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Company History

Corporate Milestones
Product & Technology Milestones
Feb. 6, 1936

The sensitized paper division of Rikagaku Kogyo split off to be established as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. (–1938)

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Feb. 6, 1936
Corporate Milestones

The sensitized paper division of Rikagaku Kogyo split off to be established as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. (–1938)

Kiyoshi Ichimura
Kiyoshi Ichimura
Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in the earliest days (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in the earliest days (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Head office of Riken Optical Industries, Ltd. renamed from Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. (Ginza 8-chome, Tokyo; 1938)
Head office of Riken Optical Industries, Ltd. renamed from Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. (Ginza 8-chome, Tokyo; 1938)
Oji Plant, the main factory of Riken Optical for manufacturing sensitized paper as well as cameras and binoculars (1938)
Oji Plant, the main factory of Riken Optical Industries for manufacturing sensitized paper as well as cameras and binoculars (1938)

Founder Kiyoshi Ichimura

Ricoh's origins date back to a decision by the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research to commercialize the fruits of its R&D by setting up Rikagaku Kogyo. Since its formation in 1927, the business venture has placed on the market numerous products developed by the research institute, including sensitized paper. On February 6, 1936, the sensitized paper division was split off to be established as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd., a precursor of Ricoh, under the directorship of Kiyoshi Ichimura (1900-1968). As the founder of Ricoh, Ichimura led the successful development of the business that started with 350,000 yen in capital and a staff of 33.

Kiyoshi Ichimura formulated The Spirit of Three Loves: “ Love your neighbor,” “ Love your country,” “Love your work,” and ever since, they have been respected as the Ricoh Group's Founding Principles, which provide every employee with a guide for business and encourage individuals to constantly improve and contribute to the wellbeing of all stakeholders, including families, customers, and society at large.

The Birth of RICOH

Mar. 1950

Launches the Ricohflex III camera, which spurred the popularization of cameras.

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Mar. 1950
Product & Technology Milestones

Launches the 6x6 format TLR Ricohflex Model III, which spurred the popularization of cameras in Japan

Ricohflex Model III (1950)
Ricohflex Model III (1950)
In 1953, Ricoh became Japan's first manufacturer to introduce a belt-conveyor production system. For its successful establishment of the mass production system, Ricoh was recognized by the Okochi Memorial Foundation with a production award.
In 1953, Ricoh became Japan's first manufacturer to introduce a belt-conveyor production system. For its successful establishment of the mass production system, Ricoh was recognized by the Okochi Memorial Foundation with a production award.
Ricoh was awarded the Okochi Memorial Production Prize for the successful establishment of a mass production system (1957)
Ricoh was awarded the Okochi Memorial Production Prize for the successful establishment of a mass production system (1957)

Ricoh was the first company in Japan to introduce a belt-conveyor system for manufacturing cameras, achieving a production capacity of 10,000 units/month—more than ten times the capacity of the then standard level of less than 1,000 units/month from the conventional handicraft industry. Successfully adopting this method of camera mass production, Ricoh offered the Ricohflex Model III at an affordable price, which was remarkably low for an iconic luxury item in those days. This model became highly popular among Japanese consumers, reportedly representing more than 50% of total national camera production during its sales peak.

Nov. 1955

Introduced Ricoh's first diazo copier, “Ricopy 101.“

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Nov. 1955
Product & Technology Milestones

Introduced Ricoh's first diazo copier, Ricopy 101
—Included in the Mechanical Engineering Heritage list

The oldest existing Ricopy 101 model
The oldest existing Ricopy 101 model
Production line of Ricopy 303 and 505 models (1957)
Production line of Ricopy 303 and 505 models (1957)
Advertisement for Ricopy
Advertisement for Ricopy

In 1955, Ricoh launched its first office copier, the Ricopy 101. The product became widely popular in the late 1950s, sparking the coining of the term “make a Ricopy,” meaning to “make a copy” in Japan, a representation of the brand that came to be recognized as being synonymous with the concept of duplication. Ricopy 101 and the following desktop diazo-wet copier Ricopy series brought about a revolutionary improvement in office work efficiency, ushering in an age of office automation. The model received the Mechanical Engineering Heritage Certification No.54 for fiscal year 2012.

Related website: Ricopy 101: Forerunner of Office Automation

Apr. 1962

Numazu Plant, Japan, formed. It features the world's first fully integrated production system of sensitized paper.

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Apr. 1962
Corporate Milestones

The Numazu Plant's functions enhanced to establish an integrated production system for sensitized paper

Current Numazu Plant (South Plant)
Current Numazu Plant (South Plant)
Electrofax paper coating line (Numazu Plant)
Electrofax paper coating line (Numazu Plant)
Paper machine in Numazu Plant, completed in March, 1960
Paper machine in Numazu Plant, completed in March, 1960

A paper factory was completed in April 1960 in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Two years later, the plant was expanded by building facilities for manufacturing sensitized paper on the same premises, thereby establishing an integrated production system for sensitized paper that included the base paper manufacturing process—the first of its kind in the world.

May. 1962

Ohmori Plant and General Research Laboratory completed.

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May. 1962
Corporate Milestones

Ohmori Plant and General Research Laboratory completed

Completion of the Ohmori Plant (for manufacturing office machines) and the General Research Laboratory
Completion of the Ohmori Plant (for manufacturing office machines) and the General Research Laboratory
Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda at the opening reception with Ricoh president Kiyoshi Ichimura in May 17, 1962
Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda at the opening reception with Ricoh president Kiyoshi Ichimura in May 17, 1962

In May 1962, the Ohmori Plant (for manufacturing offce machines) and General Research Laboratory were completed on the premises where the head offce was located. They served as strong Ricoh bases to support expansion of its business areas of microphotography cameras, offset printers, data processing systems, and many others.

Nov. 1962

Introduces the “Ricoh Auto Half“, a half frame camera that proves to be a massive hit

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Nov. 1962
Product & Technology Milestones

Introduces the Ricoh Auto Half, a half frame camera that proves to be a massive hit

Ricoh Auto Half (1963)
Ricoh Auto Half (1963)
Size comparison to a tobacco box
Size comparison to a tobacco box
Auto Half series
Auto Half series
Ricoh Auto 35
Ricoh Auto 35

Ricoh is a leading pioneer in the field of automatic camera technologies. In 1960 it released Ricoh Auto 35, the first electric-eye camera developed by a Japanese company; and then in 1962, rolled out the more advanced and handy Ricoh Auto Half—a half-frame, fully automatic camera with automated exposure, focusing and film-winding functions. Being compact, purse-sized and requiring no manual control skills, the world's smallest popular-model automatic camera of the times proved to be a huge hit, particularly with female consumers.

Apr. 1963

Changes corporate name to Ricoh Company, Ltd.

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Apr. 1963
Corporate Milestones

Changes corporate name to Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Advertisement announcing the change of corporate name (1963)
Advertisement announcing the change of corporate name (1963)
Introduction of Ricoh's corporate logo in 1963
Introduction of Ricoh's corporate logo in 1963

Since being renamed Riken Optical Co., Ltd. in 1938 to represent its diversified business more accurately, the corporate name remained unchanged for a quarter century until April 1963 when the present name, Ricoh Company, Ltd., was adopted in recognition of the company reaching the key milestone of 10 billion yen in sales in the early 1960s. The company made a fresh start under the new name, aiming to make further quantum leaps.

Corporate logo history

Sep. 1965

Introduces the “Ricopy BS-1“ as its first electrostatic copier

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Sep. 1965
Product & Technology Milestones

Introduces the Ricopy BS-1 as its first electrostatic copier

Ricopy BS-1 (1965)
Ricopy BS-1 (1965)
Ricopy BS-1 installed on the Fuji Antarctic researchship (1966)
Ricopy BS-1 installed on the Fuji Antarctic researchship (1966)
Campaign advertisement for Ricopy (1965)
Campaign advertisement for Ricopy (1965)

Ricopy BS-1 was introduced in 1965, and turned out to be a key revenue earner that supported the company in its recovery from slumping business. Employing a fixed-platen structure, which marked the world's first desktop copier to adopt that assembly, the product featured increased availability in terms of type of subject to be copied, covering not only paper sheets but also almost everything from books, textiles, jewelry, and machine parts to kitchen utensils. Ricopy BS-1 was viewed as a forerunner in an age when technological progress enabled the “duplication of anything you like,” while serving as a driving force for Ricoh's global business development.

Corporate Milestones
Product & Technology Milestones
Jan. 1970

Ricoh of America, Inc. established in New Jersey ( running until 1984), through integration of New York office and Ricoh Industries U.S.A., Inc.

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Jan. 1970
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh of America, Inc. was established in New Jersey

Ricoh of America, Inc. established in January, 1970
Ricoh of America, Inc. established in January, 1970

The global success of its hit products provided Ricoh with a stream of opportunities to form technological tie-ups with leading manufacturers in various regions. To facilitate these activities, we set up local affiliates in Taiwan, Korea, the USA and the Netherlands, raising the recognition of the Ricoh brand outside of Japan. The earliest of these was Ricoh of America, Inc., founded in 1970 as the headquarters for our activities in North America.

Mar. 1970

Ricoh Pavilion appears at Japan Expo '70 with theme "Better Vision for Humanity".

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Mar. 1970
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh Pavilion appears at Japan Expo '70 with theme of “Better Vision for Humanity”

Ricoh Pavilion welcomed many visitors every day
Ricoh Pavilion welcomed many visitors every day
Ricoh's billboard tower became famous in Toyonaka City, Osaka
Ricoh's billboard tower became famous in Toyonaka City, Osaka
Ricoh Pavilion used as the motif for a stamp issued by the Republic of Liberia
Ricoh Pavilion used as the motif for a stamp issued by the Republic of Liberia
Float Vision “Eye of the Sky”
Float Vision “Eye of the Sky”

In 1970, Japan Expo '70, the first world's fair in Asia, was held in Osaka over 183 days starting from March 15. Ricoh participated in the event by setting up a pavilion, which was created fully utilizing its technological achievements and in line with the exposition's overall theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind.” Our extraordinary exhibition feature a host of unique ideas that impressed many visitors and attracted a total of more than 7 million people at the Ricoh pavilion over the entire period.

Apr. 1971

Ricoh introduces the “RICOM 8”, the first office computer.

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Apr. 1971
Product & Technology Milestones

Ricoh introduces the RICOM 8, its first office computer

RICOM 8 (1971)
RICOM 8 (1971)

Ricoh was a pioneer in the field of office computer development that saw rapid growth in Japan in the 1970s. This is illustrated by the 1971 introduction of the RICOM 8, the company's first office computer, which was developed jointly with TDK. The embedded magnetic core memory with a 2/4 kilobyte capacity and 64-bit CPU demonstrated exceptional (at that time) storage capability and high-speed performance. The product was also highly regarded for its space- saving tower-structure design.

Apr. 1973

"RIFAX 600S", first high-speed facsimile machine for offices, succeeds in transmission between Tokyo and New York via satellite communications.

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Apr. 1973
Product & Technology Milestones

RIFAX 600S, first high-speed facsimile machine for offices, succeeds in transmitting a message between Tokyo and New York

RIFAX 600S (1974)
RIFAX 600S (1974)
RIFAX 600S high-speed facsimile enabling an astonishingly fast 60-sec. transmission, presented at the product launch conference at Keidanren Kaikan in April 1973, with Prime Minister Eisaku Sato (left) and Ricoh President Mikio Tatebayashi
RIFAX 600S high-speed facsimile enabling an astonishingly fast 60-sec. transmission, presented at the product launch conference at Keidanren Kaikan in April 1973, with Prime Minister Eisaku Sato (left) and Ricoh President Mikio Tatebayashi
RIFAX 600S exported to the USA (1975)
RIFAX 600S exported to the USA (1975)

RIFAX 600S was the world's first high-speed facsimile machine for offices, designed to be able to transmit an A4 page in 60 seconds—an outstanding performance compared to the three to six minutes required for contemporary standard models at the time. The product was also capable of international transmission. At the product launch conference held in April 1973, a transmission demonstration was successfully conducted between Tokyo and New York via satellite communications, establishing the global reputation of Ricoh as a leading technology brand. This machine was included in the Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology list (No.00170) for fiscal 2014.

RIFAX 600S: The World's First High-speed Digital Facsimile for Offices, Capable of Connecting to Public-line Networks

Feb. 1975

Ricoh launches the “RICOPY DT1200”, a wet-type plain-paper machine that becoming the world's top-selling copier.

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Feb. 1975
Product & Technology Milestones

Ricoh launches the RICOPY DT1200, a wet-type plain-paper machine that became the best selling copier

New RICOPY DT series highly evaluated for its quality performance (1975)
New RICOPY DT series highly evaluated for its quality performance (1975)
Company-led rally held at Atsugi Plant to increase production of the new RICOPY DT1200 in October, 1975
Company-led rally held at Atsugi Plant to increase production of the new RICOPY DT1200 in October, 1975

The new RICOPY DT1200 was developed to satisfy the ever-higher expectations of users for plain-paper copiers (PPCs) at that time. We offered this model with confidence as a reflection of its strong features, namely, a single touch switch between two different paper size feeders, marking the first time that such a function had ever been employed for popular model PPCs; a liquid development method employed to consume the entire supply of toner loaded in the machine; and stable functionality for quality results, proven even with one million pages running consecutively, thus reducing the amount of required maintenance work. These superior specifications were highly regarded by many users, particularly in the USA, where in general, availability of maintenance service was geographically limited. In 1991, the RICOPY DT1200 was enshrined in the nation's Copier Hall of Fame to acknowledge the significant role the product played in the history of wet-type copier development.

Nov. 1975

Ricoh becomes the first recipient for the Deming Prize in the office automation industry.

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Nov. 1975
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh becomes the first recipient of the Deming Prize in the office automation industry

Deming Medal
Deming Medal
Ricoh President Mikio Tatebayashi shaking hands with Dr. Deming at the award ceremony at Keidanren Kaikan on November 17, 1975
Ricoh President Mikio Tatebayashi shaking hands with Dr. Deming at the award ceremony at Keidanren Kaikan on November 17, 1975

In November 1971, Ricoh introduced a total quality control (TQC) campaign, aiming to build a recession-proof robust corporate structure. We began to conduct various TQC activities throughout the company to improve its management systems, setting as the goal the winning of the Deming Prize, the world's top quality control award. As a result of consistent efforts over the ensuing 46 months, on November 17, 1975, Ricoh became the first office machine manufacturer to receive the Deming Prize. This recognition served to verify our successful structural reform directed at growth in the coming era.

Jun. 1982

Ricoh introduces the “RICOPY FT4060”, the first dry-toner plain-paper copier.

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Jun. 1982
Product & Technology Milestones

Ricoh introduces the RICOPY FT4060, the first dry-toner plain-paper copier

RICOPY FT4060 (left) / RICOPY FT4030
RICOPY FT4060 (left) / RICOPY FT4030
The RICOPY FT4000 series won a gold award at the international trade fair in Bulgaria in September, 1983
The RICOPY FT4000 series won a gold award at the international trade fair in Bulgaria in September, 1983

The RICOPY FT4060, an A3-page plain-paper copier (PPC) complete with a zoom feature, enjoyed phenomenal market success, with a total of 100,000 units sold in 10 months from its release. Keys to this success were the model's high definition quality, operational durability and compact body. These properties were achieved through an effective combination of a newly developed electrophotographic imaging system and many other technologies related to mechanism and supply items, including toner. Also, with increased availability for paper type and size, this innovative PPC model contributed considerably to raising the efficiency of duplication work in offices.

Dec. 1983

Ricoh UK Products Ltd. founded.

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Dec. 1983
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh UK Products Ltd. founded

Ricoh UK Products Ltd. (RPL), our first manufacturing subsidiary in Europe
Ricoh UK Products Ltd. (RPL), our first manufacturing subsidiary in Europe
Norman Lamont, the then UK Minister of State for Trade and Industry (left), and Ricoh President Hiroshi Hamada announcing the establishment of RPL in October, 1983
Norman Lamont, the then UK Minister of State for Trade and Industry (left), and Ricoh President Hiroshi Hamada announcing the establishment of RPL in October, 1983

In the 1980s, Ricoh proactively pursued global business development. Export sales grew to account for 34.1% of the total for fiscal 1978, and operation bases were set up in new locations around the globe. Major subsidiaries established at that time included Ricoh Electronics Inc., a manufacturing company for office automation equipment founded in California, USA, in 1979; and Ricoh UK Products Ltd., a manufacturing firm established in Telford, UK, that went on line in December 1983 to produce office automation equipment. Following expansion in North America, an earlier target region for advancement, we began to focus on Europe to build the foundations for future growth.

Ricoh UK Ltd

1985 - 1999

Driving digitization

Corporate Milestones
Product & Technology Milestones
Apr. 1986

Ricoh founds Ricoh Research and Development Center in Yokohama in commemoration of 50th year of operations.

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Apr. 1986
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh Research and Development Center in Yokohama founded to commemorate the company's 50th anniversary

Ricoh Research and Development Center is located in an area of lush greenery
Ricoh Research and Development Center is located in an area of lush greenery
Community Plaza on the first floor of the Ricoh Research and Development Center
Community Plaza on the first floor of the Ricoh Research and Development Center

Ricoh Research and Development Center was founded as one of the commemorative events of the company's 50th anniversary. It was set up to become the core function of the company's multi-lab project to enhance its system for comprehensive R&D activities from the long-term perspective. The center opened on April 23, 1986 within the Kohoku New Town district in Yokohama. The facilities cover a total area of 16,700㎡ and include not only a range of laboratories for precision measurement and analysis as well as clean rooms, but also spaces designed to encourage researchers' inventive efforts and interactions. The establishment serves as Ricoh's key R&D base that undertakes a full range of activities, from basic and applied studies to commercial use research.

Jun. 1987

Releases the IMAGIO 320 office-use digital copier

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Jun. 1987
Product & Technology Milestones

Releases the IMAGIO 320 office-use digital copier

IMAGIO 320 (1987)
IMAGIO 320 (1987)

Before the IMAGIO 320 was launched, the commercial photocopier market was dominated by monochrome analog models, with digital models marginalized due to unaffordable unit prices (exceeding 2 million yen on average) and extremely large sizes that prevented their installation in standard offices. To overcome these challenges, Ricoh developed the IMAGIO 320, a more compact and affordable digital copier for office use. We reduced the body dimensions to a practical size and brought the price down to below 1 million yen. In addition, we incorporated multiple advanced features into the model, including functions to reproduce unprecedented image quality, an extensive image editor selection, automatic control, and multifunctionality to enable operational interaction with other office equipment. Being more practical, sophisticated and less costly, the product sold well over 20,000 units in its first 12 months, making it a massive hit.

Sep. 1989

Ricoh signs a contract of the Worldwide Sponsorship in facsimile machine category for 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

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Sep. 1989
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh signs a contract for the Worldwide Sponsorship in facsimile machine category for 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games

Ricoh's Olympic Fax Network
Ricoh's Olympic Fax Network
Then IOC President Juan Samaranch and Ricoh President Hamada signed the agreement (at Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, on September 19, 1989)
Then IOC President Juan Samaranch and Ricoh President Hamada signed the agreement (at Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, on September 19, 1989)

On September 19, 1989, Ricoh signed an agreement to become the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Worldwide Sponsor in the facsimile category. Based on this agreement, the company constructed the Olympic Fax Network to connect the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to around 40 related sports associations in 167 countries. This worldwide network greatly enhanced international communication among the organizations involved, which previously had to rely on postal and telex systems to exchange messages. Through this project, we were able to contribute considerably to a more accurate, speedy and smoother Olympic Games.

Oct. 1990

Introduces ARTAGE 8000, Ricoh's first digital color copier

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Oct. 1990
Corporate Milestones

Introduces ARTAGE 8000, Ricoh's first digital color copier

Foursome drive developed by Ricoh, adopting a “one-scan, four-beam, four drum tandem” system
Foursome drive developed by Ricoh, adopting a “one-scan, four-beam, four drum tandem” system
ARTAGE 8000 (1990)
ARTAGE 8000 (1990)

The standard technology adopted for color copiers around 1990 required repeated imaging processing for four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) loaded on a single drum to reproduce one color copy. This was a time-consuming process, taking about five minutes on average to make one A4-page copy. Identifying an opportunity in this limitation, Ricoh developed a four-drum photoreceptor system that could process the four colors in tandem, which was a vital function built into the new digital color model. The resulting ARTAGE 8000 boasted the capability of an outstanding high-speed color printing output of 15 ppm, which was the world's fastest at that time. The product was also designed to accept various paper types. The introduction of ARTAGE 8000 increased the availability of the color duplication option in routine office operations.

Mar. 1995

Ricoh wins top award from Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry for environmental activities, product assessment and recyclable design.

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Mar. 1995
Corporate Milestones

Receives a commendation from the Minister of International Trade and Industry for environmental activities

Photocopier designed for easier disassembly and component sorting
Photocopier designed for easier disassembly and component sorting
Spirio 2700, recyclable design model that has adopted a number of measures to improve efficiency in the recycling process, such as a reduced number of screws, unified plastic materials, and compatible decal labels developed to eliminate the need for removal
Spirio 2700, recyclable design model that has adopted a number of measures to improve efficiency in the recycling process, such as a reduced number of screws, unified plastic materials, and compatible decal labels developed to eliminate the need for removal
Recycling centers were built in the Kanto and Kyushu regions for disassembling and sorting components of collected used copiers as a part of efforts for energy reduction and recycling
Recycling centers were built in the Kanto and Kyushu regions for disassembling and sorting components of collected used copiers as a part of efforts for energy reduction and recycling

In the early 1990s, Ricoh began to promote sustainable environmental management on a full scale, implementing a variety of activities. One of the key initiatives was the introduction of a recyclable product design. For copy machines, around 20% of the weight of an entire unit is composed of plastic parts, which previously did not undergo disassembly and sorting for reuse since used units were wholly destroyed and disposed of. In 1993, in order to reduce this waste by improving the parts recycling rate, we formulated a recyclable design policy and product assessment system. Our first recyclable design copier was released in 1994. These efforts won public recognition, including the highest prize from the Minister of International Trade and Industry for environmental activities for product assessment and recyclable design in the recycling project award hosted by the Clean Japan Center in 1995. The recyclable design initiative took root in Ricoh as a continual driver of its sustainable

May. 1995

Launches the Ricoh DC-1, Ricoh's first digital camera

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May. 1995
Product & Technology Milestones

Launches the Ricoh DC-1, Ricoh's first digital camera

Ricoh DC-1 (1995)
Ricoh DC-1 (1995)
PC Card adopted for recording media
PC Card adopted for recording media
Compact and lightweight body achieved through functional integration
Compact and lightweight body achieved through functional integration

Ricoh DC-1, which employed Ricoh's proprietary image processing technology that had been developed primarily for office automation systems to achieve integrated processing of image and non-image data, pioneered a new front in the digital camera market. This pioneering model featured a handy pocket-size body that housed a set of then leading-edge functions (that have now become standard) such as zoom, data communication, and video recording with sound. Also, to offer the option of data transfer to PCs, necessary applications and image recording media were developed to specifically serve the purpose of this model.

Aug. 1996

Launches the imagio MF200, low-priced, space-saving digital copier

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Aug. 1996
Product & Technology Milestones

Launches the imagio MF200, low-priced, space-saving digital copier

imagio MF200, a global digital copier success story (1996)
imagio MF200, a global digital copier success story (1996)

The imagio MF200 realized the turning point in the history of copy machines by sparking the dramatic transition from analog to digital models. It featured digital-enabled high-definition quality, memory for storing data to be copied, a compact body (for an A3-paper support model) with the world's smallest width at that time as well as lower unit prices achieved through rigorous cost cutting efforts. Because of all these outstanding features, the imagio MF200 was particularly popular with smaller corporate users, enjoying enormous sales and becoming a record-breaking hit. Following the rollout of this machine, the digital segment increased to exceed the analog segment in terms of shipment volume in the Japanese market. In the global copier sector, this event provided momentum supporting the trend toward the shift to digital technologies on a large scale.

Dec. 1999

Ricoh receives Japan Quality Award.

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Dec. 1999
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh receives Japan Quality Award

Masamitsu Sakurai, Ricoh's president  (right), accepting the Japan Quality Award  (1999)
Masamitsu Sakurai, Ricoh's president (right), accepting the Japan Quality Award (1999)
JQA trophy and award plaque
JQA trophy and award plaque

The Ricoh Group is committed to building a management system that allows business to create the value expected by customers in cooperation with them while maintaining a competitive edge over the long term. As one of the relevant approaches taken, the Group started to work on developing a customer satisfaction-oriented management system, and in December 1999, we received the Japan Quality Award in recognition of these efforts. Gaining momentum from this commendation and acknowledgement, we began to globally expand the management quality reform initiatives for improving customer satisfaction while maintaining competitiveness. At each Group company both in and outside Japan, the responsible division carries out evaluations of management quality and implements necessary improvements.

2000 - 2009

Going global

Corporate Milestones
Product & Technology Milestones
Feb. 2001

Ricoh receives Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for the advanced environmental friendliness of the "imagio Neo 350 series".

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Feb. 2001
Product & Technology Milestones

Ricoh receives Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for the advanced environmental friendliness

imagio Neo 350
imagio Neo 350

The imagio Neo 350 series, featuring Ricoh's energy-saving technology called QSU*1, won the Energy Conservation Grand Prize*2 for the first time in this sector. News of the award stirred users' interest in the energy efficiency of this digital copier, generating great momentum to the development and widespread use of environmentally friendly models.

*1 QSU stands for “quick start-up,” which is Ricoh's proprietary technology that offers both energy conservation and user friendliness. QSU realizes minimal power consumption when the copier is in the standby mode and quick recovery when the user wants to photocopy.
*2 The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize in the 11th Energy Conservation Grand Prize.

Oct. 2001

Inaugurates the Ichimura Nature School Kanto for youth education and development

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Oct. 2001
Corporate Milestones

Inaugurates the Ichimura Nature School Kanto for youth education and development

Ichimura Nature School Kanto
Ichimura Nature School Kanto
Children engaged in activities at the Ichimura Nature School
Children engaged in activities at the Ichimura Nature School

The Ichimura Nature School is an NPO for youth development founded in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kiyoshi Ichimura, the founder of Ricoh and the Ricoh San-ai Group. It was established in Matsuda-machi, a town in the Ashigarakami District of Kanagawa Prefecture in October 2001. Based on the concept of “learning how to live from Mother Nature,” the project offers farming and other programs for children to provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and a self-reliant attitude.

Aug. 2005

Ricoh Technology Center established in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

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Aug. 2005
Corporate Milestones

Establishes the Ricoh Technology Center, a development base for MFPs/printers, in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture

Collaboration space in the Ricoh Technology Center
Collaboration space in the Ricoh Technology Center
Ricoh Technology Center
Ricoh Technology Center

Ricoh Technology Center was established to consolidate development functions for imaging and solutions products (MFPs, printers, etc.) that were formerly located in separate sites in Japan, including the Ohmori Plant (Tokyo) and Atsugi Plant (Kanagawa Prefecture), into a single center. The organizational integration was planned to streamline activities in a range of development areas, from element technology and production technology to product assessment, spurring cross-divisional, cross-functional activities, thereby improving development efficiency.

Oct. 2006

Construction of mass-production plant for polymerized toner,"PxP toner", completed at Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

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Oct. 2006
Corporate Milestones

Construction of mass-production plant for polymerized toner, PxP toner, completed at Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

PxP toner mass-production plant
PxP toner mass-production plant

PxP toner is a polymerized toner with polyester developed by Ricoh, applying its original ester elongation method. While offering higher-definition quality achieved by fine, uniform and highly shape-controllable particles, this toner allows for lower-temperature fixing, thereby contributing to energy-saving machine operations. In addition, CO2 emissions stemming from the manufacturing process can be reduced to around 65% of those of conventional ground toners. To start mass production of the PxP toner, a new plant was constructed on the premises of our Numazu Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Dec. 2006

Major new billboard lights up a top the San-ai Dream Center, Ginza, Tokyo.

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Dec. 2006
Corporate Milestones

Major new billboard lights up a top the San-ai Dream Center, Ginza, Tokyo

Billboard on top of the San-ai Dream Center lit up
Billboard on top of the San-ai Dream Center lit up

San-ai Dream Center is a commercial facility which was completed in January 1963. The project was organized by Kiyoshi Ichimura, the founder of Ricoh, who wished to create a symbolic structure of the Ricoh San-ai Group. In 2006, a new billboard was installed on top of the building in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Ricoh's founding. The lighting installation was designed to present a vibrant image of new sprouts shooting and flower buds opening under the theme of “birth and growth.” This was replaced in September 2014 by the present 100% natural energy powered billboard.

Promotions

Nov.2007

Ricoh Technology Center wins the Nikkei Manufacturing Award, first in the Ricoh Group.

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Nov.2007
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh Technology Center received The Nikkei Manufacturing Award

Certificate presented for the Nikkei Manufacturing Award
Certificate presented for the Nikkei Manufacturing Award

Ricoh Technology Center in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture, received the fourth Nikkei Manufacturing Award hosted by The Nikkei, a well-known financial daily in Japan. The Nikkei Manufacturing Award recognizes excellent factories, R&D centers as well as programs and systems adopted in these facilities. The Ricoh Technology Center received the award for successful initiatives in development process reforms that increased efficiency by consolidating formerly separate divisions for development, design and pre-production into a single organization to encourage cross-functional activities.

Oct. 2008

Ricoh enters the color Print-On-Demand market and introduces a color producton printer,“the Ricoh Pro C900”.

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Oct. 2008
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh enters the color Print-On-Demand market and introduces a color production printer, the Ricoh Pro C900

RICOH Pro C900
RICOH Pro C900

RICOH Pro C900 was launched to pioneer the RICOH Pro series, a new production printer brand. The product was a full-fledged print-on-demand model designed to demonstrate the high-speed, high-productivity capability of achieving 90ppm (A4 landscape) for both color and monochrome copying. It represented the fastest performance model in the category*, and satisfied the high-standards required in commercial production printers, in terms of definition quality, stable performance and reliable operation.

*Color production printers marketed at a standard unit price of 30 million yen or less (as of May 7, 2008)

Sep. 2009

Releases Ricoh's first reconditioned digital full-color MFPs, the “imagio MP C3500RC/C2500RC series”

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Sep. 2009
Product & Technology Milestones

Releases Ricoh's first reconditioned digital full-color MFPs, the “imagio MP C3500RC/C2500RC series”

imagio MP C3500RC
imagio MP C3500RC
Used copies are disassambled, have their parts cleaned, then reassembled
Used copies are disassambled, have their parts cleaned, then reassembled

Reconditioning products is an important resource-recycling project at Ricoh. Products are reconditioned mainly by using parts that meet our quality assurance standards. The imagio MP C3500RC/C2500RC series was Ricoh's first reconditioned digital full-color MFP series. While attaining an average 80% mass content of reused parts, these models met quality standards on par with newly manufactured products*.

*Products wholly composed of newly manufactured parts or like-new products containing some remanufactured parts

2010 - Present

Creating New Value

Corporate Milestones
Product & Technology Milestones
Apr. 2010

Ricoh Institute of Sustainability and Business Opens.

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Apr. 2010
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh Institute of Sustainability and Business

Ricoh Institute of Sustainability and Business
Ricoh Institute of Sustainability and Business

The Ricoh Institute of Sustainability and Business was established to perform two major roles: a think tank function to engage in socioeconomic research to identify future trends and their expected impact on corporate management; and an advisory function to provide the management team with advice and to raise potential issues based on the results of the conducted research. The two functions work respectively to accurately understand the transformation of social and economic structures behind the constantly changing business environment and conduct more effective analyses taking a closer view of the Group's specific management situations.

News Release Official Site

Feb. 2011

Ricoh enters the Unified Communication System Business.

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Feb. 2011
Corporate Milestones

Launches the visual communication business

Ricoh Unified Communication System P3000
Ricoh Unified Communication System P3000
IPSiO PJ WX4130N/WX4130, ultra-short-throw projector, with the world's most compact*1 and light weight*1 body among contemporary comparable models<br><small>*1 Comparison made for a mirror reflection ultra-short-throw projector (as of November 7, 2011; surveyed by Ricoh)</small>
IPSiO PJ WX4130N/WX4130, ultra-short-throw projector, with the world's most compact*1 and light weight*1 body among contemporary comparable models
*1 Comparison made for a mirror reflection ultra-short-throw projector (as of November 7, 2011; surveyed by Ricoh)
Ricoh Interactive Whiteboard D5000, a visual communication system including writable display screens and supporting telecommunications
Ricoh Interactive Whiteboard D5000, a visual communication system including writable display screens and supporting telecommunications

Ricoh entered the visual communication sector by offering systems for conveying various forms of information, including images and sounds, efficiently through a single tool. We have introduced a stream of innovative products to advance business communications. Among the major examples are: the Unified Communication System (USC), a videoconference/web conference system for Internet-based visual communication between internal/external corporate organizations, which is provided by creating cloud-based platforms optimized to enable real-time interactive and multi-point communications for each customer; an ultra-short-throw projector; and an Interactive Whiteboard (IWB).

News Release Official Site

Oct. 2011

Establishes PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.

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Oct. 2011
Corporate Milestones

Establishes PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.*

PENTAX digital cameras
PENTAX digital cameras
Advertisement to announce the establishment of the new company
Advertisement to announce the establishment of the new company

PENTAX Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd. was established to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh, effective on October 1 , 2011.Through this move, the firm rebuilt its offerings based on the PENTAX brand lineup of DSLRs coming with a broad lens selection, adding to it Ricoh's existing digital camera range, with a greater focus on consumer products and services. In August 2013, the company changed its name to the present Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.

* present Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.

Official Site

Oct. 2013

Launches RICOH THETA, the world's first imaging device that captures fully spherical views. *
*As a mass-produced, consumer product capable of capturing the scene around, above and below the device in a fully spherical image (as of October 2013, based on Ricoh Imaging Company Ltd. research).

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Oct. 2013
Product & Technology Milestones

Launches RICOH THETA, the world's first imaging device that captures fully spherical views

RICOH THETA
RICOH THETA
Fully spherical image captured by RICOH THETA
Fully spherical image captured by RICOH THETA

RICOH THETA can capture an all-round view surrounding the photographer with a single shutter release and produce the result as a fully spherical image. This invention, the world's first of its kind*, was achieved by employing a micro twin-lens reflex optical system developed by Ricoh to enable the capture of an entire view of the surrounding space, including areas above and below the device. Our wish is that the product will stimulate a new passion in photography by producing unexpected, unique results that can be shared with people around the world.

* Consumer Product noted for ability to capture fully spherical images, rather than panoramic or semi-spherical images with a single shutter release (based on Ricoh Imaging research, as of October 2013)

Official Site

Sep. 2014

Launches the additive manufacturing (AM) business

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Sep. 2014
Corporate Milestones

Launches the additive manufacturing (AM) business

3D printed models
3D printed models
RICOH Rapid Fab (at Atsugi Plant)
RICOH Rapid Fab (at Atsugi Plant)
RICOH AM 5500P, Ricoh's first 3D printer
RICOH AM 5500P, Ricoh's first 3D printer

Ricoh's additive manufacturing (AM) business, which the Company launched, is centered on 3D printers. The initial project in this business was to open RICOH Rapid Fab, a base for offering manufacturing innovation solutions. It is a frontline base for the 3D printers business, tasked with procurement and marketing, output service, and providing consultation and proposals using insights drawn from internal actual usage. We plan to expand the business from Japan to global locations.

News Release

Mar. 2015

Released RICOH-SV-M-S1, an industrial stereo camera which can take accurate and speedy 3D measurements. (Ricoh Industrial Solutions, Co., Ltd.)

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Mar. 2015
Product & Technology Milestones

Releases RICOH-SV-M-S1, an industrial-use stereo camera

RICOH SV-M-S1
RICOH SV-M-S1
Ricoh's FA camera lineup
Ricoh's FA camera lineup

RICOH SV-M-S1, rolled out by Ricoh Industrial Solutions Inc., is an industrial-use stereo camera system for high-speed, high-accuracy 3D measurement. It is intended for use in supporting the automated control of a system through 3D measurement of related objects, or figuratively, playing the role of the “eye” of the system. The product boasts a high precision range of ± 0.1% (actual measurement value), which was achieved by applying Ricoh's refined calibration technology. And its high frame rate of 30 fps designed for 3D measurements has been made possible by incorporating functions related to a range of processes from photographic image processing to parallax computation into the main structure from which it works, thereby delivering faster data processing. SV-M-S1 is offered from Ricoh's broad lineup of camera systems for factory automation (FA).

Official Site

Apr. 2015

Ricoh's VCSEL receives the Science and Technology Award

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Apr. 2015
Product & Technology Milestones

Ricoh's VCSEL receives the Science and Technology Award

Ricoh's 40-channel VCSEL: 40 light sources aligned on a less than 1mm2 area in each unit
Ricoh's 40-channel VCSEL: 40 light sources aligned on a less than 1mm2 area in each unit
Ricoh's VCSEL technology delivers 1,200 x 4,800 dots per inch
Ricoh's VCSEL technology delivers 1,200 x 4,800 dots per inch
Recipients of the Science and Technology Award
Recipients of the Science and Technology Award

Ricoh's 40-channel vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) technology was selected for the fiscal 2015 commendation by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and two development leaders-Shunichi Sato, chief engineer at Ricoh Future Technology Laboratory (FTL), and Naoto Jikutani, researcher at the FTL's Tohoku branch-receiving the Science and Technology Award from the Ministry. The acknowledgement was offered for technological achievements that have enabled print-on-demand (POD) printing systems to effectively respond to the recently growing demand related to high-mix, low-volume, quick delivery orders. Being able to minimize wasteful output, the product is also beneficial for environmental conservation.

Aug. 2015

Opened RICOH Future House, a commercial facility which offers solutions and services for supporting development and growth of local communities.

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Aug. 2015
Corporate Milestones

Opened RICOH Future House, a commercial facility which offers solutions and services for supporting development and growth of local communities.

RICOH Future House
RICOH Future House
Science classroom
Science classroom

RICOH Future House is a new-concept commercial facility project planned with the hope of creating opportunities in which local people can gather, learn, and work for building a better future. The House, employing the structure of a fully glazed front façade to produce a sense of openness, consists of four floors, each designed to serve different types of learning and working purposes catering to a wide range of age groups. Specifically, the facility houses science and technology labs for children, event and seminar areas, and co-working spaces in addition to a restaurant and café lounge, and a printing service shop.

Feb. 2016

“RIFAX 600S” was honored by The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan as one of the “One Step on Electro-Technology” products in 2016

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Feb. 2016
Product & Technology Milestones

RIFAX 600S honored with the “One Step on Electro-Technology” prize

RIFAX 600S
RIFAX 600S
RIFAX 600S coming off the line at the Atsugi Plant
RIFAX 600S coming off the line at the Atsugi Plant

The RIFAX 600S was awarded the “One Step on Electro-Technology” prize by The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. The reason for the award was that the RIFAX 600S could transmit an A4 standard page in one minute, six times faster than the analog facsimile. It greatly contributed to facsimile popularization. This digital technology set an international standard and led to the development of a multifunctional printer that combined copying, printing, scanning and facsimile functions in one unit. Consequently, it promoted the progress of Office Automation equipment and innovated effective office work.

Official Site

Mar. 2016

Entered the healthcare solutions field

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Mar. 2016
Corporate Milestones

The Ricoh Group draws on its technological prowess to enter the healthcare field

Magnetoencephalograph showing the neural activity of the brain
Magnetoencephalograph showing the neural activity of the brain
Spinal cord neural activity
Spinal cord neural activity

Population aging in advanced nations, particularly in Japan, has created major social issues. These include surging healthcare costs and widening gaps in regional medical standards. The Ricoh Group, drawing on its technological prowess, has entered the healthcare field to help overcome these challenges. We acquired the magnetoencephalography* business of Yokogawa Electric Corporation in April 2016.
* Magnetoencephalography maps the neural activity of the brain

Here, our three key focuses are on medical imaging, healthcare information technology, and biomedical domains. We will combine the medical equipment development and business knowhow we secured through that acquisition with the imaging technology, systems design capabilities, and production expertise of our core operations to help prevent, swiftly identify and treat illnesses, and in doing so help resolve social issues.

Official Site

Apr. 2016

RICOH Eco Business Development Center opened

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Apr. 2016
Corporate Milestones

Ricoh Eco Business Development Center Opens

RICOH Eco Business Development Center
RICOH Eco Business Development Center
MFP resource recycling exhibit
MFP resource recycling exhibit

The “Ricoh Eco Business Development Center” was founded as a project to commemorate the company's 80th anniversary. This center has three major functions: the “Reuse & Recycling Center”, a “center for verification of eco-business technologies”; and a “source to distribute information regarding eco-business activities”.

The center for verification of eco-business technologies harnesses open innovation between industry, academia, and government in collaboration with partners to accelerate the creation of eco businesses. Since the 1990s, Ricoh has focused its efforts on “environmental management” to simultaneously reduce environmental impact and create additional sources of revenue & profit. The company will further advance the scope of this “environmental management” and aims to create eco-businesses in a broader range of fields, not limited to the domains it has focused on in the past. This will further evolve with customers, who will contribute to achieving a more sustainable society.

News Release 公式サイト

Apr. 2017

Yoshinori Yamashita appointed President and CEO

Oct. 2018

Signs Japan Climate Action Summit declaration

Jan. 2019

Launches the RICOH IM C series of advanced MFPs, which draw on the state-of-art cloud services and AI

Develops the world's first inkjet technique-based technology to manufacture lithium-ion secondary batteries in desired shapes

Jan. 2020

Launches the RICOH EH DSSC series, the world's first solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) modules that generate renewable energy allowing electronics to maintain a charge.

Apr. 2023