Diverse Social Contribution Activities Based on Unique Technological Capabilities
Striving to be a truly excellent global company, Canon engages in business activities while also working diligently to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities. Currently, the company carries out nature conservation and supports social and cultural activities across the globe through the provision of imaging equipment and support for research efforts.
Cultural Heritage Inheritance Project (Also known as the Tsuzuri Project)
Carried out jointly with the Kyoto International Culture Foundation, this project is intended to protect priceless ancient Japanese cultural assets, such as traditional folding screens and sliding doors. These works of art are first digitally recorded, after which the images are stored as digital data and printed on a Canon large-format inkjet printer to make replicas of the artworks in their original size. Because Canon technology enables the creation of high-resolution duplicates almost identical in appearance to the originals, the priceless artwork can be stored under conditions better suited to prevent deterioration.
Canon's cutting-edge digital technologies are helping to preserve historical Japanese cultural treasures for future generations.
Top: Takanobu Kano's masterpiece, Kinkishoga-zu, which was returned to Kyoto's Ryoan-ji Temple through the Tsuzuri Project
Bottom: A large-format inkjet printer produces a full-scale print
Academic Collaboration with Utsunomiya University
Today, Japan offers no opportunities for systematic education in the field of optics. In April 2007, Canon established the Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE) in cooperation with Utsunomiya University to provide a place to educate optics engineers and conduct cutting-edge optical research.
CORE marks a fresh departure from prior collaborations between industry and academic institutions that conventionally took the form of joint or contracted research projects.
Utsunomiya University: Center for Optical Research and Education
The center aims to provide a systematic education curriculum spanning from fundamental aspects of optical science like geometric optics and wave optics, to fields of application and advanced technologies, all with the goal of inspiring innovations that give way to new technologies and value.
As a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, Canon supports and works with CORE, including the sending of employees to serve as instructors on subjects in the optical sciences, so that it may become the world’s premier optical research institute.
