Olympus Logo PNG
The Olympus logo symbolizes endless development and the potential of optical technologies. The emblem portrays the corporation as strong, modern, and dynamic. The symbol combines calm confidence with continuous growth and improvement.
Founded in 1919 by Takeshi Yamashita and originally named Takachiho Seisakusho, Olympus began in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on microscopes and thermometers. The Olympus brand was officially coined in 1921, and the company soon gained traction with its Zuiko range of camera lenses. Beyond lenses, the company expanded into other optical products, such as binoculars and eyewear.
In 1942, reflecting its growing portfolio, the firm adopted Olympus Optical Co. In the 1950s, Olympus diversified its product line, adding groundbreaking offerings in both photography and healthcare. For instance, the Semi-Olympus I camera and the world’s inaugural practical gastrocamera for medical diagnostics were launched during this period.
As the years unfolded, Olympus became a frontrunner in multiple niches, including microscopes, cameras, and medical imaging tools such as endoscopes. In 2003, reflecting its global standing, it rebranded as Olympus Corporation.
Today, with its global headquarters in Tokyo and a workforce of around 30,000, Olympus is a commanding force in the optics industry. The company holds an overwhelming 70% global market share in the endoscope segment and leads in other specialized optical devices. However, Olympus has recently faced several controversies, including accounting fraud and corruption.
Meaning and History
The first Olympus logo appeared no earlier than 1920, when the company was producing thermometers. The lenses depicted on the emblem became central when the lead designer developed a microscope, and the company began manufacturing scientific and medical devices. The initial emblem demonstrated the company’s dependency on its major owner, Tokiwa Shokai. Subsequent rebrandings reflect its path to independence and entry into the global arena.
What is Olympus?
A company that manufactures photographic equipment under its eponymous brand, with the OM, IS, E, PEN, and IZM series. It operates central operations in Japan, the United States, and Europe, with branches in 40 countries and 31,000 employees. The company also owns a medical division that produces devices for endoscopic studies.
1919 – 1921
In 1919, Takachiho Seisakusho was founded. Its logo featured a black rectangle with a schematic of a lens, initially used in microscopes and later in cameras.
Takachiho is the Japanese equivalent of the Greek Olympus. This small town on the island of Kyūshū is where Japanese gods descended. The Sun Goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave in Takachiho. She also sent her grandson here to rule. His love for an earthly woman led to the birth of Japan’s first emperor.
Thus, when Takeshi Yamashita named the company Takachiho, he intended to convey that the company’s products were of the highest quality, as if made by gods.
The emblem’s center features the words “Tokiwa Tokyo.” This is the name and location of another corporation, Tokiwa Shokai, where the new enterprise’s founder worked. This company owned the majority of Takachiho’s shares and marketed the young subsidiary’s products.
The upper platform of the lens features a mountain gorge, hinting at the famous Takachiho Gorge, known for its unique cliffs. This feature resembles the letter “M,” as the city is in Miyazaki Prefecture. Nearby, the letters “G” can be spotted, making “GM” the initials of Tokiwa Shokai’s director, Goro Matsukata.
The black background color indicated a desire to make Japan a high-tech country.
1921 – 1970
In 1921, the company finally stabilized, stopped producing thermometers, and focused on microscopes. They created and registered the Olympus trademark. The name was inspired by the Japanese Takachiho but was easier for European consumers, whom Takeshi Yamashita targeted.
The new emblem used the lens image from the past; while the initial emblem showed a side and overhead view, this one shows a side and bottom view. The change in angle represents the company’s growth and prosperity. The new Asahi microscope provided 600-fold magnification. Such a level of equipment was a first in Japan.
The word Olympus is written in Greek to emphasize its connection to Greek myths. Below it, Tokyo is indicated as the headquarters’ location.
In 1949, the company changed its name to Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
1970 – 2000
In 1970, Olympus introduced a radically different logo. The absence of graphic drawings and the use of large blue capital letters signaled a modern, robust manufacturer ready to compete with European brands. The logo conveyed reliability and professionalism.
Interestingly, despite the logo’s strong presence, the devices stood out from competitors for their lightness and small size, which customers appreciated.
2000 – today
In the new millennium, the corporation developed a logo that represented a future technology manufacturer.
The inscription Olympus, symbolizing technological harmony and perfection, remained unchanged. A yellow stripe at the bottom brought freshness and novelty to the emblem. It seemed to illuminate the name, as if it were bathed in rays of sunlight. This feature made the logo feel optimistic and inspiring.
Within the company, this stripe is called an optical pattern, signaling Olympus’s technical innovation and ongoing development. Like a beam of light refracted through a lens, the trail speaks to optics, the company’s primary focus.
Font and Colors
Blue and yellow represent the sky and the sun, showcasing a tandem of light and technology for extraordinary results. Photos taken with the company’s cameras become pleasant memories to carry into the future. Blue signifies harmony, order, and beauty, while yellow represents joy and pleasure.
The font resembles Zurich Std Ultra Black Extended, with simple, light lines.