Four Copiers Recognized as Heritage by Japanese Association

Four Copiers Recognized as Heritage by Japanese Association

The Imaging Society of Japan has recognized four copiers as heritage in the 4th Copying Machine Heritage program.

Sharpfax SF-201

Starting in 2018, this program aims to cite the technological and social achievements of the first copiers in Japan that have advanced the industry. These devices hold profound importance in copier history and deserve to be remembered and preserved. Therefore, the association organized this event to ensure that these copiers are deemed as cultural heritage, thus raising public awareness.

All recognized copiers are groundbreaking in certain fields or have significantly expedited industrial development. For example, the Sharpfax SF-201 of Sharp Corporation is recognized for its user-friendly design compared to other models within the same range of its time. Launched in 1972, this copier featured intuitive controls on the front, compactness to fit on a desk, and simplicity of installation, setting a new standard for user experience that other companies could emulate.

Rioch Rifax 600S

In contrast, the Rifax 600S of Ricoh is distinguished as the world’s first high-speed facsimile to be put into public use. At that time, fax machines were mainly used in private network for professional use, such as press and railway industry. Ricoh launched this fax machine in Japan and the U.S.A. in 1974, marking the first facsimile to connect to public line networks. Additionally, some functions of the machine, including document reading, data saving, and copying, have been integrated into modern multifunctional printers. Therefore, this device contributed to the development of both Japanese communications and global digital technologies.

The other two devices include the Xerox 1385, celebrated as the world’s first wet digital photocopier, and the Canon LBP-10, recognized for being the world’s first semiconductor laser beam printer. The official recognition ceremony will be held during the Imaging Conference Japan 2024 on June 12.

About Imaging Society of Japan

Founded in 1958, the association originally studied knowledge and technologies related to digital photos. Its name was changed to the current one in 1998, aiming to cover a wider range of fields in order to drive the development of imaging technologies. Today the association serves as a platform for exchanging information about the basic application of imaging technologies and gathers researchers from different fields.

Since 2021, the association, together with other global organizations, has jointly held the International Conference on Advanced Imaging to discuss technological discoveries and findings worldwide.

Related:

• Pantum Introduces Self-developed A3 Copier
• Xerox Expands Printer Access for Partners
• Sharp Launches A4 MFP in Europe and USA

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