History of Fujifilm in Timeline

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, widely recognized as Fujifilm or Fuji, is a prominent Japanese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. While renowned for its historical presence in photography and optics, Fujifilm's operations extend to diverse sectors, including office and medical electronics, biotechnology, and chemicals.

1934: Establishment of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.

Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. was founded in 1934 as a subsidiary of Daicel with the goal of producing photographic films.

1934: Establishment of Fujifilm de México

Fujifilm de México, a subsidiary of Fujifilm, began selling Fujifilm products in Mexico in 1934.

1962: Launch of Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

In 1962, Fuji Photo and UK-based Rank Xerox Limited (now Xerox Limited) established Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. as a joint venture.

1984: Fuji Sponsors 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

Fuji became one of the title sponsors of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, a move that contributed to their growing market share in the US.

1994: Juntarō Suzuki Announces Halt to Sōkaiya Payments

In 1994, Fuji's vice president, Juntarō Suzuki, announced the company would stop paying "sōkaiya", a type of protection racket bribe, to Yakuza, leading to his murder.

May 1995: Kodak Files Complaint Against Fuji

In May 1995, Kodak filed a complaint against Fuji with the US Commerce Department alleging unfair practices in the Japanese film market.

January 30, 1998: WTO Rejects Kodak's Complaints

On January 30, 1998, the World Trade Organization rejected Kodak's complaints about unfair practices in the Japanese film market.

March 2005: Acquisition of Sericol Ltd.

In March 2005, Fujifilm acquired Sericol Ltd., a UK-based printing ink company.

March 2006: Strategic Alliance Between Fuji and Noritsu

In March 2006, Fuji and Noritsu announced a strategic alliance for Noritsu to manufacture all of Fuji's photofinishing hardware.

September 19, 2006: Establishment of Fujifilm Holdings Corp.

On September 19, 2006, Fujifilm announced plans to form a holding company, Fujifilm Holdings Corp., with Fujifilm and Fuji Xerox becoming subsidiaries.

January 2012: Eastman Kodak Files for Bankruptcy

Eastman Kodak filed for bankruptcy in January 2012, highlighting the contrasting fates of Fuji and Kodak in the face of the digital revolution.

2012: Fujifilm de México Recognized as One of the Best Mexican Companies

Fujifilm de México was recognized as one of the Best Mexican Companies from 2012 to 2015.

January 31, 2018: Fujifilm Attempts to Acquire Controlling Stake in Xerox

On January 31, 2018, Fujifilm announced its intention to acquire a 50.1% controlling stake in Xerox, a deal that was later dropped due to investor opposition.

December 2019: Fujifilm Acquires Hitachi's Diagnostic Imaging Business

In December 2019, Fujifilm acquired Hitachi's diagnostic imaging business.

2019: Fujifilm Acquires Xerox's Stake in Fuji Xerox

In 2019, Fujifilm successfully acquired Xerox's 25% stake in their joint venture, Fuji Xerox.

January 2020: Announcement of Fuji Xerox Name Change

The change of Fuji Xerox's corporate name to Fujifilm Business Innovation Corporation was announced in January 2020.

June 2020: Fujifilm Invests in Biologics Production and Showcases High-Capacity Tape Cartridge

In June 2020, Fujifilm made a significant investment in a biologics production facility and showcased a tape cartridge capable of storing up to 400TB.