name to Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
• Canon Inc. effects a 3-for-2 split of its common shares.
• Canon opens the Canon Global Management Institute, a training base for the cultivation of global leaders.
• Canon commences cooperative research and development with Kyoto University on the High-Order Biological Imaging Leading-Edge Technology Hub project.
• Canon and Utsunomiya University agree to establish an education and research center for optics.
• Canon ANELVA wins the Japan Vacuum Industry Association Chairman’s Award for its HDD head sensor.
• Canon Optron, Inc. delivers one of the world’s largest fluorite lenses for use at a major U.S. astrophysical observatory.
• The imagePROGRAF iPF9000, which incorporates the newly developed LUCIA twelve colour ink system and supports 60-inch large format prints, is introduced.
• The PowerShot SD800 IS DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS 850 IS in other regions), incorporating DIGIC III and Face Detection Technology, is introduced.
• The HV10 HDV camcorder, which incorporates a newly developed CMOS sensor for video and supports the digital Hi-Vision format, is introduced.
• The PIXMA MP600, equipped with an Easy-Scroll Wheel for intuitive operation of multiple functions, is introduced.
• The SELPHY ES1 compact photo printer is introduced.
• The imagePRESS C1, a digital colour production system for commercial printing, is introduced.
   

2007

• Canon supports The Japan-China Exchange Year of Culture and Sports 2007.
• Tokki Corporation
  Today, Canon Tokki Corporation, which develops, designs, manufactures, and sells OLED panel manufacturing equipment, becomes a Canon consolidated subsidiary.
• Canon Mold Co., Ltd. is established, integrating Canon’s mold die operations.
• Canon carries out its first-ever market purchase of its own shares.
• Canon develops a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor prototype.
• The Kawasaki Office opens.
• Canon launches the Cultural Heritage Inheritance Project (also known as the Tsuzuri Project) with the Kyoto Culture Association.
• Canon opens Takeshi Mitarai Memorial Hall at Shimomaruko Headquarters.
• Canon makes a full-scale entry into the commercial digital printer market by introducing the imagePRESS C7000VP. The printer wins the Masuda Award of the 50th Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Best 10 New Products Awards.
• The MPAsp-H700 LCD lithography equipment with new platform for 8th-generation substrates is introduced.
• The EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR camera with 35 mm full-frame, 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and 5 fps maximum shooting is introduced.
• The PIXMA Pro9500, a photo inkjet printer for professionals using 10 pigment ink, is introduced.
• The imagePROGRAF iPF6100, the world’s first large format printer with an ambient light adjustment function, is introduced.
• The HG10 HD camcorder with built-in hard disk is introduced.
   

2008

• Hita Canon Materials Inc. is established.
• Nagasaki Canon Inc. is established.
• The Canon Institute for Global Studies and the Canon Foundation are established.
• A Canon ANELVA researcher receives the 6th Prime Minister’s Award for contributions in Industry-Academia-Government Collaborations.
• SLR camera production reaches 50 million units.
• Digital compact camera production reaches 100 million units.
• The REALiS SX80 (XEED SX80 in other regions), a multimedia projector equipped with Canon’s proprietary LCOS reflective crystal panel, is introduced.
• The EOS 5D Mark II, the first camera ever to incorporate full HD video, is introduced.
  
• The PowerShot SX1 IS, Canon’s first digital compact camera equipped with its proprietary CMOS sensor, is introduced.
   

2009

• All headquarters functions of Canon Europe are consolidated in London.
• Canon and HP enter a new alliance agreement in the solutions area.
• Canon Athlete Club Kyushu is established.
• Poppins Nursery TAMAGAWA
  A day care center authorized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, opens on the grounds of Canon’s Shimomaruko Headquarters.
• Affiliate Canon Wind Inc.
  Officially recognized for meeting legal standards in promoting the employment of people with disabilities.
• Canon Virginia opens a new plant for toner cartridge production.
• EF lens production reaches 50 million units.
• CXDI digital radiography system production reaches 10,000 units.
• The imageRUNNER ADVANCE series of next-generation office network MFPs with enhanced IT environment integration is introduced.
  
• The VIXIA HF20 (LEGRIA HF20 in other regions) high-definition digital camcorder with DIGIC DV III is introduced.
• The EOS 7D digital SLR camera with up to 8 fps continuous shooting and ISO 12800 is introduced.
• The PIXMA MP640 (MP648 in other regions) inkjet MFP with A4 printing at approx. 8.1 ipm is introduced.
• The PowerShot S90 digital compact camera with large-diameter f/2.0 and 28 mm wide-angle lens is introduced.
• EF100 mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens with new Hybrid IS that compensates for both angular and shift camera shake is introduced.
• The CX-1 hybrid retinal camera that combines both mydriatic and non-mydriatic modes is introduced.
   

2010

• Canon holds Canon EXPO 2010
  To present the vision and future directions of the Canon Group, a showcase for new products and future technologies, in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
• Océ N.V. (today, Canon Production Printing Holding B.V.) of the Netherlands becomes a Canon consolidated subsidiary.
• Canon provides support for the Japan Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010.
• Canon develops world’s first APS-H-size CMOS sensor with record-high 120-megapixel resolution.
• Canon develops the world’s largest ultrasensitive CMOS sensor at 202 x 205 mm.
• Canon and Fujitsu agree to collaborate on managed services.
• The PowerShot SD4500 IS DIGITAL ELPH (IXUS 1000 HS)
  The world’s slimmest digital compact camera with 10x optical zoom and Full HD video, is introduced.
• The XF305
  A professional video camcorder with a 3-CMOS-sensor system,18x optical zoom, and file based recording codec, is introduced.
• The PIXMA MG8100/MG6100 series
  Inkjet MFPs featuring revised body designs and the Intelligent Touch System light-guided button navigation system, is introduced.
• The compact-body imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2000 series is introduced.
• The CXDI-70C Wireless, a non-tethered digital X-ray detector, is introduced.
   

2011

• Canon launches Phase IV of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan.
• Canon holds Canon EXPO 2011 in Shanghai.
• Canon and MEDIAN Technologies
  A France-based IT solution vendor, enter into an agreement in the medical domain.
• Canon donates portable digital radiography systems to support victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
• Construction of the Kyoto University Advanced Medical Device Development and Clinical Research Center completed.
• Canon Prachinburi (Thailand) Ltd. is established.
• Canon Business Machines (Philippines), Inc. is established.
• Canon enters the motion picture production industry with the launch of the Cinema EOS System of cinema cameras and lenses.
  
• The PowerShot SX230 HS, a 14x optical zoom digital compact camera with GPS, is introduced.
• Canon launches cloud-based document services through the Canon Business Imaging Online cloud services platform.
• A digital production printing system utilizing an Océ
  (Today, Canon Production Printing) printer controller is developed, marking the first Canon-Océ (today, Canon Production Printing) jointly developed product.
• Canon enters the commercial photo printer market with the introduction of the DreamLabo 5000.
  
   

2012

• Fujio Mitarai is appointed president, in addition to chairman and CEO, of Canon Inc.
  
• Canon Indústria de Manaus Ltda. is established in Brazil.
• Canon Marketing Vietnam Co., Ltd. is established.
• Canon technology contributes to an expanded field of view in the Subaru Telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in Hawaii.
• Canon receives a Technology & Engineering Emmy® Award
  For improvements to large format CMOS imagers for use in High Definition broadcast video cameras at the 64th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards.
• Canon enters into collaborative research agreements 
  With Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
• Canon achieves the leading global share
  In interchangeable lens digital cameras for the 10th year straight.
• MREAL
  A new MR (mixed reality) system that contributes to reduced development times during product design, is introduced.
  
• The top-of-the-line EOS-1D X digital SLR camera
  Offering the highest levels of image quality and speed performance, is introduced.
  
• The PIXMA PRO-1 professional inkjet printer
  Featuring the newly developed LUCIA 12-colour ink system, is introduced.
• The EOS M
  A compact-system camera that offers digital SLR camera-level image quality in a compact and lightweight body, is introduced.
• Canon acquires CFP
  (Carbon Footprint of Products) certification for nine multifunction printer models, a first in the product category.
• The first Canon-branded optical coherence tomography device
  Canon enters the OCT ophthalmic equipment market with the introduction of the OCT-HS100.
   

2013

• Chairman Fujio Mitarai receives the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan.
• Canon Americas completes new headquarters in Melville, N.Y.
• Canon Solutions America, Inc. is established.
• Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd. achieves production of 100 million inkjet printers.
• Canon (Suzhou) Inc. achieves production of 100 million imageRUNNER ADVANCE series office network MFPs.
• Canon develops 35 mm full-size CMOS sensor with high sensitivity and reduced noise, enabling video shooting in low light.
• Eight models from the imageRUNNER ADVANCE series receive EPEAT Gold ratings in New Digital Imaging Equipment Category.
• Canon Virginia Inc. becomes the first manufacturer to acquire Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2) certification in the U.S.
• An ultra-high-sensitivity 4K-model Cinema EOS System camera successfully captures the world’s first video of the comet ISON shot from the International Space Station.
• Canon enters the 4K video production display market with the launch of the DP-V3010 30 inch 4K display for professional use.
  
• Canon launches the EOS 70D digital SLR camera 
  Featuring innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to satisfy the needs of users seeking to extend their photographic horizons.
• Canon launches the PowerShot N digital compact camera
  Opens up a new dimension of photographic expression by generating six unique images with each shot.
• Canon launches the VIXIA mini (LEGRIA mini) digital video camcorder
  Offers new shooting styles and new ways to enjoy movies.
   

2014

• Fujio Mitarai is appointed Honorary President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Canon makes U.S.-based Molecular Imprints, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary under the new company name Canon Nanotechnologies, Inc., to engage in development of next-generation semiconductor lithography equipment.
• Canon Europe makes Milestone Systems (Denmark) a wholly owned subsidiary.
• Canon signs global partnership with Volkswagen for managed print services.
• Digital camera production reaches 250 million units.
• EF lens production reaches 100 million units.
• Canon contributes to production of the primary mirror used in TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope)
  Extremely large telescope at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Hawaii Observatory.
• Canon enters the industrial camera market with the launch of the M15P-CL camera for inspection devices, equipped with a low-noise, high-pixel-count CMOS sensor.
• Canon enters the machine vision market with the launch of the RV1100 3-D Machine Vision System, which makes possible high-speed, high-precision 3-D recognition.
  
• Canon launches MAXIFY series of business inkjet printers.
  
• Canon launches EOS 7D Mark II with high-speed continuous shooting performance and new AF system.
• Canon launches imagePRESS C800/C700 colour multifunction printer for the light production market.
   

2015

• Canon EXPO 2015
  A showcase for Canon’s new products and future technologies, is held in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
• Canon makes Axis Communications (Sweden) a consolidated subsidiary.
• Canon BioMedical, Inc. is established by Canon U.S.A.
• Canon’s Toner Cartridge Recycling Program reaches its 25th year.
• Canon launches EOS 5DS/EOS 5DS R high-resolution digital SLR camera with 50.6 megapixel CMOS sensor.
• Canon offers a new imaging experience for photos and movies with the launch of Connect Station CS100.
• Ultra wide-angle zoom lens EF11-24mm f/4L USM with 11 mm focal length is launched.
• Canon launches the ME20F-SH ultra high-sensitivity multipurpose camera, which enables shooting of full-colour movies in extreme low light conditions.
• The imagePRESS C10000VP production printer offering print speed of 100 pages per minute is launched.
  

The Excellent Global Corporation Plan-III

2016

• Canon launches Phase V of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan.
• Canon Inc., introducing a new corporate structure, appoints CEO Fujio Mitarai as chairman and Masaya Maeda as president and COO.
  
• Canon makes Toshiba Medical Systems a wholly owned subsidiary to expand Canon’s healthcare business.
• Canon launches the 4K500ST 4K projector 
  The world’s smallest and lightest among 5,000 lm class projectors.
  
• Canon’s digital SLR camera flagship model EOS-1D X Mark II is launched.
  
• Canon launches the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
  Featuring improved core inkjet technology, high image quality printing and A2 printing capability.
• The AXIS Q1659 interchangeable-lens network camera
  Integrates Canon imaging technology and AXIS network technology for high-resolution monitoring, is introduced.
  
   

2017

• Customer Experience Center Tokyo, a facility for experiencing Canon’s commercial printing solutions, opens at Canon headquarters.
• Canon makes Miyazaki Daishin Canon Inc. (today, Miyazaki Canon) a wholly owned subsidiary.
• The A3 colour MFP imageRUNNER ADVANCE C3500 series 
  Equipped with features realizing superior operability and productivity, is launched.
• Canon launches the enthusiast-oriented EOS 9000D digital SLR camera, offering state-of-the-art functionality.
• The CXDI-710C Wireless, the industry’s lightest¹  wireless 35 x 43 cm digital radiography system, is launched.
• Toshiba Medical Systems (today, Canon Medical Systems) launches the high definition CT diagnostic system.
  
• The VarioPrint i300 commercial-use cut sheet printer, capable of A4 double sided printing of 300 pages per minute (150 sheets/min.), is launched.
  
• Canon Electronics succeeds in launching the CE-SAT-I micro satellite.
• Canon delivers the nanoimprint lithography manufacturing equipment FPA-1200NZ2C to Toshiba Memory Corporation’s Yokkaichi Operations plant.
• Canon develops the Free Viewpoint Video System.
• The Colorado 1640 UVgel wide format printer is introduced.
   

2018

• Toshiba Medical Systems changes its name to Canon Medical Systems.
• The Canon Eco Technology Park opens to serve as a focal point of the environmental activities of the Canon Group.
• The software training facility Canon Institute of Software Technology is opened. 
• Canon makes BriefCam Ltd. (Israel)
  A leading video content analysis software developer, a wholly owned subsidiary.
• Canon launches a joint research project with the National Center
  For the Promotion of Cultural Properties for the creation and use of high-resolution facsimiles of cultural properties.
• The EOS M50 mirrorless camera is introduced.
  
• The business inkjet printer PIXMA G-series with refillable ink tank system is introduced.
• Introduction of both new software for factory automation and the industrial camera N10-W02.
• Canon introduces the EOS R System, a new imaging system, and launches the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and RF lens featuring a newly-developed lens mount.
  
• With the launch of the WG7000 series, Canon makes a full-scale entry into the A3 business inkjet multifunction printer market.
   

2019

• Joint research begins with the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University.
• Canon invests in the Japanese Organization for Medical Device Development to accelerate expansion in the medical business.
• Canon launches the compact and lightweight EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera.
• Canon and Pioneer co-develop the 3D-LiDAR sensor.
• The instant camera printer IVY CLIQ+ ZV-123 is introduced.
  
• World´s first MRI system featuring noise reduction reconstruction technology using deep learning is introduced.
  
• The compact, lightweight native 4K laser projector REALiS 4K6021Z is introduced.
  
• Canon provides ultra-high sensitivity CMOS sensors for Tomo-e Gozen
  An astronomical observation system at Kiso Observatory, University of Tokyo, now in full operation.
• EOS series camera production reaches a total of 100 million units.
• The 8K broadcast lens UHD DIGISUPER 51 is introduced.
  
• Development of video analytics technology for counting people in crowds.
   

2020

• Océ corporate name is changed to Canon Production Printing.
• Fujio Mitarai is appointed president, in addition to chairman and CEO, of Canon Inc.
• The ME20F-SH ultra-high sensitivity multi-purpose camera is the recipient of the 71st Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards.
• Canon develops the world’s first 1-megapixel SPAD image sensor.
• Canon develops VisualSLAM technology and enters the mobile robot market.

¹ Including battery pack. As of March 6, 2017. (Canon research)