Frequently Asked Questions
- History
- Performance
- Management & Businesses
- Research & Development
- Sustainability (Social/Environmental Activities)
- Stock
History
Q. When was Nikon established?
A. On July 25, 1917, two of Japan's leading optical manufacturers merged to form Nippon Kogaku K.K. In April 1988, the company's name was changed to Nikon Corporation. Please refer to History for more information about the company's history.
Q. What is the origin of the name NIKON?
A. In September 1946, the new compact camera was named "Nikon". This name originated from "NIKKO", the abbreviation of the official company name at the time (Nippon Kogaku K.K.), to which the letter "n" was added to the end to give a more masculine impression.
Later, the Nikon brand achieved global penetration and became a household name in each its product fields. It was at this time, in April 1988, that the company name (Trading Name) was changed from Nippon Kogaku K.K. to the present Nikon Corporation.
Q. When did Nikon first list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange?
A. The Company listed in May 1949.
Performance
Q. Where can I find information about the latest financial results and forecasts of performance?
A. Please refer to the Financial Results and associated Presentation Materials which can be found in the Financial Results and Presentation Materials.
Q. I would like to view Nikon's annual report.
The Nikon Report is available on our website from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.
Previous Nikon Reports/Annual Reports for the years 2021 and earlier can be viewed in PDF format.
Management & Businesses
Q. What is Nikon's philosophy?
A. Nikon's Philosophy is built on the key phrase "Trustworthiness and creativity". Please refer to Philosophy & Vision for further details.
Q. Where can I obtain a summary of the management policies and strategies?
A. Please refer to Message from the CEO and Medium Term Management Plan.
Q. What measures has Nikon taken in terms of corporate governance?
A. To enhance the relationship of trust it enjoys with its stakeholders amid continued globalization of the business environment, the Nikon Group aims to increase management efficiency and transparency by bolstering corporate governance. Please refer to Corporate Governance for further details.
Q. Please tell me about Nikon Group's businesses and their principal products.
A.
Imaging Products Business:
Digital cameras, Film cameras, Interchangeable lenses, Speedlights, Software, Sport optics
Precision Equipment Business:
- FPD lithography Business: FPD lithography systems
- Semiconductor lithography Business: Semiconductor lithography systems
Healthcare Business:
Biological microscopes, Cell Culture Observation System, Ultra-wide field retinal imaging device
Components Business:
- Industrial Solutions Business: Optical components & materials, Encoders, X-ray and CT Systems, Laser Radar, Video Measuring Systems
- Customized Products Business: Customized equipment
- Glass Business: Photomask substrates for FPD
Digital Manufacturing Business:
- Advanced Manufacturing Business: Optical processing machines
Research & Development
Q. What kinds of R&D projects is Nikon currently engaged in?
A. In addition to strengthening its core technologies, represented by applied optics and precision technologies, Nikon is working aggressively to develop next-generation products in all areas of business. Please refer to Technology for further details.
Sustainability (Social/Environmental Activities)
Q. What measures has Nikon taken in terms of sustainability?
A. The Nikon Group's social responsibility (CSR) is to embody our corporate philosophy: "Trustworthiness and Creativity" through business activities and contribute to the sustainable development of society. We aim to identify priority issues in relation to our CSR activities and implement these based on our CSR Medium-term Plan. Please refer to Nikon CSR for further details.
Q. What measures has Nikon taken in terms of environmental activities?
A. Nikon formulated the "Nikon Basic Environmental Management Policy" in 1992. In order to pass down a healthy environment to future generations and make sustainable social development possible, we have identified "realizing a low-carbon society", "realizing a resource-circulating society" and "realizing a healthy and environmentally-safe society" as key areas in our Long-term Environmental Vision as we channel our energy into environmental conservation. Please refer to Environmental Management for further details.
Stock
Q. What is Nikon's policy regarding shareholder returns?
A. The Company's fundamental policy on shareholder returns is to distribute a steady dividend that reflects the perspective of shareholders, and simultaneously realizing appropriate capital allocation flexibly from a mid to long-term perspective, while strengthening investments (including strategic investments, R&D, and capital expenditures) to ensure sustainable growth. Based on this policy, during the cumulative period of the new medium-term management plan for the year ended March 31, 2023 to the year ending March 31, 2026, the Company will return to shareholders targeting a total return ratio of 40% or more.
Q. What is the record date for dividends paid to shareholders and what is the current dividends situation?
A. Record date for year-end dividends paid to shareholders is on March 31 and September 30 for the interim dividends. And please refer to Dividend Information about the current dividends situation.
Q. Does Nikon have a special benefit plan for shareholders?
A. No.
Q. When is the General Shareholders' Meeting held?
A. Annual General Shareholders' Meeting is held in June of each year. Please refer to Stock Information.