Konica Minolta, Inc.

Sugiura Rokusaburo began handling lithographic stones and photographic equipment at Kinoshita Rokubei's shop in Tokyo's Kyojicho (later the founding of Konica Corporation). At 25, inspired by photographs taken at a studio, he began dealing with photographic equipment and later branched out from his family business to open the lithographic stone and photographic equipment shop "Kinoshita Honten" in Nihonbashi.

Sugiyama Rokuro began handling lithographic stones and photographic equipment at Kozaneya Rokubei shop in Tokyo Kōjōchō (later the founding of Konica Corporation).

Rokuzaburo Sugiura began handling lithographic printing and photographic equipment at the Konishiya Rokubei Shop in Kojimachi, Tokyo (the origins of what later became Konica Corporation). The Konishiya Rokubei Shop, a drug wholesaler founded by the great-grandfather of Rokuzaburo Sugiura (later renamed the sixth-generation Rokuemon Sugiura), was one of Tokyo's largest businesses. At the age of 25, Sugiura was impressed by a photograph taken at a photography studio and began handling photographic equipment. He later left the family business and opened Konishi Honten (later Konica Corporation), a retailer of lithographic printing and photographic equipment, in Nihonbashi.

In 1882, manufacturing of photographic darkrooms and lithographic printing machines commenced.

Started manufacturing photographic darkrooms.

Started manufacturing lithographic printing machinery.

In 1896, X-ray equipment was imported and experiments were conducted.

Imported X‑ray equipment and conducted experiments.

Imported X-ray equipment for the first time in Japan. This was very early—just one year after X-rays were discovered by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen. We did so in the hope that importing X-ray equipment would contribute to the Japanese medical community.

In 1897, the first domestic import of motion picture equipment was made, and the first film shot by a Japanese filmmaker was completed.

Imported film shooting equipment for the first time in Japan, completing the first film shot by a Japanese cinematographer.

In 1902, Rokusha was established in Shinjuku to develop and manufacture photosensitive materials. It was later renamed the Yodobashi Plant.

In 1902, Rokko-sha, a company for developing and manufacturing photosensitive materials, was established in Shinjuku (later renamed the Yodobashi Plant). The following year, it launched Sakura Platinum-Type Paper, the first photographic paper manufactured in Japan.

Rokko-sha, established in Shinjuku to develop and manufacture photosensitive materials (later renamed the Yodobashi Plant),

In 1903, the first domestically produced printing paper, "Sakura Shirokin Type Paper", was released, and in the same year the first domestically branded mass-produced camera, "Cherry Handheld Darkroom", was launched.

Released Sakura White Gold type paper, Japan’s first domestic printing paper.

Released Cherry Handheld Darkroom, Japan’s first domestically branded mass‑produced camera.

The Sakura Platinum Type Paper, Japan's first domestically produced photographic paper, was launched.

In 1913, successful manufacturing of lithographic printing ink was achieved.

Successfully manufactured lithographic printing ink.

In 1923, Kinoshita Photography School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) was established.

Konishi Photography School (now Tokyo Polytechnic University) established

In 1923, the seventh Rokuemon, son of the sixth Rokuemon Sugiura and heir to his father's wishes, founded Konishi Professional Photography School to develop talent in photographic technology and art.

At the request of the sixth-generation Rokuemon Sugiura, his son, the seventh-generation Rokuemon, established Konishi Professional School of Photography to train people in photographic techniques and art.

In 1928, Ichiou Tajima founded "Nihon-Do Photography Equipment Store" (later Minolta Corporation) and began manufacturing domestic cameras.

Kazuo Tajima founded Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten (later Minolta Co., Ltd.) and began manufacturing cameras in Japan

Ichiou Tajima founded Nihon‑Do Photographic Equipment Store (later Minolta Corporation) and began manufacturing domestic cameras.

During a visit to Europe, Kazuo Tajima recognized the potential of optical equipment. After returning to Japan, he established Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten (later Minolta Co., Ltd.) on November 11, 1928, and opened its first factory on the banks of the Mukogawa River in what is now Nishinomiya City. At the time, there were no subcontracting factories in the area, and under the guidance of engineers brought over from Germany, the company manufactured everything in-house, down to each individual small component. The following year, it launched its first camera, the Nifcalette.

Kazuo Tajima founded Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten (later Minolta Co., Ltd.) and began manufacturing cameras in Japan. While working for his father's trading company in Kobe, Tajima recognized the potential of optical equipment during a visit to Europe. After returning to Japan, he established Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten (later Minolta Co., Ltd.) on November 11, 1928, and opened its first factory on the banks of the Mukogawa River in what is now Nishinomiya City. At the time, there were no subcontracting factories in the area, and under the guidance of engineers brought over from Germany, the company manufactured everything in-house, down to each individual small component. The following year, it launched its first camera, the Nifcalette.

In 1929, the general-purpose photographic film "Sakura Film" was released.

Launched Sakura Film, a photographic film for general photography

Launched its first camera, the Nifcarette.

In 1933, the company-developed and produced "Sakura X-ray Film" was released.

Launch of the Sakura X-ray Film, developed and manufactured in-house

In 1936, the organization was converted into a corporation, establishing Kinoshita Rokuhonten Co., Ltd. (later Konica Corporation).

Reorganized as a joint-stock company and established Konishi Roku Honten Co. (later Konica Corporation)

In 1940, the first domestically produced color film, "Sakura Natural Color Film", was announced.

Announced Sakura Natural Color Film, Japan’s first domestic color film.

In 1941, "Sakura Natural Color Film" was released at 10 yen for 18 exposures.

Sakura Natural Color Film was launched at 10 yen for 18 exposures

Sakura Natural Color Film was launched at 10 yen per roll of 18 exposures.

In 1951, the first Japanese CM song was broadcast on radio.

Broadcasted Japan’s first commercial song on radio.

In 1952, the agency Konica Camera Company was established in Philadelphia, USA.

Established its first U.S. base

In 1952, the company established Konica Camera Company, an agency in Philadelphia, USA, and put a product distribution system in place.

Konica established the distributor Konica Camera Company in Philadelphia, USA, and put a product distribution system in place.

In 1956, established the local subsidiary Koniphoto Corporation in the same city

In 1956, the company established a local subsidiary, Koniphoto Corporation, in the same city.

To establish import operations and an after-sales service system in the United States, Konica established its local subsidiary, Koniphoto Corporation, in the same city.

In 1958, the first planetarium was completed, publicly demonstrated at Hanshin Park in Hyogo Prefecture, attracting over 200,000 visitors in three months.

Completed its first planetarium and gave a public demonstration at a science exposition

The first unit was completed in 1958. It was demonstrated at a science exposition held at Hanshin Park, an amusement park in Hyogo Prefecture, attracting more than 200,000 visitors over three months.

During a visit to Europe, Kazuo Tajima saw a planetarium in Germany and wanted to build one at his own company. Drawing on the optical technology cultivated through camera lens development, and with the help of local inventor Masanori Nobuoka and others, he continued developing a planetarium. His efforts bore fruit, and the first unit was completed. It was demonstrated to the public at a science exposition held at Hanshin Park, an amusement park in Hyogo Prefecture, attracting more than 200,000 visitors in three months.

In 1959, established Minolta Corporation, a camera sales company, in New York

In 1959, the company established Minolta Corporation, a camera sales company, in New York.

Minolta established Minolta Corporation, a camera sales company, in New York.

Building on the technology developed for cameras, the company began developing optical equipment. Its particular focus was on developing copiers. In 1960, it completed its first model, the Minolta Copymaster, a wet-process diazo copier. Development continued, and demand grew as the information society advanced.

Completed the first copier, the Minolta Copymaster, a wet-process diazo copier

The first copier, the Minolta Copi Master (wet diazo copier), was completed. Building on the technology developed with cameras, we began developing optical‑related equipment. Among them, we focused especially on copier development. In 1960, we completed the first unit, the wet diazo copier "Minolta Copi Master". We continued development thereafter, expanding demand in line with the advancement of the information society.

In 1962, the "Minolta Hi-Matic" was installed as a recording camera on the U.S. spacecraft Friendship 7. At that time, the U.S. space race was intensifying, and the camera used during John Glenn's orbital flight and successful Earth photography from space significantly changed the global perception of Japanese cameras.

In 1962, Konica established Konica Europe Center in Hamburg, Germany, as a camera sales hub, establishing product distribution and after-sales service systems in Europe.

The Minolta Hi-Matic was carried aboard the U.S. spacecraft Friendship 7 as its recording camera

Established the first European base

In 1962, Konica opened the Konica Europe Center in Hamburg, Germany, as a camera sales base.

The Minolta Hi‑Matic was mounted as the recording camera on the U.S. spacecraft Friendship 7. In the 1950s, we proactively exhibited at U.S. camera shows and pioneered overseas expansion ahead of the industry. At that time, the world was experiencing an intense space race among superpowers. NASA was established in 1958, and in 1961 manned spaceflight succeeded; in 1962, astronaut John Glenn orbited Earth and successfully photographed the planet from space. The camera used at that time was the Minolta Hi‑Matic. This achievement greatly changed the global perception of Japanese cameras. The camera is now permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Konica established the Konica Europe Center as a camera sales base in Hamburg, Germany, setting up a distribution and after‑sales system in Europe.

The following year, the company made its first appearance at Photokina, the 8th international photography trade fair held in Cologne, and gradually increased exports to Europe thereafter.

The following year, it made its first appearance at the 8th Photokina, held in Cologne.

We made our first appearance at the 8th Photo Kina held in Cologne, and thereafter gradually increased exports to Europe.

Minolta established a subsidiary in Hamburg, with Minolta Switzerland, founded in 1965, as an investor.

In 1966, the Katakami Hozen Foundation (now the Konica Minolta Science and Technology Promotion Foundation) was established.

In 1966, installed the first mass‑produced optical planetarium, the MS‑10 Model 1.

Established the Tachibana Hozenkai Foundation (now the Konica Minolta Science and Technology Foundation)

Installed the first unit of the MS-10, the first mass-produced optical planetarium

In 1968, released the Minolta TV Color Analyzer, a television color adjustment analyzer, and entered the industrial measurement equipment sector.

In 1968, the Minolta Space Meter was installed on the U.S. spacecraft Apollo 8. It was a modified version of our commercial exposure meter, Auto Spot 1°, requested by NASA, and was also installed on Apollo 11 for the 1969 lunar landing.

Launched the Minolta TV Color Analyzer, a television color adjustment and analysis instrument, and entered the industrial measuring instruments field

The Minolta Space Meter was carried aboard Apollo 8

The Minolta Space Meter was carried aboard the U.S. spacecraft Apollo 8.

The office equipment division established in 1969

In 1968, the Minolta Space Meter was carried aboard the U.S. spacecraft Apollo 8. It was manufactured in response to a request from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to modify the Auto Spot 1°, a light meter then sold by the company, for the Apollo program. The light meter was also carried aboard Apollo 11, which achieved the first crewed Moon landing in 1969, contributing to this landmark space exploration project.

The office equipment division, established in 1969, became an independent subsidiary in 1977.

The Minolta Space Meter exposure meter was carried aboard Apollo 11, which achieved the first crewed Moon landing in history

Established an office equipment division.

The exposure meter "Minolta Space Meter" was installed on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing. In 1968, the Minolta Space Meter was mounted on the U.S. spacecraft Apollo 8. This was manufactured at the request of NASA to modify our then‑commercial exposure meter "Auto Spot 1°" for the Apollo program. The meter was also installed on Apollo 11 in 1969, contributing to the century's space exploration project.

In 1971, released our first ordinary paper copier, the U‑BIX480. Continued development of electronic photo copiers, which received favorable reviews.

The company pursued the development of electrophotographic copiers that use plain paper (plain-paper copiers, or PPCs), which are now widely used, and eventually completed a PPC based on its own technology. It exhibited the copier at a business trade show in 1970 and launched it the following year under the product name U-BIX 480. It was so well received that production could not keep up with demand.

Launched the U-BIX480, the company's first plain-paper copier.

We released our first plain paper copier, the U‑BIX480. We advanced the development of electronic photo copiers (plain paper copiers, PPC) that use plain paper, and finally completed a PPC using our proprietary technology. We exhibited at a business show in 1970, and the following year released it under the product name "U‑BIX 480", receiving such acclaim that production could not keep up with demand.

In 1973, the Sakura Color ID System for issuing driver’s licenses began nationwide operation.

The Sakura Color ID System for producing driver's licenses began operating nationwide

In 1975, pursued an easy‑to‑use camera for everyone and released the world’s first built‑in flash camera, the Konica C35EF (nickname: Pikkari Konica).

In 1975, it opened a copier sales office in Langenhagen.

Launched the world's first camera with a built-in flash, the Konica C35EF (Pikkari Konica).

We released the world’s first built‑in flash camera, the Konica C35EF (nicknamed "Pikari Konica"). Born from a relentless pursuit of a camera that anyone could easily use, it became a huge hit, symbolizing the arrival of the camera mass‑market era. It captured the fundamental user need of "just press the shutter and take a photo anytime."

We opened a copier sales office in Langenthal.

In 1976, released Sakura Color 24, the industry’s first 24‑exposure film.

Launched the industry's first 24-exposure film, Sakura Color 24.

In 1977, released the world’s first fingertip pulse oximeter, the OXIMET MET‑1471, advancing its use in the medical field.

In 1977, after market research showed that 36% of photographic failures were due to blur, released the world’s first autofocus camera, the Konica C35AF (nickname: Jaspin Konica).

Became an independent subsidiary in 1977

Became an independent subsidiary in 1977.

Launched the world's first fingertip pulse oximeter, the OXIMET MET-1471.

Launched the world's first autofocus camera, the Konica C35AF (Jasupin Konica).

The office equipment division became an independent subsidiary.

We released the world’s first fingertip pulse oximeter, the OXIMET MET‑1471. A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen (arterial oxygen saturation SpO2) in arterial blood without drawing blood. It is widely used in operating rooms, intensive care units, and respiratory outpatient clinics to detect oxygen intake in real time. In 1977, we launched the world’s first fingertip pulse oximeter, the OXIMET MET‑1471. Since then, we have pursued miniaturization and high quality, and over 40 years it has been widely used as an effective tool for assessing the severity of COVID‑19 patients.

We released the world’s first autofocus camera, the Konica C35AF (nicknamed "Jaspin Konica"). Market research on pre‑shot film at the time revealed that 36% of photo failures were due to blur (out of focus). The technology developed to eliminate this became the world’s first autofocus camera, the Konica C35AF. With a camera that automatically focuses with the press of a shutter, many people could take sharp photos.

Konica Minolta was formed in 2003 and began its journey toward creating new value.

2003–present: The birth of Konica Minolta and the creation of new value.