Celebrating 150 years of scientific excellence and innovation

Shimadzu Corporation marks milestone anniversary

Shimadzu Corporation, a global leader in scientific instrumentation and technology, proudly marks its 150th anniversary. Founded in Kyoto on 31 March 1875, Shimadzu has been at the forefront of scientific advancement, consistently driving innovation and excellence. To commemorate this significant milestone, the company has launched a dedicated anniversary website, inviting the global community to celebrate its legacy.

A legacy of scientific advancement

The journey of Shimadzu began with Genzo Shimadzu Sr., a skilled craftsman of Buddhist altars, who envisioned Japan as a leader in scientific development. His dedication to manufacturing educational physics and chemistry instruments laid the foundation for a company that would go on to have a worldwide impact. His son, Genzo Shimadzu Jr., carried forward this vision, embracing new challenges and innovations that helped shape Shimadzu into the pioneering enterprise it is today.

Commemorative anniversary logo & visual identity

As part of the celebrations, Shimadzu has unveiled a special 150th-anniversary logo, co-designed by employees from Japan and around the world. The logo features a balloon, a tribute to Genzo Shimadzu Sr.’s successful launch of Japan’s first private manned balloon on 6 December 1877. This symbol embodies the company’s unwavering spirit of exploration and continuous progress.

Accompanying this logo is a key visual featuring colourful circles, representing the dreams and aspirations of individuals and the connections between diverse communities. This design reflects Shimadzu’s commitment to preserving its founding principles while fostering innovation for the future.

Commitment to science and society

Shimadzu’s corporate philosophy, ‘Contributing to society through science and technology’, has guided its mission since its inception. President and CEO Yasunori Yamamoto emphasised: “As we celebrate 150 years of operation, we look forward to continuing our search for answers. We must pool our strength with even more scientists and researchers than before and accelerate innovation that transcends national borders.”

At a time when the world faces critical challenges - including population growth and environmental concerns - Shimadzu is committed to leveraging its century-and-a-half of expertise to develop solutions that positively impact society and the planet. By empowering its employees to pursue their ambitions, the company aims to create a brighter future for future generations.

Looking ahead

With subsidiaries and distributors spanning Europe and beyond, Shimadzu’s European Headquarters is proud to contribute to both the company’s storied history and its promising future. As the company embarks on the next phase of its journey, it remains dedicated to delivering cutting-edge scientific solutions that benefit industries, researchers, and communities worldwide.

The company invites everyone to celebrate this remarkable milestone and anticipate the groundbreaking innovations it will continue to introduce to the world.

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