Canon’s founding mission was to build a company that created high-quality cameras. Canon realized this dream in 1936 when it released the Hansa Canon, Japan’s first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera. Since that time, our technological strengths have helped us to also become a digital imaging and networking company and a dominant force in personal and office printers, copiers, controllers and fax machines. We also have applied our innovative skills in technologies, as well as medical, semiconductor, and broadcasting equipment. We will continue to develop innovative technologies as a means of bettering the world we live in – redefining the workplace and enhancing lifestyles.