About OLYMPUS

Originally named Takachiho Seisakusho and established in 1919 by Takeshi Yamashita, the company was renamed in 1942 as Takachiho Optical Company,Ltd. for its optical product business; then to Olympus Optical company, Ltd. in 1949. Finally the company was named the Olympus Corporation in 2003 to reflect Japanese mythology in that gods and goddesses live on Mount Takachiho and that the company was bringing light into the world.

From microscopes and thermometers, Olympus developed endoscopes and other cameras used as medical diagnostic tools. In 1948, Olympus introduced Japan's first 35 mm camera with a lens shutter system. Soon a gastrocamera was introduced and then a biological microscope. Further expansion of medical optical instruments followed. By 1972, Olympus had developed a single lens reflex (SLR) camera that was compact and lightweight. Fiberscopes, pre-transfusion blood testing system and a video imaging scope were developed in the 1980s. In the 1990s, Olympus had produced automatic cameras, built-in zoom lens cameras, digital cameras and digital voice recorders. The 2000s saw advances and further development of cameras and the digital technology, including the use of interchangeable lens.

Today, Olympus continues to be a precision technology leader in Olympus camera and Olympus audio products, life science imaging systems, industrial measurement and imaging instruments and medical and surgical products.