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From Suwa to the World
The city of Suwa in Nagano prefecture is blessed with clean highland air and abundant water resources and with its large clustering of precision industries, the district has been developing as "the Switzerland of the East".
Our products are handcrafted one by one by our seasoned craftsmen with copious expertise using the high-precision techniques that have been built up in this district.
Message from the President
Ever since Light Optical Works started as a binocular manufacturer in 1956, we have consistently striven for technological development and operational rationalization.
Today, our products engendered by sophisticated engineering are highly rated by markets the world over and with our compiled knowledge and experience, we will continue to deliver quality products answering the customer's requirements.
Oriented toward the future in a world undergoing transformations, Light Optical Works will take the trust in its quality and technology built up over long years as a foundation to go on meeting the challenges of developing high-quality and high-functionality products and to contribute to society through the development of enterprise while working for the prosperity and harmony of the local region.
Also, in order to live up to our customers' expectations, we intend to be an organization that, by drawing on the power and drive of each of its employees, thinks what it can do for the customers and acts accordingly.
We hope to enjoy your continued patronage and encouragement in the times ahead.
Light Optical Works, Ltd.
President 
Our Philosophy
Contributing to society through our company's business.
Thinking and acting by every employee for customer satisfaction.
Providing high-quality products faithfully that customers can rely on.
Challenging continually without fearing failure.
Manufacturing the best products of the world by uniting all staff.
Cultivating our original technology to develop and manufacture unique products.
Company Profile / Access
LIGHT Optical Works, Ltd.
| Head Office and Plant | 3637 Nakasu, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, 392-0015 TEL.0266-52-3600 (main) / FAX.0266-58-5858 |
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| Second Plant | 4771 Nakasu, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, 392-0015 TEL.0266-54-2551 / FAX.0266-54-2557 |
| Tokyo Office | Tokyo Times Tower 2402, 4-14-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 101-0021 TEL.03-3525-8683 / FAX.03-3525-8684 |
| Established | February 1, 1956 |
| Capital Stock | 25 million yen |
| Line of Business | Exports riflescope, binocular, other optical products. |
| President | Masatomi Iwanami |
| Access |
Associated Company LIGHT GLASS Ltd.
| Head Office and Plant | 4771. Nakasu Suwa city, Nagano prefecture, 392-0015 TEL.0266-52-9011 / FAX.0266-54-2557 |
|---|---|
| Established | June, 1970 |
| Capital Stock | 20 million yen |
| Items Produced | Optical lens and other optical equipment. |
| President | Yoshiko Iwanami |
| Access |
Company History
| 1956 February | Light Optical Works (private limited company) was establilshed in Suwa City , Nagano Prefecture as binocular manufacturer. Capital stock: 300,000 yen. |
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| 1958 June | In line with development of business, the head office and plant were transferred to newly built area. Riflescope production has begun. |
| 1958 October | Became Light Optical Works, Ltd. Under an organizational change. |
| 1962 December | Capital stock was increased to 4.5 million yen. Microscope production has begun. |
| 1963 November | Capital stock was increased to 10 million yen. |
| 1964 June | Recognized by the Minister of International Trade and Industry as "company contributing to exports". Received the same recognition each successive year thereafter. |
| 1966 July | Constructed new plant in Suwa, Nakasu area (the present location) in order to accommodate expansion of business scale and effect rationalizations. A new machining plant was built in the first period of construction. |
| 1969 May | New Head Office building and assembly plant were built, completing the second construction period in Nakasu. Totality of company's functions was concentrated into Nakasu area, and system of increased production was established on a new conceptual foundation. |
| 1970 June | Iida Light, Ltd. was established in Iida City , Nagano Prefecture . A lens processing and assembly plant was built there for the new firm. |
| 1976 October | Capital stock was increased to 25 million yen. |
| 1977 August | Plant was honored with a visit by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Nobuhito Takamatsunomiya and Princess Kikuko. |
| 1990 April | The President Keitomi Iwanami was decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of services to industry (promotion of trade). |
| 1990 June | The President Keitomi Iwanami took office as Chairman of the Suwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. |
| 2004 November | The President Shohachi Iwanami took office as Chairman of the Suwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. |
| 2005 November | 50th Anniversary commemorative event. |
| 2007 June | Chosen as one of "Introducing 300 of Japan's Dynamic Monodzukuri (Manufacturing) SME's Supporting the Japan of Tomorrow" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry's Small and Medium Enterprise Agency. |
| 2009 February | Chosen as one of "Japan's 1400 employment creating enterprises" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Manufacturing Industries Bureau. |
| 2009 December | Constructed new company building and installed photovoltaic power generation system, in order to strengthen production system. |
| 2010 January | 55th Anniversary commemorative event. |
| 2013 January | Masatomi Iwanami was awarded "Young Manager Award of Japan"from Daily Manufacturer Newspaper. |
| 2013 October | Awarded a grand prize of "Nagano Monozukuri (Manufacturing) 2013. Recognized "Nagano Monozukuri (manufacturing) Excellence award 2013. |
| 2014 September | Started the operation of second factory in precision industrial area, Nakasu in Suwa. |
| 2015 April | Awarded an encouragement prize of "the 27th small and medium-sized enterprise excellence new technology "new product". |
| 2015 July | The third phase of the new head office construction was completed. 60th Anniversary commemorative event. |
| 2016 June | Iida Light was transferred to 2nd plant and changed the name to Light Glass Ltd,. |
