From its early roots to 2026: the Nikon story

Nikon traces its corporate history to 25 July 1917, when three Japanese optical businesses were combined to form Nippon Kogaku K.K. in Tokyo.

How Nikon developed

The Nikon name appeared on cameras after the Second World War and became internationally associated with photography. The company formally changed its corporate name to Nikon Corporation in 1988 while continuing to broaden its precision-optics expertise into industrial and scientific equipment.

Nikon in 2026

By 2026, Nikon’s activities extended beyond cameras and lenses to precision equipment, microscopes, metrology, imaging and technologies used in semiconductor and display manufacturing.

Why the history matters

Nikon’s history matters because the same disciplines of lenses, light control and precision mechanics that built its camera reputation also underpin less visible industrial and scientific businesses.

This profile was checked against company disclosures, regulatory filings and reputable independent or industry sources where applicable. Information reflects public material available on 18 September 2026.