150 Years of Innovation: Shimadzu Corporation to Mark 150th Anniversary with Special Celebrations

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 Shimadzu in celebrating this remarkable journey and look forward to the exciting innovations that Shimadzu Corporation will continue to bring to the world.