Nikon Corporation (hereinafter “Nikon”) is pleased to announce that two of its technologies—the “JOICO Microscope” and the “CF (Chromatic Aberration Free) System”—have been recognized under the 3rd “Microscope Heritage” certification program of the Japanese Society of Microscopy (hereinafter “JSM”).

“Microscope Heritage” is a certification program established by JSM in 2024 to commemorate its 75th anniversary. The program aims to preserve epoch-making technologies and products that have made significant contributions to the development of microscopy as cultural heritage for future generations.

The “JOICO Microscope”, launched by Nikon in 1925, was a historic product that achieved an innovative level of high-magnification observation performance for its time and contributed to the advancement of microscope technology in Japan. The “CF System”, first adopted by Nikon in its microscopes in 1976, is an innovative optical design concept that fundamentally transformed conventional correction methods by correcting aberrations in the objective and eyepiece lenses independently. This was described as “the first major technological innovation in 100 years” within the industry.
The design philosophy and manufacturing expertise cultivated through the development of the “JOICO Microscope” became the foundation of the “CF System” and dramatically improved both image resolution and system flexibility. In 2025, the 100th anniversary of the launch of the “JOICO Microscope”, Nikon applied for recognition under the Microscope Heritage program in order to pass on to future generations the foundations of domestic optical instrument production in Japan and the technological innovation that followed, and both technologies were subsequently recognized.

Since its establishment in 1917, Nikon has pursued the potential of light and created new values. One of the core pillars of its activities has been the microscope business. The “JOICO Microscope”, now recognized as heritage, marked the starting point of that business, and its design philosophy and craftsmanship have continued to inform not only the development of the “CF System” but also current product design and manufacturing. Approximately 100 years after the launch of the JOICO Microscope, and nearly 50 years after the introduction of microscopes with the CF System, Nikon microscopes are now used around the world in a wide range of fields. In research fields, they support new discoveries, while in medical and environmental investigation they contribute to accurate testing and analysis, supporting a comfortable lifestyle. Through optical technology, we continue to take on the challenge of exploring the unknown. We believe this challenge will contribute to the health and a brighter future for people around the world, and we will continue to push forward into new frontiers.About the Instruments and Technologies Recognized as Microscope Heritage

JOICO Microscope

The JOICO Microscope was launched in 1925 by Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.).
With a maximum magnification of 765x—innovative for its time—it helped advance microscope technology in Japan. The name “JOICO” derives from the initials of the company’s English name at the time, “Japan Optical Industry Co.”

Nikon was founded in 1917 with the aim of promoting domestic production of optical instruments in Japan, and in 1921 invited German optical engineers, including Heinrich Acht, to introduce optical design technologies at an international level.

To achieve its high-magnification observation performance, the objective and eyepiece lenses of the JOICO Microscope were designed under Acht’s guidance, while highly precise miniature lens processing, assembly, and adjustment were carried out by skilled Japanese technicians by hand.

Although international circumstances at the time prevented mass production, the design philosophy and craftsmanship cultivated through its development continue to live on in Nikon’s current product design and manufacturing.

CF System (BIOPHOT)

The CF (Chromatic Aberration Free) System is an optical design concept whose development began in 1973 by Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.) and was first adopted in 1976 in the BIOPHOT research biological microscope.

Conventional microscopes corrected chromatic aberration through a compensation method established in the late 19th century, using a combination of objective and eyepiece lenses.

The CF System improved performance and expandability with a new lens configuration that corrected chromatic aberration in the objective lens independently. This development was made possible by Nikon’s integrated production system, covering the full process from melting optical glass to manufacturing finished products. The advanced technology required to independently correct chromatic aberration in the objective lens had been developed and accumulated through the design of a wide variety of optical instruments, including the JOICO Microscope and camera lenses.

Products incorporating the CF System and its successor, the NCF optical system, were widely used in medicine, biology, industry, and education, narrowing the gap with German microscopes that had long held a dominant position and significantly enhancing the global standing of Japanese microscopes.

Nikon’s optical microscopes are widely used across a broad range of fields, from scientific, medical, and industrial applications. By addressing the challenges of each era, we have continued to support the evolution of microscopy through our unique ideas and technological capabilities. We regard this as a recognition of the broad accumulation of our technological achievements, and it is a great honor. At the same time, it also serves as an opportunity for us to renew our awareness of the weight of our responsibilities going forward.

Microscope technology has continually pursued new possibilities for visualization with light throughout its long history. The perspectives opened up through these efforts inspire new ideas, leading to future scientific discoveries and product development. We will continue to provide innovative solutions based on optical technology.

Related Links

Special Website for the 100th Anniversary of Nikon’s Microscope Business