Company History

It all began in 1873, when Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic materials in Tokyo. By 1900, the company had developed its first camera. Japan’s first plain paper copier was introduced in 1971. A merger of Konica and Minolta was accomplished in 2003, creating a corporate giant with wide-ranging expertise in digital, optical and electronic technology for healthcare and other markets.

With 150 years of endless innovation, the future of Konica Minolta Healthcare continues to be bright.

Rokusaburo Sugiura founder of Konica Corporation

Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic and lithographic materials at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Tokyo

Marketed the “Cherry Hand Camera”

Kazuo Tashima established Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten (Japan-Germany photo company; the precursor of Minolta Co., Ltd.).

Released the first made-in-Japan color film “Sakura Natural Color Film.

“Minolta Copymaster”

Konica C35EF

Konica C35AF

Minolta OXIMET MET-1471

Konica EP450Z

Minolta 7000

The Laser Imager Li-10, a device to laser-print digital data acquired from CT and MRI scans on photosensitive materials.

Released monochrome laser printer SP101
Released digital color copier CF70

Fully launched business for TAC films for LCD polarizers.
Established Konica Minolta Supplies Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a joint venture for the production of polymerized toners.

Created Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.

Sunshine Starlight Dome “Manten” in Tokyo, Japan.

The unit can produce outstandingly clear images of factors critical to identifying early signs of breast cancer.

Opened the first “Digital Imaging Square.”

bizhub PRESS C8000

Released the world’s first Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) lighting panels using all phosphorescent materials.

“Tenku” opened at the TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN®.

Konica Minolta Healthcare acquires Panasonic Healthcare Ultrasound Diagnostic Equipment business to drive business growth for new ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

This leading healthcare imaging solution provider in the U.S., strengthens its primary imaging solution capabilities through the addition of the Exa® Platform and X-ray systems for chiropractic, veterinary and podiatry professionals.

Addressing an increasing amount of aging X-ray and medical systems in the Brazilian market.

Offering medical care that uses genetic and molecular profiling to optimize treatment for specific groups of patients

With the development of Dynamic Digital Radiography, the ability to visualize movement using conventional X-ray

VETSMART uses AI to optimize imaging technique based on patient size and exam type.

For 150 years, Konica Minolta has contributed to the resolution of issues associated with changes in people's lives and work styles.