On December 25, 1926, in the Hamamatsu region of Japan, the Japanese katakana “イ” was electronically transmitted and displayed for the first time on a cathode ray tube. To Professor Kenjiro Takayanagi – later called “the father of Japanese television” – this was the moment something entirely new was introduced to the world.
As a result, television technology transformed the lives of people all over the world. It also led to the creation of a company called Hamamatsu Photonics, which would focus its research on “photons” or particles of light.
Hamamatsu Photonics products and technology include optical sensors, light sources, and systems that use these components. They are applied to various new technologies and devices to support people’s lives and help realize a more comfortable and prosperous society. Our products are widely used for state-of-the-art medical equipment, test and inspection systems, microscopes that reveal the functions of cells, and giant telescopes that explore the mysteries of the universe.
We take pride in the fact our photonics technology is a Key Enabling Technology for great things. We are a company that creates original products never before seen in our world.
Our research aims for something not yet achieved. Developing technologies thought to be impossible can sometimes be a grueling experience, but it can also lead to unexpected results. We believe that such efforts bring new value to people and create new industries and prosperity for the world. To carry on the spirit of Professor Kenjiro Takayanagi, we will continue our efforts to build a foundation that makes Hamamatsu Photonics an essential cornerstone for future technology.
The year 2026 will mark 100 years from the time that the letter “イ” was first displayed on a TV screen. Keeping this “イ” in mind, we are setting our sights on creating a new “イ” that will again change the world – because that is the kind of company we are at Hamamatsu Photonics.
※Professor Kenjiro Takayanagi:
Born in Hamamatsu, Japan, Professor Takayanagi pioneered and demonstrated the technology behind all-electronic television at the Hamamatsu Technical High School, now known as the Faculty of Engineering at Shizuoka University.
We research light and utilize our discoveries to develop new products with the aim of challenging unexplored mysteries and create new future industries.
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