Yutaka Ichihara, Nikon Executive Fellow

Mr. Yutaka Ichihara, who joined Nikon in 1973, was originally assigned to the Nikon Research Laboratory 1st Optics Research Section II. At the Industrial Supplies & Equipment Division, to which he transferred in 1984, he engaged himself in developing metrological devices for the projection lenses used in IC steppers and scanners. In 1988, he joined the Optical Department, where he began his involvement in international standardization activities. He was appointed as General Manager of Optical Technology Headquarters, Core Technology Center and General Manager of Optical Technology Development Department, Optical Technology Headquarters, Core Technology Center in 2002. There he established metrological methods for aspherical lenses, which formed the basis for Nikon's IC stepper and scanner development today.

In 2003, he became an Operating Officer of Nikon, as well as Vice President of Core Technology Center and General Manager of Optical Technology Headquarters, Core Technology Center. He assumed the position of Director, Member of the Board and Operating Officer in 2005, then in 2007, became an Executive Officer. In 2008, after retiring from his position, he was appointed as a Nikon Executive Fellow, possessing the extensive knowledge of Nikon's expertise, leadership and character that are essential. He also became a Counselor and General Manager of Oi Research Laboratory, Core Technology Center, where he continues his dedication to international standardization and research on new image-processing technologies.