Katsuyuki Seki 
A Type 99 Ultra Small Aerial Camera, used in World War II and the Korean War, on display at the JCII Camera Museum in Chiyoda, Tokyo, on February 10. (©Sankei by Katsuyuki Seki)
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The exhibition "Showa 100th Anniversary – The Story of Showa Era Cameras" is being held at the JCII Camera Museum in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Part One features around 280 cameras produced between 1926 and 1954.
In the early Showa period, Japan was home to dozens of optical equipment manufacturers. Domestic makers modeled their cameras and lenses after advanced German and American models of the time, allowing them to produce high-quality items from the outset.
A Time of Rapid Innovation
The exhibition offers insight into the development of Japan as a camera powerhouse.
One particularly valuable item on display is the Type 99 Ultra Small Aerial Camera, manufactured by Tokyo Optical Machinery (now Topcon Corporation) around 1942. Developed as an "optical weapon" during World War II, it was later used by the United States military during the Korean War.
"The exhibition offers a glimpse into the high level of technological skill in Japan's optical machinery at the time," curator Kazuo Yamamoto explained. "Through these Showa-era cameras, visitors can learn about the historical context and the early days of Japan's rise as a camera powerhouse."
About the Exhibition
- Title: "Showa 100th Anniversary – The Story of Showa Era Cameras Part 1: 1926-1954"
- Venue: JCII Camera Museum (a three-minute walk from Hanzomon Station)
- Date and Time: Until June 22, 2025, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
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Author: Katsuyuki Seki, The Sankei Shimbun
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