Founded in 1894, Kowa has grown from one of Japan’s oldest privately held companies into an international enterprise with a rich legacy in optics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. Our entry into the optical field began with handcrafted lenses in postwar Japan and has since evolved into a global leadership position in imaging technology. From early cine lenses and spotting scopes to today’s advanced industrial vision systems, Kowa continues to deliver trusted optical solutions for the industries shaping the future.

Pivotal Moments That Define Kowa’s Path Forward

1894

Kowa’s origins trace back to the Hattori Kanesaburo Wholesale Store, a small tie-dyeing and cotton goods business established during Japan’s Meiji era. Initially focused on Chita cotton textiles, this early venture laid the foundation for what would become the Kowa Group.

1946

Kowa Koki began operations in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, marking the company’s diversification into optical manufacturing. Early production focused on spectacle lenses and opera glasses, followed by 33mm projection lenses in 1947 and binoculars in 1948.

1952

Kowa introduced Japan’s first-ever spotting scopes with the TS-1 and TS-2 models. Recognized internationally, they were selected as official equipment for the shooting events in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and remained in production for over three decades.

1953

Kowa developed and released anamorphic projection lenses for CinemaScope, the widescreen film format pioneered by 20th Century Fox. Through a distribution agreement, Kowa secured sales rights across Japan and Southeast Asia, helping expand the format’s adoption in the region.

1955

Kowa Optical Corporation opened in New York City, marking the company’s first U.S. presence for optics sales and international business development.

1968

Sales of lenses for CCTV and surveillance were started.

1980

Kowa Company, Ltd. established Kowa Optimed, Inc. in L.A., U.S. Kowa Optimed, Inc. handles both optical and medical equipment as indicated by the company name, and was established as the new sales base for the electronic optical divisions in the United States. The optical sales division of Kowa American Corporation was then transferred to Kowa Optimed, Inc.

1981

Zoom lenses for consumer video cameras were mass-produced. Focusing on the potential of home videos that had just started to be enjoyed, Kowa Company, Ltd. developed zoom lenses for video cameras of Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. in 1978. Zoom lenses for Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation were also developed, and at peak production in 1981, Kowa Company, Ltd. became the leading manufacturer that produced over 80% of all the zoom lenses produced in Japan.

1986

"Kowa Europe GmbH" was established in Düsseldorf, Germany.

1989

The Silicon Valley office was newly established in San Jose. As a liaison office of the electronic optical business division, the "Silicon Valley office" was established in San Jose, which is the heart of Silicon Valley, the mecca of semiconductor manufacturing, and market research activities were started. CCTV lens production was started.

1991

Security lenses and factory automation lenses were successively released, with the aim of promoting global expansion.

2005

First time participating at the Vision Fair in Stuttgart.

2024

Introduction of a new range of industrial cameras, enhancing our comprehensive solutions for machine vision and optical applications.