150th Anniversary
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Shimadzu was founded in Kiyamachi-Nijo, Kyoto, and began manufacturing of physics and chemistry instruments for educational use

Japan’s first successful manned private balloon flight

Genzo Sr. received a commission to construct a manned balloon, with the aim of encouraging interest in science education among the people of Kyoto. He built the balloon based on a single illustration. With a crowd of approximately 50,000 looking on from the plaza of the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, the balloon carried a single passenger high above the ground.

Genzo Sr. received technical guidance from Dr. Gottfried Wagener, a German scientist at the Physics and Chemistry Research Institute

Genzo Sr. used a pedal-powered wooden lathe obtained from Wagener to manufacture physics and chemistry instruments.

Genzo Sr. published Science Equipment Catalog List

This product catalog listed 110 physics and chemistry instruments, everything then needed for science education in elementary and junior high schools. The catalog also stated that it would accept any order, including for models and cast products.

Umejiro (Genzo Jr.) built a Wimshurst electrostatic generator at age 15

Genzo Sr. began publishing the monthly Physics and Chemistry Industrial Arts Journal

Genzo Sr. launched a monthly journal on science and technology that profiled new findings by up-and-coming scholars, visionary academic theories, and practical science and technology. This issue is now part of the Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Museum collection.

Scientific specimen manufacturing began

Specimen Department was established

Genzo Jr. taught science while working for the company, and established the Specimen Department to manufacture specimens. The company produced a wide selection of specimens and models for schools and other customers, including mounted rare animals and birds, human skeletons, and physiological models.

Japan’s first X-ray photographs

Eleven months after the discovery of X-rays by the German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen, Genzo Jr. and his younger brother Genkichi, with Professor Han’ichi Muraoka of the Third Higher School (today’s Kyoto University), succeeded in taking X-ray photographs in Shimadzu's lab, launching the company’s involvement with X-ray technology.

Shimadzu manufactured its first storage batteries. In 1908, it marketed them as GS (“Genzo Shimadzu”) storage batteries

Manufacturing of X-ray devices for educational purposes began

Osaka Branch Office was established (followed by Tokyo Branch Office in 1906 and Kyushu Sales office in 1909)

Shimadzu completed the first domestically-produced medical X-ray system

Imports of foreign medical X-ray system began. Shimadzu was also active in this area, designing a large X-ray device that employed a motor-driven DC generator to charge a storage battery. The battery served as the power source for a Wehnelt interrupter induction coil-type large DC X-ray device, which was delivered to the Kohnodai Army Garrison Hospital (Chiba).

First issue of Science, a monthly technical journal, was published

First large, Japanese alternator-type medical X-ray system was built

Shimadzu delivered a sensitive-coil-type X-ray system to the Japanese Red Cross Otsu Hospital in Shiga. The power source employed a rectifier to convert AC to DC. As a pioneer of medical X-ray system in Japan, Shimadzu was leading the way.

Shimadzu registered the crossed circle as a commercial trademark

Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. (today’s GS Yuasa Corporation) was established to specialize in battery production

Shimadzu was reorganized as joint stock company with Genzo Jr. as president

Testing equipment manufacturing began

Shimadzu bolstered its foundation in testing equipment by introducing a fiber-testing device as a physics and chemistry instrument. Two years later, with guidance from Prof. Matsumura of Kyoto Imperial University, the company commercialized a repetitive-impact testing machine, followed by an Amsler-type hydraulic-pressure tester and a Schopper-type tensile testing machine.

Shimadzu launched Diana medical X-ray system

X-ray machines became more widespread in the 1910s, and Shimadzu developed a succession of new products. Among them, the Diana X-ray machine was improved continuously after its launch and was an established seller through the mid-1930s. As ease of operation improved, sales exploded not only in Japan but internationally. The Diana was also useful in diagnosing tuberculosis and benefitted many patients.

Balance scale manufacturing began

Gear coupling manufacturing began

First X-ray was held

Shimadzu held the first X-ray at its Kawaramachi main office. Medical treatment using X-rays was still a new field, and dissemination of the correct knowledge concerning X-rays, and acquisition of expertise in operating X-ray devices, were important goals in the field of radiology.

Berlin Branch Office was established

Mannequin manufacturing began

The trend toward Western-style clothing was accompanied by an increase in mannequin imports, but many of these mannequins were damaged during shipping. In response, Shimadzu utilized the technology it developed for making human body models in the Specimen Department to repair and manufacture mannequins. At its peak, the company was producing over 85% of mannequins in Japan. The business continues today under the auspices of another company.

Textile machinery (spinning pumps and nozzles) manufacturing began

Shimadzu X-ray Technology Training Center (now Kyoto College of Medical Science) opened

The center developed specialist technicians with correct X-ray related knowledge and skills. The training period was six months. Graduates of junior high schools or above were recruited from across the country and tested. The first intake totaled 40 students, 20 in the main course and 20 auditors.

Shimadzu President Genzo Shimadzu Jr. was named one of Japan’s ten greatest inventors

Genzo Jr. was named one of the ten greatest inventors in Japan in recognition of his Simple Applied Method for Manufacturing Lead Powder, an important material for storage batteries. The method delivered significant improvements and cost reductions in the production of lead powder, at a time when Japan was largely dependent on imports of this material.

Industrial X-ray apparatus (WELTES) manufacturing began

Optical analyzer (spectrograph) and X-ray analyzer manufacturing began

Aircraft equipment manufacturing began

Shimadzu Seisakusho Seinen Gakko (now Shimadzu Engineering School) was established

Process control instrument manufacturing began

First issue of Shimadzu Review was published

Manufacturing resumed

In August, one day after the end of the World War 2, an emergency board of directors meeting was held to initiate the process of winding up Shimadzu’s wartime activities. All employees resigned in September, but 2,865 were rehired the following month, and production resumed in November. Yosuke Suzuki was appointed third president, and full-scale activities based on a recovery plan commenced.

Shimadzu launched the first domestically-produced electron microscope

Specimen Department became an independent company (today’s Kyoto Kagaku Co. Ltd)

The Emperor visited the Sanjo Factory

During a visit to Kyoto to inspect postwar conditions and promote industry, the Emperor toured Shimadzu’s Sanjo Factory. In the electron microscope room, he observed diatoms, which were his area of research, through an electron microscope.

Sales began of Japan's first direct-reading optical emission spectrometer (quantometric recorder)

Aircraft Equipment Division was established

Shimadzu launched the first domestically-produced gas chromatograph

The gas chromatograph (GC) revolutionized the analysis of many substances such as petroleum products, solvents, chemicals, and food ingredients. GC use has spread widely along with the development of the chemical and food industries, and Shimadzu continues to develop these devices as a leading manufacturer.

Shimadzu launched the world's first remote X-ray television system

Established the New York Office

Shimadzu (Europa) GmbH (SEG) was established in West Germany

Shimadzu launched a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS)

Shimadzu launched a high-speed liquid chromatograph (LC)

100th anniversary of Shimadzu’s founding Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Museum opened

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. (SSI) was established in the U.S.

Hydraulic Equipment Department (now Fluidics Systems Division) was established

Middle East Office was established in Cairo

Shimadzu launched a medical X-ray CT scanner

An analytical instrument service station was established in Beijing, followed by a Beijing Office the following year

Shimadzu Precision Instruments, Inc. (SPI) was established in the U.S.

Latin America Office was established in Argentina

Shimadzu Science Foundation was established

The foundation was established to support and promote scientific and technological research and development, contribute to industrial development, and promote welfare in Japan. It supports outstanding research and development and recognizes distinguished achievement with the Shimadzu Prize.

Shimadzu launched Japan's first air-cooled turbomolecular pump (TMP)

Shimadzu developed a TMP to create vacuum states using aircraft turbine technology. Accelerators and nuclear fusion were the principal applications, but subsequently development progressed for electronic and semiconductor manufacturing and processing. Today Shimadzu TMPs also find use in environmental applications.

Net sales and operating income reached ¥100 billion and ¥10 billion respectively

Joint development of HEADTOME-IV took place

In PET scans, a radiotracer is injected into the patient to image and quantitatively assess biological activity and function. HEADTOME-IV was developed jointly with Akita Prefectural Cerebrovascular Research Center (now the Akita Prefectural Cardiovascular and Cerebrospinal Center) at a time when the principal PET application was brain function research.

U.K. company Kratos Analytical Ltd. was acquired

Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. (SAP) was established in Singapore

Shimadzu Oceania Pty. Ltd. (SOP) was established in Australia (Currently known as Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (Oceania) Pty. Ltd. (SOPS). Shimadzu Medical Systems (Oceania) Pty. Ltd. (SOPM) established in 1996)

New Management Principle was formulated: “Realizing Our Wishes for the Well-being of Mankind and the Earth”

Shimadzu Philippines Manufacturing, Inc.（SPM）was established in the Philippines

Shimadzu U.S.A. Manufacturing, Inc.（SUM）was established in the U.S.

Shimadzu Vietnam Medical Hi-Tech Company Ltd.（SVM）was established in Viet Nam

Shimadzu Research Laboratory (Europe), Ltd. was established in the U.K.

Shimadzu (Hong kong) Ltd. was established in Hong kong

Shimadzu India Pvt., Ltd. was established in India

Shimadzu launched the MobileArt mobile X-ray imaging unit

Shimadzu member Koichi Tanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In 2003, the Koichi Tanaka Mass Spectrometry Research Laboratory was established

Tanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in perfecting the soft laser desorption ionization method. The Koichi Tanaka Mass Spectrometry Research Laboratory, established in 2003, conducts research and development in mass spectrometry technology and engages in collaborative development with external research institutions.

Shimadzu Software Development Canada, Inc.(SSDC) was established in Canada

Shimadzu Middle East & Africa Fze. was established in UAE

Kyoto College of Medical Science established

Since the Shimadzu X-ray Technology Training Center opened, many changes have taken place, including an extended training period, an expanded curriculum, and name changes. In April 2007 the center was reorganized as Kyoto College of Medical Science to train radiologists.

Shimadzu Forest creation activity began in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture

As a participant in the Kyoto Model Forest Movement, Shimadzu gave a forest in Yagi-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture the name Shimadzu Forest. Volunteers from Shimadzu and their families collaborate with local residents to preserve the forest.

Shimadzu launched Japan's first triple quadrupole LC mass spectrometer LCMS-8030

Shimadzu South Africa (Pty), Ltd.（SSA）was established in South Africa

Shimadzu launched the FOODSEYE food radioactivity inspection system

The nuclear power plant accident caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake led to concerns over possible radioactive contamination of rice. To address this problem, Shimadzu developed the FOODSEYE food radioactivity inspection system, which enables comprehensive inspection and rapid safety conformation.

Shimadzu Latin America, SA.（SLA）was established in Uruguay

Hisaki Spectroscopic Planet Observatory was equipped with Shimadzu diffraction grating

Shimadzu's diffraction grating was a key device in the Hisaki Spectroscopic Planet Observatory, launched in 2013.

Shimadzu Innovation Centers opened in the U.S. and China

Shimadzu was selected as 2016 Nadeshiko Brand for its efforts to promote women’s activities

Shimadzu Innovation Centers opened in Europe and Singapore

Healthcare R&D Center opened

The Healthcare R&D Center develops technologies utilizing analytical measurement technology and medical imaging technology. It seeks to address social challenges by engaging in external collaboration to deepen understanding of the life sciences, contribute to an aging society with science and technology, and support food product development to promote health.

COVID-19 detection reagent kit was launched in Japan

Shimadzu developed the Ampdirect™ 2019-nCoV Detection Kit using unique Ampdirect technology to facilitate and accelerate PCR testing of biological samples.

Shimadzu’s Amyloid MS CL, a blood amyloid peptide measurement system that uses a small amount of blood to predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease, was approved as a medical device in Japan

Shimadzu launched "AutoAmp", a fully-automatic PCR testing system for clinics.
Contributes to Japan’s COVID-19 testing capabilities

Shimadzu launched BresTome, the world's first specialized TOF-PET system for head and breast examinations

Shimadzu joined the RE100 global environmental initiative

The Shimadzu Group has pledged to use 100% renewable energy sources for electricity used in its business activities in Japan and overseas by 2050, and will promote energy-saving initiatives and the use of renewable energy sources to reduce CO2 emissions.

SHIMADZU Future Collaboratory opened in Keihanna Science City

The center is a space for co-creation through open innovation to advance and diversify research and development and new business formation. It engages in research and development for cutting-edge and highly original technologies including advanced analysis, brain and five senses, innovative biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Nissui Pharmaceutical (now Shimadzu Diagnostics) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shimadzu

Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., engaged in research and development and sales of clinical reagents, joined the Shimadzu Group, creating synergies in the areas of clinical diagnostics, microbiological testing, and cell-related business.

Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza opened in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa

Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza promotes development of applied technologies for analytical and measuring instruments, provides customer technical support, and strengthens open innovation. Its goal is to create new value in world-class research areas.

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. (SSI) opened R&D center; development capabilities for pharma business expansion strengthened

Logistics, laboratory, and systems GC assembly functions strengthened to expand operations; Shimadzu Middle East & Africa FZE (SMEA) built a new head office