Takeshi Mitarai One of the founders of the famous company Canon Country: Japan

Biography of Takeshi Mitarai

Takeshi Mitarai, one of the founders of the famous company Canon, was a well-known figure and instrumental in its success. Born in 1901, Takeshi received an excellent education and worked in various firms. In 1937, he co-founded Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd with a few friends. In 1942, he was appointed as the head of Canon, then known as Joined Canon Came, which would eventually become one of the leading enterprises in the world. Takeshi became the beginning of a family leadership in the company, with representatives still leading Canon today.

Takeshi took the helm of the company during a difficult post-war period when most companies were not functioning. Recognizing the high demand for cameras, particularly among American military personnel, he decided to resume the production of cameras. Takeshi successfully established the production of new technology, and soon the Canon SII camera became extremely popular. Throughout his career, Takeshi dedicated all his time to Canon and considered himself inseparable from the company. He took on various responsibilities and, with his ingenuity, played a significant role in the creation of a global corporation. Eventually, he handed over the company to his son, Hajime Mitarai, and later to his nephew, Fujio Mitarai, feeling a sense of duty fulfilled.

Takeshi faced numerous challenges, especially in post-war and patriarchal Japan. In addition to excellent technology, which is currently used for various processes such as photography and printing on packages and textiles, Mitarai introduced several innovations. These included monthly salaries for employees, regular medical check-ups, including X-rays, and a five-day workweek. Although these innovations were not directly related to production, they were significant in boosting self-esteem, morale, and productivity among the workforce.

Expanding the production of Canon was another significant accomplishment for Takeshi. He established subsidiary companies that produced radios and medications. Thanks to this diversification, Canon not only survived but also achieved success on a global scale. His advertising strategy of printing on packages and providing them to customers with purchased goods became a pioneering idea adopted by many companies today.

Takeshi Mitarai passed away in 1984, but his contribution to the development of Canon was immense and remains memorable. Currently, Canon is a leading manufacturer of copiers, various digital equipment such as cameras, scanners, printers, and many other devices that enable numerous operations, including photography, scanning, and printing on packages. The company continues to be led by a representative from the Mitarai family.