Menicon 75th Scroll

Menicon
celebrated its 75th anniversary
on February 8, 2026.

Scroll

The Wind of Progress

75th Anniversary Theme

In Japanese, we often speak of the ‘wind
as an invisible current that
carries
creativity, change, and challenge.
As we mark our 75th anniversary,
Menicon sets a new wind in motion,
one that begins with each individual
and grows in strength.

Layer upon layer, the wind gathers
momentum, carrying forward
and renewing the spirit of
Creation, Originality, and Challenge
that has defined Menicon since
its founding,
and carries it toward
new horizons around the world.

Looking ahead to our 100th year,
driven by this rich and powerful wind of
challenge,
Menicon will deliver a new vision
of ‘Miru’ to the world.

CEO MESSAGE

Carrying “Winds of Progress” into the Next Century
— “New Vision of Miru for the World”

Thanks to your continued support, Menicon marked its 75th anniversary as of February 2026. As we commemorate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported our company over the years. Most of all, we would like to thank our valued customers who have continued to choose our products and services.

Our founder, Kyoichi Tanaka, pioneered Japan’s first corneal contact lens, instilling the spirit of creativity, originality, and challenge that defines Menicon. This ‘DNA’ was carried forward by our second president, Hidenari Tanaka, who introduced the subscription-based MELS Plan and drove the company’s growth to new heights. As the third president, I have embraced this legacy, accelerating our efforts under the corporate slogan “Contributing to society by providing superior visual correction” while navigating an ever-changing global market.

Today, myopia is increasing worldwide, particularly among younger generations. By 2050, it is projected that nearly half of the global population will have myopia. Menicon is committed to tackling this pressing global issue head-on, striving to deliver a new way of “Miru (sharing enjoyment and joy through the five senses)” to the world. Let us continue to move forward together, with our valued stakeholders.

The theme of our 75th anniversary project is “Winds of Progress.” These winds, which have propelled us since our founding, will continue to guide us into the next century. We sincerely ask for your continued support as we take our next steps into the future.

Koji Kawaura, CEO

Koji Kawaura, CEO

LOGO CONCEPT

Concept of the 75th Anniversary Logo

The three-arch motif symbolizes the “wind” while also abstracting the form of a contact lens and the cornea.
It also expresses Menicon’s stance as a global company expanding its impact around the world.

The logo uses three colors featured in the Menicon brand identity: Passion Red, symbolizing passion and innovation; Techno Green, representing safety and sustainability; and Black, conveying universality and trust.

Together, these three colors create a logo which embodies the strength, flexibility, and stability needed to open a new era.

Special Movie

Our History

Our 75-Year History
Founder Kyoichi Tanaka He developed the first practical corneal contact lenses in Japan.
"Menicon" registered as a trademark. 1967
Menicon's first soft contact lens "Menicon Soft" released. 1973
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens "Menicon O₂" released.
1980
Intraocular lenses received Japan's first domestic manufacturing approval. 1985
1987
Sponsorship for Menicon Cup
2000
2001
Orthokeratology contact lens "Menicon Z Night" released. 2002
Soft lens cleaning solution "Epica" released. 2006
2008
Menicon Nect, which primarily manufactures care products, integrated into the Group.
2011
Daily disposable contact lenses featuring flat-pack design "Magic" released. 2014
Colored contact lenses "2 WEEK Menicon Rei" released. 2014
2015
Strengthening the corporate foundation and enhancing transparency. Listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the First Section of the Nagoya Stock Exchange.
Three-month replacement disposable rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens "Four Seasons" released.
Three-month replacement disposable rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens "Four Seasons" released.
2019
2020
Daily disposable colored contact lens "1 DAY FRUTTIE" released. 2021
Menicon Theater Aoi established. New office building west wing completed as a multifunctional facility. 2023
Menicon's first hydrogen peroxide disinfectant "Epica Smart Clean" released.
Eco-friendly turf "Naluo Turf®" released. 2025
Menicon history photo collage
1951
The Mainichi Building Consultation Office established as Japan's first contact lens specialty store. The Mainichi Building Consultation Office established as Japan's first contact lens specialty store.
1970
1977 Menicon Europe S.A. established in France as the first step in global expansion.
1979
The Seki Plant established in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan as one of the company's main manufacturing bases. 1984
Toyo Contact Lens Co., Ltd. and Menicon Co., Ltd. merged to become the present Menicon Co., Ltd.
1990
1995
Hidenari Tanaka appointed as CEO. Flat-rate contact lens membership program MELS Plan launched in Japan.
Rice straw decomposition accelerator "Agri Kakumei" released. Entry into the environmental business. 2005
Two-week replacement silicone hydrogel lens "2WEEK Menicon PremiO" released.
2010
Expansion of business in Singapore and strengthening of sales network. Reorganization of joint ventures into local sales subsidiaries.
Daily disposable lens "Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack" released. 2013
Strengthening the corporate foundation and enhancing transparency. Listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the First Section of the Nagoya Stock Exchange.
In the field of myopia progression control, "Menicon Bloom Night™" orthokeratology lens for the European market obtained CE marking.
In the field of myopia progression control, "Menicon Bloom Night™" orthokeratology lens for the European market obtained CE marking.
The Mid-Term Management Plan "Vision 2030" announces —New Vision of "Miru" for the World.
Mr. Koji Kawaura appointed as the third CEO.
The resource circulation project "Menicon 1 Case Project" launched. 2024
Menicon history photo collage
1951
Founder Kyoichi Tanaka He developed the first practical corneal contact lenses in Japan.
The Mainichi Building Consultation Office established as Japan's first contact lens specialty store. 1958
"Menicon" registered as a trademark. 1967
1970
Menicon's first soft contact lens "Menicon Soft" released. 1973
1977 Menicon Europe S.A. established in France as the first step in global expansion.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens "Menicon O₂" released. 1979
1980
The Seki Plant established in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan as one of the company's main manufacturing bases. 1984
Intraocular lenses received Japan's first domestic manufacturing approval. 1985
Toyo Contact Lens Co., Ltd. and Menicon Co., Ltd. merged to become the present Menicon Co., Ltd. 1987
1990
Sponsorship for Menicon Cup 1995
2000
Hidenari Tanaka appointed as CEO. Flat-rate contact lens membership program MELS Plan launched in Japan. 2001
Orthokeratology contact lens "Menicon Z Night" released. 2002
Rice straw decomposition accelerator "Agri Kakumei" released. Entry into the environmental business. 2005
Soft lens cleaning solution "Epica" released. 2006
Two-week replacement silicone hydrogel lens "2WEEK Menicon PremiO" released. 2008
2010
Menicon Nect, which primarily manufactures care products, integrated into the Group.
Expansion of business in Singapore and strengthening of sales network. Reorganization of joint ventures into local sales subsidiaries. 2011
Daily disposable lens "Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack" released. 2013
Daily disposable lens "Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack" released. 2013
Colored contact lenses "2 WEEK Menicon Rei" released. 2014
Strengthening the corporate foundation and enhancing transparency. Listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the First Section of the Nagoya Stock Exchange. 2015
Kakamigahara Plant, Japan's first manufacturing facility for daily disposable contact lenses, established.
Three-month replacement disposable rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens "Four Seasons" released. 2018
Three-month replacement disposable rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens "Four Seasons" released.
In the field of myopia progression control, "Menicon Bloom Night™" orthokeratology lens for the European market obtained CE marking. 2019
2020
Daily disposable colored contact lens "1 DAY FRUTTIE" released.
The Mid-Term Management Plan "Vision 2030" announces —New Vision of "Miru" for the World. 2021
Menicon Theater Aoi established. New office building west wing completed as a multifunctional facility. 2023
Mr. Koji Kawaura appointed as the third CEO.
Menicon's first hydrogen peroxide disinfectant "Epica Smart Clean" released.
The resource circulation project "Menicon 1 Case Project" launched. 2024
Eco-friendly turf "Naluo Turf®" released. 2025

2026

Looking Ahead to Our 100th Year Looking Ahead to Our 100th Year

Since our founding, Menicon has upheld the company slogan of “Contributing to society by providing superior visual correction.” We have worked diligently to develop products and provide services that achieve the highest levels of safety. Going forward, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to safety and peace of mind as we move toward a future that is kind to people, animals, and the Earth, guided by a passion for vision care that drives everything we do.

Initiatives for 1-DAY Lenses

Enriching every day. Opening up the world of vision with 1-DAY lenses.

In today’s global contact lens market, demand is increasing for 1-DAY lenses that can be used fresh and clean every day. As a company dedicated to vision care, Menicon has always placed the highest priority on customers’ safety and peace of mind. For the lens cases of our 1-DAY lenses, Menicon has developed the proprietary Smart Touch packaging. The lens is stored with the inner surface facing downward, so it can be removed and inserted easily and hygienically without touching the inner surface. Smart Touch also eliminates the need to check which surface is front or back. Through such innovative technology, Menicon will continue delivering comfortable vision to even more people.

1DAYレンズ製品
Malaysia Plant Commences Production

Bringing reliable quality to the world. Menicon commences production at its largest new plant.

In February 2026, the Malaysia Plant commenced production as Menicon’s newest production base. This plant is the Menicon Group’s largest facility dedicated to producing 1-DAY lenses using the latest technologies. From Malaysia, Menicon delivers high-quality 1-DAY lenses infused with Japanese craftsmanship to customers around the world.

Commencing production at the Malaysia Plant enables us to achieve the following:

  • Respond to the globally increasing demand for 1-DAY lenses
  • Establish a more stable supply system
  • Expand production capacity for the future

Menicon will continue to deliver products that customers around the world can use with confidence and peace of mind.

マレーシア工場
The Challenge of Controlling Myopia Progression

For the future of children, Menicon introduces a new option to prevent the progression of myopia

Myopia is increasing worldwide and has become an issue due to its impact on future eye health.

By 2050, it is projected that nearly half of the global population will have myopia*. There are concerns that an increase in high myopia will raise the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Against this backdrop, myopia has attracted attention as a global healthcare issue. One solution is orthokeratology lenses. These are special lenses worn while sleeping at night and removed in the morning, allowing the wearer to spend their day without glasses or contact lenses. In particular, orthokeratology lenses are expected to help suppress the progression of myopia in children during their growth years.

As a pioneer in this field, Menicon has expanded its products across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions around the world. In collaboration with medical institutions, we continue to create new value to protect the vision of future generations. Menicon will continue to take on new challenges in order to tackle these social issues and protect the vision of children around the world.

* Source: World Health Organization, “The Impact of Myopia and High Myopia”

オルソケラトロジー