Shimadzu celebrates 150th anniversary
Shimadzu Corporation, a pioneer in scientific instrumentation and technology, is proud to announce the celebration of its 150th anniversary. Founded in Kyoto on March 31, 1875, Shimadzu has been at the forefront of innovation and excellence in science and technology for over a century and a half. To commemorate this significant milestone, Shimadzu Corporation has launched a special website, inviting everyone to join in the celebration.
150th anniversary logo and key visual. Proposals for the logo were solicited from employees. Both are inspired by balloons.
Shimadzu
A woodcut titled “Illustration of Balloon Test” by the artist Kubota Beisen which records a manned balloon flight in 1877
Shimadzu
The legacy of Shimadzu began with Genzo Shimadzu Sr., a craftsman of Buddhist altars, who was inspired by the vision of establishing Japan as a leader in scientific advancement. He initiated the manufacturing of educational physics and chemistry instruments, laying the foundation for what would become a global enterprise. His son, Genzo Shimadzu Jr., furthered the family business, embracing new challenges and innovations that shaped the company into its current form.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Shimadzu has unveiled a unique 150th anniversary logo, designed by employees from both Japan and overseas. The logo features a balloon, symbolizing the successful launch of Japan’s first private manned balloon by Genzo Shimadzu Sr. on December 6, 1877. This motif represents the enduring spirit of Shimadzu — an unwavering commitment to continuous effort and the pursuit of new challenges.
The accompanying key visual, inspired by the balloon design, showcases colorful circles that symbolize the unique dreams of individuals and the connections between diverse people. This visual encapsulates Shimadzu’s dedication to carrying forward the “DNA” of its founding and fostering innovation for the future.
Shimadzu’s corporate philosophy, “Contributing to society through science and technology”, has remained steadfast since its inception. In the words of President and CEO Yasunori Yamamoto: “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.”
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, including a rapidly growing population and environmental concerns, Shimadzu is committed to leveraging its 150 years of trust and expertise to develop solutions that benefit society and the planet. The company believes that by empowering its employees to pursue their dreams, it can create a brighter future for all.
The Shimadzu European Headquarters, with subsidiaries and distributors all over Europe is proud to be part of this history and future.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable journey and look forward to the exciting innovations that Shimadzu Corporation will continue to bring to the world.
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