Shimadzu Facility Tours Held to Celebrate 150-Year History with Employees, Family Members, and Community Members
In celebration of Shimadzu’s 150th anniversary since the company was founded, facility tours were offered at four locations in Japan during the period from July to November 2025. The events were conducted as an opportunity to express our ongoing appreciation to employee family members, Shimadzu retirees, and neighboring community members, and to describe some of our latest business activities. With support from hundreds of employees serving as event staff, the tours helped various stakeholders see what Shimadzu is like today.
2,500 Participants at Four Business Locations
| Shimadzu Locations where Tours were Conducted | Overview of Respective Business Operations |
|---|---|
| Murasakino Works (Kyoto City)  |
Established in 1944 as a site for manufacturing testing machines, Murasakino Works reached its 80th anniversary in 2024. In addition to Shimadzu Corporation operations, the site also serves as a base for Shimadzu A-tech Manufacturing Corporation, Shimadzu Logistics Service Corporation, and Shimadzu General Services, Inc. business operations. |
| Shimadzu Future Collaboratory, Technology Research Laboratory (Kyoto Prefecture)  |
This laboratory was established in 1991 as Keihanna Technology Research Laboratory. The new research building, Shimadzu Future Collaboratory, established in May 2022, is intended for use in collaborations with outside researchers and startup companies. |
| Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture)  |
New site established in 2023 for departments of the Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division. Intended as an “fascinating” cutting-edge laboratory space for developing connections with research institutions and customers throughout the world and promoting open innovation. |
| Head Office and Sanjo Works (Kyoto City)  |
Originally established in 1919, it became the Head Office site in 1986. Currently, it serves as the Head Office for Shimadzu Group operations and as a hub of key production plants for various businesses. |
Event Highlights at Respective Business Site
Murasakino Works—Demonstration of Dramatic Breaking Tests
At Murasakino Works, a hydraulic universal testing machine was used to demonstrate how breaking tests are conducted to measure the strength of steel samples (steel rods). When steel rods break during testing, they emit a dramatic sound that generated exclamations of surprise from many of the visitors.
One community member living in an adjacent neighborhood commented, “I’m glad I came to the plant tour because I had been wondering what was being manufactured at Shimadzu plant.”
Future Collaboratory, Keihanna Technology Research Laboratory―Demonstration of Cutting-Edge Technologies
The Keihanna Technology Research Laboratory prepared hands-on demonstrations for experiencing cutting-edge technologies. They include demonstrations of an optical lattice clock that is a candidate for defining the next-generation “second” and the HuME multi-device biometric system.
A commercially marketed LOVOT AI robot (developed by another company), named “Sencha,” is with researchers at the Laboratory
When showing the working environment, the tour guide explained that office spaces and refreshment areas were designed to make it easier for researchers to work
Tour staff at the Laboratory
Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza―Four Laboratories Shown
At the Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza in Kawasaki City of Kanagawa Prefecture, four laboratories with rows of over 150 instruments were shown to the visitors, with the staff explaining the analytical and measuring instruments and the latest product solutions offered.
Spots for taking photographs were provided to record the smiling faces of family members
The tours were popular with family members, who commented that “it was great spending time with family while being shown cutting-edge technologies” and “we enjoyed the open and stylish design of the facilities, created with visitors in mind”
Head Office and Sanjo Works―Viewing Shimadzu Manufacturing and Cutting-Edge Technologies
About 1,900 visitors, a record number, participated in the Head Office and Sanjo Works family tour events. Five types of tours were offered, including production line tours in the manufacturing plants and product showrooms. Optional tours were also provided on request.
For children who wanted to participate, hands-on experiences were available for trying to accurately measure and dispense specified quantities of liquid with a micropipette or for using tools to try manufacturing something. Tour staff supervised the children trying to use tools, which allowed many to comment that they were able to participate without worry.
Participants in the optional cafeteria tour commented that they felt reassured to see the environment where their family members usually work and take breaks
For the optional tour of the Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Museum, staff described the laboratory equipment invented by Shimadzu founder Genzo Shimadzu Sr.
Carefully Maintaining Ties to Retired Employees
When Shimadzu Corporation employees retire, they can optionally join organizations for retirees, such as the Shimadzu Alumni Association or the Union of Retired Shimadzu Employees. In fact, many former employees participating in the tour events learned about the events from such organizations. The Shimadzu Alumni Association holds an official general conference and informal get-togethers each autumn, which provides an opportunity to share the latest information about Shimadzu and enjoy reconnecting with old friends.
Comment from the Person in Charge
For the 150th anniversary tour events, we received many warm comments and opinions from many participants. In the future as well, Shimadzu Corporation is committed to carefully maintaining our close connections to community members, family members, retirees, and others. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout our 150-year history. Thank you and we look forward to your continued support.
Page Title and URL Copied.