Olympus Medical and Consumer Products

Olympus, a brand synonymous with optical excellence, has undergone a significant structural transformation. Originally founded in 1919 in Tokyo, Japan, as Takachiho Seisakusho, the brand initially focused on microscopes and thermometers before revolutionizing the photography world and medical technology.

Starting in 2021, the Olympus imaging business (cameras, lenses, and audio recorders) was divested to OM Digital Solutions, a subsidiary of Japan Industrial Partners (JIP). By 2026, majority ownership of the imaging division transitioned to its own CEO, Shigemi Sugimoto, allowing the brand to operate independently and focus on durable, professional-grade outdoor photography under the 'OM SYSTEM' brand. Meanwhile, the original Olympus Corporation has pivoted to become a pure-play medical technology leader, dominating the global market for gastrointestinal endoscopes. Manufacturing for these precision instruments remains centered in Japan, while consumer imaging products are frequently produced in high-tech facilities in Vietnam.