Nikon Corporation was established on 25 July 1917 when three leading optical manufacturers merged to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as Nippon Kogaku Tokyo K.K. Over the next sixty years, this growing company became a manufacturer of optical lenses (including those for the first Canon cameras) and equipment used in cameras, binoculars, microscopes and inspection equipment. During World War II the company grew to nineteen factories and 23,000 employees, supplying items such as binoculars, lenses, bomb sights, and periscopes to the Japanese military.

Nikon is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance. The unique strength of the Nikon brand is attributable to the company's unwavering commitment to quality, performance, technology and innovation. Nikon Inc. markets and distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories.

Nikon has maintained an unwavering commitment to the study of light with the corporate philosophy, "Trustworthiness and Creativity". But today, as we become ever more global, what is the true value that we have to offer? To answer this all-important question, in 2007, we enacted "Our Aspirations - Meeting needs. Exceeding expectations." as the new vision to create a new Nikon.