| 1917-07-25 |
On July 25, 1917, Nikon Optical Industries Ltd. was established in 120 Haracho, Koishikawa, Tokyo (now Hakusan 4-chome, Bunkyo Ward), aiming to domestically produce optical equipment such as rangefinders and microscopes. |
| 1917-07-25 |
On July 25, 1917 (Taisho 6), Nikon Optical Co., Ltd. was established at 120 Haramachi, Koishikawa Ward, Tokyo (now Hakusan 4-chome, Bunkyo Ward), aiming to domestically produce optical equipment such as rangefinders and microscopes. This marked the first step in Nikon's century-long history. |
| 1917-07-25 |
On July 25, 1917, Nikon Optical Co., Ltd. was established at 120 Haramachi, Koishikawa, Tokyo (now 4-chome Hakusan, Bunkyo Ward). |
| 1917-07-25 |
The birth of Nikon's origin, 'Nippon Optical Industry'. |
| 1917-07-25 |
On July 25, 1917 (Taisho 6), Nikon Optical Co., Ltd. was established in Tokyo's Koishikawa Ward, Haracho 120 (now Hakusan 4-chome, Bunkyo Ward), aiming to domesticize optical equipment such as rangefinders and microscopes. |
| 1917-07-25 |
Established: July 25, 1917 |
| 1921 |
The ultra-compact binoculars "Micron" launched in 1921 was one of the first binoculars developed, designed, and manufactured entirely by Nikon. It was well received as a small, high-performance binocular. |
| 1921 |
In 1921, eight engineers were recruited from Germany, where optical technology was advanced. Leading figures such as Dr. Lange, a world-renowned lens designer, and experts in microscope design like Acht, Bernick, and Derman provided guidance. |
| 1921 |
In 1921 (Taisho 10), the ultra-compact binoculars 'Micron' were launched, developed, designed, and manufactured entirely by Nikon for the first time. It was well received as a high-performance, compact binocular. |
| 1921 |
In 1921 (Taisho 10), eight engineers from Germany, where optical technology was advanced, were recruited. Their guidance, including the world-renowned lens designer Dr. Lange, microscope design expert Acht, precision machinery specialist Bernick, and lens design and calculation specialist Dirmann, led to significant technological advancements. |
| 1921 |
Eight engineers from Germany, where optical technology was advanced, were recruited. |
| 1921 |
The ultra-compact binoculars 'Micron,' launched in 1921 (Taisho 10), was one of the first binoculars developed, designed, and manufactured entirely by Nikon. |
| 1923-09 |
In September 1923, the glass research factory was damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake, temporarily halting research. Restoration was completed in February 1924, and research resumed at the Glass Research Institute. |
| 1923-09 |
In September 1923 (Taisho 12), the glass research factory was damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake, and research was temporarily suspended. Restoration was completed in February 1924, and research resumed at the Glass Research Institute. |
| 1923-09 |
In September 1923, the glass research factory was damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake. |
| 1923-09 |
During the Great Kanto Earthquake, the glass research factory suffered equipment damage, temporarily halting research. |
| 1923-09 |
The glass research factory was damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake in September 1923 (Taisho 12), and research was temporarily suspended. |
| 1924-02 |
In February 1924, the restoration of the Glass Research Institute was completed, and research was resumed. |
| 1924-02 |
Research at the Glass Research Institute resumed in February 1924. |
| 1924-02 |
Research at the glass research institute was resumed. |
| 1924-02 |
Restoration work was completed in February 1924, and research at the glass research institute resumed. |
| 1925 |
In 1925, the "JOICO" microscope was released, capable of magnification up to 765 times, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. |
| 1925 |
In 1925 (Taisho 14), Nikon launched the 'JOICO' microscope, capable of up to 765x magnification, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. |
| 1925 |
In 1925, the 'JOICO' microscope was released. |
| 1925 |
In 1925 (Taisho 14), the "JOICO Microscope" was released. |
| 1927 |
In 1927, success was achieved in annealing glass for the pentaprism of rangefinders. |
| 1927-03 |
By March 1927, approximately 70 large melts and over 220 test melts were conducted. The purpose was solely to improve glass quality and establish mass production technology. |
| 1927-03 |
In March 1927, approximately 70 large melts were conducted. |
| 1927-03 |
Research at the glass institute was resumed, focusing on improving glass quality and establishing mass‑production techniques. |
| 1929 |
After prototype completion at the end of 1929, further modifications were made, and by 1931, it was said to have reached a level comparable to the main Tessa. |
| 1929 |
The first lens, the 'Anitar 12cm F4.5,' was completed in 1929 (Showa 4). Subsequently, several types of lenses were successfully developed, and prospects for manufacturing photographic lenses became clear, leading to the consideration of product brand names. |
| 1929 |
The first lens, 'Anitar 12 cm F4.5', was completed. |
| 1929 |
The Anitar 12cm F4.5 was completed as a prototype at the end of 1929 (Showa 4), and was further refined to reach a level comparable to the original Tessa by 1931. |
| 1929 |
The first lens, "Anitar 12cm F4.5," was completed in 1929 (Showa 4). |
| 1929-12 |
After the prototype was completed at the end of 1929 (Showa 4), further refinements were made, and by 1931 it reportedly reached a level that could not be outperformed by the main company's Tessar lenses. |
| 1931 |
In 1931, when the new Ueno Museum of Science was completed in Tokyo, an "8-inch astronomical telescope" was installed on the rooftop dome. |
| 1931 |
In 1931 (Showa 6), when the new Ueno Museum in Tokyo Science Museum was completed, an '8-inch astronomical telescope' was installed on the rooftop observatory dome. It is also called the '20cm refracting equatorial telescope' and is said to be Japan's first domestically produced refracting telescope with a full-fledged equatorial mount, boasting the largest aperture among domestic telescopes at the time. It was extensively renovated in 1954 and remained Japan's longest-standing telescope, continuing to inspire visitors with the beauty of the cosmos until 2005 (Heisei 17). After completing its mission, it has been permanently displayed since April 2014 in the 'Exploring the Universe' corner on the 3rd basement floor of the National Museum of Nature and Science's Earth Hall. |
| 1931 |
The 'NIKKOR' trademark was registered. |
| 1931 |
An 8‑inch astronomical telescope was installed on the rooftop dome. |
| 1931 |
By 1931, it was said to have reached a level comparable to the original Tessa. |
| 1931 |
In 1931 (Showa 6), when the new Ueno Museum of Science was completed in Tokyo, an "8-inch astronomical telescope" was installed on the rooftop observatory dome. |
| 1931-07 |
NIKKOR trademark application announcement. Filed in July 1931, |
| 1932 |
In 1932, the brand name "NIKKOR" was registered as a trademark. |
| 1932 |
This name was registered as a trademark in 1932. |
| 1932 |
The 'NIKKOR' trademark was registered. |
| 1932-04 |
published in April 1932, |
| 1932-12 |
and registered in December. |
| 1933 |
In 1933, the history of NIKKOR lenses began with the delivery of aerial camera lenses for mapping purposes. |
| 1933 |
The history of NIKKOR lenses began in 1933 (Showa 8) when lenses for aerial photography were supplied for the purpose of map making. Named with the prefix 'Aero,' meaning 'sky,' the first was the 70cm F5, along with an 18cm F4.5 NIKKOR lens for small aerial photographs. |
| 1933 |
The Aero-NIKKOR lens for aerial photography is delivered. |
| 1933 |
In 1933 (Showa 8), the history of NIKKOR lenses began with the delivery of lenses for aerial photography for map-making. Named "Aero-NIKKOR" with the prefix "Aero" meaning "sky." |
| 1946 |
Although Nikon was founded in March 1948, the design drawings were completed in September 1946. |
| 1946-03 |
The first Nikon camera model, Nikon Type I, is completed. |
| 1946-09 |
Less than two years after the completion of the design drawings in September 1946 (Showa 21), Nikon's first camera, the Nikon Type 1, was born in March 1948. |
| 1946-09 |
In September 1946, the design drawings for the Nikon Type 1 were completed. |
| 1948 |
The JOICO microscope is released. |
| 1948 |
A reissue was released in 1948 (Showa 23), and it remains a popular model today. |
| 1948-03 |
In March 1948, Nikon's first camera, the Nikon I, was released. |
| 1948-03 |
It was born in March 1948. |
| 1948-03 |
The first Nikon camera model, Nikon Type I, is released. |
| 1949 |
In 1949, the "Nikon M type" was introduced. |
| 1950 |
In 1950, the "Nikon S type" was introduced. |
| 1953 |
To promote photographic culture, the "Nikkor Club" was established, with founders including Ihei Kimura, Ken Domon, Jun Miki, Yusaku Kamekura, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Hideko Takamine. |
| 1953 |
The Nikon Club was established. Founders included Ihei Kimura, Ken Domon, Jun Miki, Yusaku Kamekura, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Hideko Takamine. The club's newsletter has been published since 1953, with the first issue on the cover in the center. |
| 1953 |
In 1953, the Nikon Club newsletter was published. |
| 1953 |
The Nikon Club is established. |
| 1953 |
Photographs have been published in a newsletter since 1953. |
| 1954 |
The 8-inch astronomical telescope in the rooftop dome is extensively renovated. |
| 1954 |
In 1954, a major renovation was carried out, and for over 70 years until 2005 (Heisei 17), it has been the longest in Japan to continue conveying the魅力 of celestial bodies to visitors. |
| 1956 |
In 1956 (Showa 31), the high-resolution 'Micro-Nikkor' was developed, prompting inquiries from printing companies and electrical manufacturers about high-resolution lenses. |
| 1958 |
At the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, the Nikon SP received the Grand Prix along with Nikkor lenses and optical glass. |
| 1958 |
At the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, the 'Nikon SP' received the Grand Prix along with NIKKOR lenses and optical glass. |
| 1958 |
In 1958, Nikon SP received the Grand Prix at the Brussels World's Fair. |
| 1958 |
The Nikon SP wins the Grand Prix at the Brussels World’s Fair. |
| 1962-08 |
The Ultra-Micro Nikon is developed. |
| 1964 |
In 1964, the first domestically produced routing engine, manufactured by Nikon under a Ministry of Education project, was completed. |
| 1964 |
In 1964 (Showa 39), a domestically produced routing engine, the first of its kind, was completed as part of a project by the Ministry of Education (now the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). However, it did not reach practical levels in terms of accuracy and stability. |
| 1964 |
The first domestically produced Ruling Engine is completed. |
| 1964 |
The NIKKOR-H 300mm F2.8 lens is released. |
| 1964 |
In 1964, as part of a Ministry of Education project, Nikon completed the first domestically produced Ruling Engine. |
| 1967 |
Development of the second Ruling Engine begins. |
| 1967 |
In 1967, Nikon began development of the second Ruling Engine. |
| 1968 |
The Nikon FTM, released in 1968, was selected. |
| 1968 |
The Nikon F is developed. |
| 1969 |
The Nikon F is released. |
| 1971-01 |
In January 1971, Nikon signed a contract with NASA to supply cameras for lunar landing and exploration missions. |
| 1971-01 |
In January 1971 (Showa 46), Nikon responded to a request from NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and signed a contract. This involved supplying recording cameras for Apollo 15, scheduled for launch in July of that year, and Apollo 17, scheduled for the following year, for lunar landing and exploration. The Nikon F, launched in 1968, was chosen as the development base. |
| 1971-01 |
In response to a request from NASA, the Nikon Photomic FTN is delivered as a camera for lunar exploration. |
| 1971 |
In 1971, Apollo 15, which was the first in human history to drive a car on the moon, was accompanied by a specially designed camera based on the Nikon Photomic FTN. |
| 1971 |
In 1971, the second Ruling Engine was completed, and mass production of 2‑inch square diffraction gratings for the spectrometer "Nikon Monochromator G‑250" began. |
| 1971-12 |
In December 1971, Nikon developed the new optical glass PC102 "ED Glass" and succeeded in large-scale production. |
| 1971-12 |
In December 1971 (Showa 46), Nikon developed the new optical glass PC102 'ED Glass,' leading the industry in large-scale and mass production through continuous melting. |
| 1971-12 |
The new optical glass PC102 'ED Glass' is developed. |
| 1972-01 |
The NIKKOR-H 300mm F2.8 lens is released. |
| 1972-01 |
In January 1972, the "NIKKOR‑H 300mm F2.8" was released for news agencies and was used to photograph various events at the Sapporo Olympics. |
| 1973 |
The Nikon F, which integrated Nikon's optical and precision technology, received a great response domestically and internationally, was produced until 1973 (Showa 48) for 15 years, and solidified the Nikon and NIKKOR brands. |
| 1973 |
In 1973, production of Nikon F ended. |
| 1976 |
In 1976 (Showa 51), a groundbreaking optical system CF system was expanded to practical biological microscopes to improve performance. Equipped with a CF optical system with extremely little axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration, it became the highest class of microscopes for practical training for medical and dental students, and enabled the use of accessories such as phase contrast devices, dark field fluorescence devices, and simple polarization devices, comparable to high-end models. |
| 1976 |
In 1976 (Showa 51), the optical CF system developed that year was expanded to training biological microscopes to improve performance. |
| 1976-03 |
In March 1976, under the leadership of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, the 'Super LSI Technology Research Association (Super LSI Research)' was established, and development of a reduction projection exposure device that reduces circuit patterns to one-tenth was commissioned. |
| 1976-03 |
In March 1976 (Showa 51), the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) led the establishment of the Super LSI Technology Research Association (Super LSI Research). Super LSI Research commissioned Nikon to develop a reduction projection exposure device and steppers that reduce circuit patterns to one-tenth. |
| 1976-03 |
In March 1976, the Ultra‑LSI Research Association (Ultra‑LSI Research) was established. |
| 1976-05 |
A solo dog sled journey covers 12,000 kilometers across the Arctic Circle. |
| 1976-05 |
In May 1976, reporters welcomed Okumura, who had traversed 12,000 km across the Arctic by solo dog sledding and arrived in Alaska. At that time, most of the cameras directed at Okumura were Nikon. |
| 1977-06 |
The Nikon F2 Titanium Uemura Special camera for dog sledding is completed after improvements. |
| 1977-06 |
In June 1977, Okumura requested Nikon to supply a camera for his solo dog‑sled expedition to the North Pole. |
| 1977-12 |
In December 1977, three units of the "Nikon F2 Titanium WEML Special", the world’s first titanium‑encased single‑lens reflex camera, were completed. |
| 1978 |
In the fall of 1978, NASA requested the manufacture of cameras to be mounted on the Space Shuttle. |
| 1978 |
In the fall of 1978 (Showa 53), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) requested the manufacture of cameras to be mounted on space shuttles. |
| 1978 |
A camera is delivered to NASA's Space Shuttle. |
| 1978-03 |
In March 1978, the first prototype was delivered to Ultra‑LSI Research, and the second prototype was completed, both receiving high praise. |
| 1978-05 |
The Space Shuttle cameras 'F3 Big Camera' and 'F3 Small Camera' are delivered. |
| 1979 |
In 1979, the wafer surface inspection device NICIS-MX2 was released, achieving efficiency in visual inspection outside of sight. |
| 1979 |
The 'OptiStation' is a device that automates wafer transportation and visual inspection. It was commercialized as a replacement for the wafer surface inspection device NICIS-MX2, launched in 1979 (Showa 54). |
| 1979 |
Starting around mid-1979 (Showa 54), investigations into electronic imaging began. In 1984, in collaboration with Kyodo News, Nikon launched the world's first 35mm film direct transmission device 'NT-1000' (for monochrome photographs) for news reporting. This device revolutionized the conventional system of transmitting enlarged prints via telephone lines. It can read images directly from 35mm negative and positive films, allowing trimming and handwritten text transmission while monitoring on a screen, meeting the immediate needs of newsrooms. |
| 1979 |
From around the middle of 1979 (Showa 54), investigations into the field of electronic imaging had begun. |
| 1979 |
Released the wafer surface inspection device 'OptiStation'. |
| 1979 |
In 1979 (Showa 54), the wafer‑surface inspection device NICIS‑MX2, released that year, was commercialized. |
| 1980-02 |
Announced the first domestic commercial steppers 'NSR-1010G'. |
| 1980-02 |
In February 1980, Nikon announced the NSR‑1010G, the first domestically produced commercial, compact‑projection exposure device. |
| 1980-05 |
In May 1980, the 250‑shot "F3 Big Camera" and the 72‑shot "F3 Small Camera" were delivered. |
| 1981 |
The following year, the "F3 Small Camera" was mounted on the Space Shuttle Columbia. |
| 1982 |
Produced the 'Nikon F3 Titanium WEML Special'. |
| 1982 |
In 1982, Nikon produced the "Nikon F3 Titanium WEML Special", based on the Nikon F3, for a solo dog‑sled journey of 3,000 km across Antarctica and the ascent of Mount Vinson, the continent’s highest peak. However, the Falklands War that began in March of that year caused the expedition to be cancelled, and the camera was never used in the actual adventure. |
| 1984 |
In 1984, jointly developed with Kyodo News, the world's first 35mm film direct transmission device 'NT-1000' was released. |
| 1984 |
In 1984, Nikon launched the world's first 35mm film direct transmission device 'NT-1000' (for monochrome photographs) developed with Kyodo News. This device revolutionized the conventional system of transmitting enlarged prints via telephone lines. It can read images directly from 35mm negative and positive films, allowing trimming and handwritten text transmission while monitoring on a screen, meeting the immediate needs of newsrooms. |
| 1984 |
Released the world's first 35mm film direct transmission device 'NT-1000'. |
| 1984 |
In 1984, together with Kyodo News, Nikon released the NT‑1000, the world’s first 35‑mm film‑direct transmission device for monochrome photography, for news agencies. |
| 1986 |
In 1986, the large substrate exposure device 'NSR-L7501G' was released, supporting up to 75mm square. |
| 1986 |
In 1986 (Showa 61), Nikon released the large substrate exposure device 'NSR-L7501G'. While the maximum exposure area of semiconductor exposure equipment at that time was 30mm square, this device supported up to 75mm square. |
| 1986 |
Released the large substrate exposure device 'NSR-L7501G'. |
| 1986 |
In 1986 (Showa 61), Nikon released the NSR‑L7501G, a large‑substrate exposure device. |
| 1988 |
In 1988, Nikon launched a still video camera system consisting of a film-less monochrome electronic camera 'QV-1000C', interchangeable lenses 'QV Nikkor', and a transmission device 'QV-1010T'. This technology eventually led to Nikon's development of digital cameras. |
| 1988 |
In 1988, Nikon released a still‑video camera system composed of the film‑free, monochrome‑only electronic camera QV‑1000C, the interchangeable lens QV‑Nicol, and the transmission device QV‑1010T. |
| 1988-04-01 |
On April 1, 1988, Nikon Corporation started anew as 'Nikon Corporation'. |
| 1988-04-01 |
On April 1, 1988 (Showa 63), Nikon Corporation was established as a new start. At that time, the 'Nikon' brand name was already highly trusted across various fields. The name was widely recognized globally and had gained trust, and the change to a corporate name was aimed at further developing as an international company. |
| 1988-04-01 |
Nippon Optical Industry Co., Ltd. changed its name to Nikon Corporation. |
| 1988-04-01 |
On April 1, 1988 (Showa 63), Japan Optical Industry Co., Ltd. began a new chapter as Nikon Corporation. |
| 1996 |
In 1996, a project directly under the president was launched to develop a full-scale new digital camera product within two years. |
| 1996 |
In 1996 (Heisei 8), a project directly under the president was launched to develop a new digital camera product within two years. About ten elite members from design and other departments took on this challenge. Initially, the team leader expressed concern that two years might be insufficient due to limited digital technology experience, requesting at least three years. However, Nikon decided to proceed with a two-year development plan, stating 'there is no time for that now'. |
| 1996 |
In 1996, a project directly overseen by the president was launched. Its purpose was the development of a new digital camera product with a two‑year deadline. About ten elite members from the design and other departments were assembled to tackle this challenge. |
| 1996 |
A major digital camera development project was launched. |
| 1996 |
In 1996 (Heisei 8), a project directly under the president was launched. |
| 1997 |
A reissue was released in 1997 (Heisei 9), and it remains a popular model today. |
| 1998-04 |
In April 1998, the compact digital camera 'COOLPIX 900' was released. |
| 1998-04 |
In April 1998, Nikon released the compact digital camera 'COOLPIX 900', and in September 1999, the professional digital single-lens reflex camera 'D1'. These products, with superior image quality, operability, and functionality, and at a groundbreaking price of 650,000 yen (one-third of competitors' prices at the time), marked the start of widespread adoption of digital SLR cameras. Nikon continued to produce flagship models exceeding professional expectations, with their excellent qualities inherited by the latest Nikon digital SLR 'D5'. |
| 1998-04 |
Released the compact digital camera 'COOLPIX 900'. |
| 1998-04 |
In April 1998, the compact digital camera "COOLPIX 900" was released. |
| 1999-09 |
In September 1999, the professional digital single-lens reflex camera 'D1' was released. |
| 1999-09 |
In April 1998, Nikon released the compact digital camera 'COOLPIX 900', and in September 1999, the professional digital single-lens reflex camera 'D1'. These products, with superior image quality, operability, and functionality, and at a groundbreaking price of 650,000 yen (one-third of competitors' prices at the time), marked the start of widespread adoption of digital SLR cameras. Nikon continued to produce flagship models exceeding professional expectations, with their excellent qualities inherited by the latest Nikon digital SLR 'D5'. |
| 1999-09 |
Released the professional digital single-lens reflex camera 'D1'. |
| 1999-09 |
In September 1999, the professional digital single-lens reflex camera "D1" was released. |
| 2000-02 |
In February 2000, 'FOCAS' made its first observation and discovered the galaxy 12.88 billion light-years away, the farthest known. |
| 2000-02 |
In February 2000 (Heisei 12), 'FOCAS' was observed for the first time. It not only discovered the most distant galaxy at 12.88 billion light-years away in the history of observation but also confirmed the existence of nine objects among the 'Top Ten Most Distant Celestial Bodies' announced in 2006, using the Subaru Telescope's prime focus camera. |
| 2000-02 |
The 'FOCAS' had its first observation. |
| 2005 |
In 2005, the operation of the 8-inch astronomical telescope was terminated. |
| 2005-04 |
Discovered the star with the lowest iron composition using 'HDS'. |
| 2005-04 |
According to the announcement in April 2005, "HDS" discovered the star with the least iron composition in observational history and succeeded in measuring elemental composition. The iron composition of that celestial body is only 1/250,000 of the Sun. |
| 2006 |
In 2006, nine celestial bodies observed by 'FOCAS' were selected as the 'Top Ten Most Distant Celestial Bodies'. |
| 2006-01 |
Launched the artificial satellite 'Daichi'. |
| 2006-01 |
Land observation satellite "Daichi" (launched: January 2006) |
| 2006-02 |
Launched the infrared astronomy satellite 'Akari'. |
| 2006-02 |
Infrared astronomical satellite "Akari" (February 2006) |
| 2009 |
In 2009, Nikon supplied 11 units of digital single-lens reflex cameras 'D3S' and interchangeable lenses to NASA. |
| 2009 |
In 2009 (Heisei 21), Nikon supplied NASA (the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration) with 11 units of the digital single‑lens reflex camera 'D3S' and seven 'AF‑S NIKKOR 14‑24mm f/2.8G ED' interchangeable lenses for recording and photography aboard the International Space Station (ISS). |
| 2009 |
Supplied a recording camera to the International Space Station (ISS). |
| 2009 |
In 2009, Nikon delivered 11 digital single-lens reflex cameras "D3S" and 7 exchange lenses "AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f2.8G ED" to NASA for recording photography inside the International Space Station (ISS). |
| 2010 |
In 2010, Nikon supplied equipment including 'D3S' and 'D3X' to the Russian Federal Space Agency. |
| 2010 |
In 2010, Nikon delivered one 'D3S' camera, two 'D3X' cameras, interchangeable lenses such as the 'AF‑S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR', software, and accessories to S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation 'Energia', which is contracted by the Russian Federal Space Agency to operate the International Space Station (ISS). These items are used in both the U.S. and Russian segments of the ISS for onboard and extravehicular activities. |
| 2010 |
In 2010, Nikon supplied one 'D3S' camera, two 'D3X' cameras, interchangeable lenses such as the 'AF‑S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR', software, and accessories to S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation 'Energia', which is contracted by the Russian Federal Space Agency to operate the International Space Station (ISS), for recording and photography in space. |
| 2010 |
Supplied cameras and lenses to the Russian Federal Space Agency. |
| 2010 |
Furthermore, in 2010, Nikon supplied one "D3S" and two "D3X" cameras, exchange lenses including "AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR," software, and accessories to S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation "Energia," which is entrusted with the operation of the ISS for recording in space. |
| 2010-05 |
Launched the Venus probe 'Akatsuki'. |
| 2010-05 |
Venus probe "Akatsuki" (May 2010) |
| 2013-09-14 |
On September 14, 2013, JAXA launched the planetary spectroscopic observation satellite 'Hisaki', and Nikon manufactured the main mirror of the telescope. |
| 2013-09-14 |
On September 14, 2013 (Heisei 25), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the epsilon rocket carrying the planetary spectroscopy satellite SPRINT‑A from the Nishiura Space Observation Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. SPRINT‑A was subsequently placed into orbit and named 'HISAKI'. HISAKI is the world's first dedicated planetary‑observation space telescope that observes Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and other planets from an artificial satellite orbit at an altitude of about 1,000 km around Earth. Nikon participated in the project by manufacturing the telescope's primary mirror (20 cm aperture). The primary mirror's substrate is silicon carbide (SiC), a material that is extremely hard and difficult to machine, but Nikon completed it using advanced precision machining techniques. |
| 2013-09-14 |
Launched the planetary spectroscopy observation satellite 'HISAKI' and manufactured its primary mirror. |
| 2013-09-14 |
On September 14, 2013, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the planetary spectroscopic observation satellite SPRINT-A onboard the Epsilon rocket from Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. Subsequently, SPRINT-A was safely placed into orbit and named "Hisaki." "Hisaki" is the world's first planetary observation dedicated space telescope that remotely observes Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and other planets from an artificial satellite orbit about 1000 km above Earth. Nikon participated in this project by manufacturing the main mirror (20cm aperture) of the telescope. |
| 2014-04 |
Since April 2014, it has been on permanent display in the "Exploring the Universe" corner on the 3rd basement floor of the Earth Hall at the National Science Museum. |
| 2017 |
In 2017, Nikon celebrated its 100th anniversary, conducting commemorative projects and establishing a new logo. |
| 2017 |
Established to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary in 2017. |
| 2017 |
Established Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc., the parent company of the additive manufacturing business, in the United States. |
| 2017 |
As part of the 100th‑anniversary celebration, Nikon established the 'Nikon 100th‑Anniversary Logo'. In addition to launching 100th‑anniversary commemorative products, events and campaigns were held worldwide. |
| 2017 |
Celebrated its 100th anniversary, launching commemorative projects and new products. |
| 2017 |
Launch of binoculars "WX" series. Achieves overwhelming wide field of view and sharp, clear images even at the periphery of the field of view. A new lineup of high-performance models ideal for astronomical observation. The photo shows "WX 7x50 IF." |
