Shimadzu’s legacy in scientific innovation: Celebrating 150 years of excellence

In 2025, Shimadzu proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, a milestone reflecting its enduring commitment to advancing science and technology. From its beginnings in Kyoto in 1875 to its global prominence today, Shimadzu’s journey is a testament to innovation, dedication, and the transformative power of science. This remarkable legacy is not only about pioneering technologies but also about empowering the scientific community through education, collaboration, and support.

A vision rooted in education and scientific progress

Shimadzu’s story began with Genzo Shimadzu Sr., who set out to produce high-quality scientific instruments to support education and foster the spread of scientific knowledge in Japan. In 1882, just seven years after its founding, the company released its first science equipment catalogue with 110 products - making scientific tools accessible to educators and researchers alike.

Genzo Sr.’s inventive spirit was clear from the start. In 1877, with no prior experience, he created Japan’s first hydrogen balloon at the request of Kyoto officials. Using silk fabric coated in rubber dissolved in shiso oil, the balloon launched on December 6, 1877, at Kyoto’s Sento Imperial Palace. Rising 36 meters before 50,000 spectators, this event marked Japan’s first manned balloon flight and signalled the dawn of Kyoto’s scientific revival. It also established Genzo as a pioneering engineer and set the foundation for Shimadzu’s legacy.

The visionary genius of Genzo Shimadzu Jr.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Genzo Shimadzu Jr. became a driving force behind Shimadzu’s legacy of innovation. At just 15 years old in 1884, he built an “induction electrostatic generator” to produce electricity - an early indication of his remarkable talent. 

Among his many achievements, Genzo Jr. developed Japan’s first industrial lead-acid battery in 1897, later branded as the ‘GS Battery’ after his initials. The battery business eventually separated from Shimadzu. Today, that legacy continues through GS Yuasa International Ltd, a leading global battery manufacturer. 

Genzo Jr. demonstrated his visionary approach to technology by modifying a Detroit car imported from the United States in 1917. A strong advocate for sustainable energy over limited petroleum resources, he powered the vehicle with his own GS batteries creating one of Japan’s earliest electric vehicles - used for his own daily commute long before such vehicles entered the mainstream. This pioneering effort, over a century ago, foreshadowed the global shift toward electrified mobility we see today.

In 1896, he further showcased his innovative spirit by developing Japan’s first X-ray device, marking the start of Shimadzu’s longstanding contributions to medical imaging. His relentless pursuit of innovation earned him recognition as one of Japan’s top ten inventors in 1930, solidifying his reputation as ‘Japan’s Edison’.

Trailblazing scientific innovation

Shimadzu’s commitment to innovation has fuelled breakthroughs across analytical science, life science, and healthcare. From mass spectrometry and chromatography to spectroscopy and diagnostic imaging, its instruments empower researchers in fields ranging from medicine to environmental science.

A defining moment came in 2002 when Shimadzu scientist Koichi Tanaka received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on soft laser desorption ionisation. This breakthrough transformed mass spectrometry by enabling the analysis of large biomolecules, opening new possibilities in drug development and research.

Shimadzu’s legacy of scientific responsiveness continues into the 21st century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company rapidly developed the Ampdirect™ 2019-nCoV Detection Kit, enabling efficient PCR testing at a critical global moment. This agility in responding to urgent healthcare needs reflects Shimadzu’s deep-rooted mission to improve lives through science.

Beyond emergency response, Shimadzu is also tackling long-term medical challenges. Its Amyloid MS CL system represents a major advance in early Alzheimer’s detection. This non-invasive test measures amyloid peptides - biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s - providing a powerful tool for early diagnosis.

These developments exemplify Shimadzu’s ability to balance cutting-edge innovation with real-world impact - meeting both immediate and future scientific challenges.

A legacy of empowerment and support

Shimadzu’s ethos, ‘Contributing to Society through Science and Technology’, is at the heart of everything the company does. This philosophy extends beyond the creation of innovative instruments, focusing on empowering scientists to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Through its unwavering commitment to customer support, Shimadzu ensures its innovations have a lasting and meaningful impact on science and society.

Honouring the past, inspiring the future

From Genzo Sr.’s hydrogen balloon to Genzo Jr.’s X-ray device, Shimadzu’s history is rich with transformative ideas. For 150 years, the company has combined technical excellence with a deep-rooted mission: to advance science for the betterment of society.

Today, Shimadzu continues to push boundaries - whether in analytical chemistry, diagnostics, or sustainable technologies - while staying true to its founding ethos. As it looks ahead, the company remains committed to empowering scientists, educating the next generation, and building a healthier, more sustainable world.

Shimadzu’s journey is more than a history of inventions; it’s a celebration of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of progress. 

Here’s to the next 150 years of discovery!

More information online