Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is celebrating its 100th anniversary of the release of the JOICO microscope this year, 2025.
100 years of History
Since its founding in 1917, Nikon has been a pioneer in optical technology, with the mission of “Lighting the Future” . In 1925, Nikon released its first full-scale microscope, JOICO, which boasted the pinnacle of precision and quality. With a maximum magnification of 765x, JOICO has contributed to fields ranging from medicine and biology to industrial applications. In fact, Nikon developed the world’s first zoom stereo microscope. The now-common concept of continuously changing magnification with a single lens revolutionized manufacturing at the time. This innovation enabled continuous observation of microstructures without changing the lenses, significantly contributing to increased efficiency in the manufacturing industries. Nikon has also consistently anticipated modern needs, combining traditional technological expertise with innovation, such as integrating the multipurpose inverted microscope digital camera technology. Nikon’s microscope technology has supported manufacturing and research worldwide for 100 years.
Contribution to the Industrial Sector
Nikon microscopes have contributed to manufacturing by leveraging the advanced optical technology that has been cultivated over 100 years. The microscopes clearly capture even the slightest defects and minute structural changes, supporting high quality and productivity in a wide range of industrial fields, including semiconductors, metal materials, chemicals and electronics. Based on feedback from the field, Nikon offers microscope customization, after-sales service and technical training and has supported the development of Japanese manufacturing for many years as a solutions partner that goes beyond being just a manufacturer of measuring instruments.
Challenges for the Future
Carrying on 100 years of tradition and a history of challenges, Nikon continues to pursue higher precision and efficiency in observation and analysis through the fusion of optical and digital technologies. For example, in recent years, Nikon was one of the first to implement image acquisition, measurement, and analysis using the image integration software, “NIS-Elements”. Previously requiring expertise, detecting minute defects and measuring dimensions can now be performed with high reproducibility by anyone.
Building on these experiences and challenges, we will continue to create even more value for the next 100 years.
About Nikon’s Industrial Solutions Business Unit
Nikon’s Industrial Solutions Business Unit (IDSBU) delivers comprehensive industrial solutions ranging from high-quality optical components to sophisticated measurement and inspection systems. The unit draws on over 100 years of Nikon’s advanced applied optics and precision technology expertise to deliver innovative solutions worldwide.
