Ricoh Uncovered: 25 Fun and Unknown Facts That Will Surprise You

For nearly nine decades, Ricoh has been at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing office solutions, pioneering sustainable practices, and expanding its reach across the globe. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global leader, Ricoh’s journey is filled with incredible milestones and little-known facts. Get ready to uncover 25 fun and surprising facts about Ricoh!

A Legacy of Excellence

1. From Riken to Ricoh: A Name Rooted in Innovation – Ricoh was originally founded as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. in 1936, a name that reflected its early focus on photosensitive paper. The company changed the name to Ricoh in 1963, marking its expansion into broader office solutions and technology.
2. A Legacy of Nearly 90 Years – Founded on February 6, 1936, in Tokyo, Japan, Ricoh has been shaping the world of business technology for almost nine decades. As of 2025, Ricoh will celebrate its 89th anniversary, while Ricoh Thailand marks an impressive 25 years in operation.
3. The Heart of Ricoh: A Philosophy Built on Love – At its core, Ricoh follows the Ricoh Way, a philosophy that guides its corporate vision and values. The three key
   principles are:
   > Love your neighbor – Putting people first in every innovation.
   > Love your country – Contributing to society and economic progress.
   > Love your work – Encouraging passion, dedication, and creativity in every endeavor.

Pioneering Technological Advancements

4. The Birth of Ricopy: The First-Ever Ricoh Copier – Ricoh launched its first copier, Ricopy 101, in 1955. This wet-process blueprint copier transformed office workflows. It was so popular in Japan that people started saying, “Make a Ricopy” instead of simply saying, “make a copy”!
5. Japan’s First Conveyor Belt Camera Production – Ricoh revolutionized manufacturing by being the first company in Japan to introduce a conveyor belt system for camera production. This innovation increased production to 10,000 units per month, ten times the industry standard at the time!
6. Inventing the World’s First High-Speed Office Fax – In 1973, Ricoh introduced the RIFAX 600S, the world’s first high-speed office fax, capable of transmitting an A4 document in just 60 seconds.
7. A Coveted Award for Quality: The Deming Prize – Ricoh’s dedication to quality control was recognized in 1975, when it became the first office machine manufacturer to receive the Deming Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for excellence in quality management.
8. The Meaning Behind “imagine. change.” – Ricoh’s slogan “imagine. change.” is more than just words—it embodies its vision to empower businesses with creativity and innovation.
   

   Innovations That Shaped the Industry

9. Think Tank for the Future – The Ricoh Institute of Sustainability and Business was founded to help predict future trends and their impact on corporate management. It acts as both a think tank for research and an advisory body for Ricoh’s leadership, ensuring the company stays ahead in a fast-changing business world.
10. 3D Printing Innovation – In September 2014, Ricoh launched its additive manufacturing (AM) business, focusing on 3D printers. The company introduced RICOH Rapid Fab, a hub for manufacturing innovation, offering services like procurement, marketing, output services, and expert consultations. While it started in Japan, Ricoh has big plans to expand this cutting-edge business worldwide!
11. A Vision for 2036 – In 2020, Ricoh unveiled its long-term vision: “Fulfillment through Work.” The goal? To transform the way customers, work through digital services, helping businesses embrace the future of work. To achieve it, the company has declared that it will transform the way customers work through digital services.
12. The Ricoh Way, Revamped! – On February 6, 2023, Ricoh announced a revision of its corporate philosophy, the Ricoh Way. Effective April 1, 2023, this update strengthens the company’s core values and vision for the future.                                               The revised Mission and Vision statement is as follows: “At Ricoh, we empower individuals to find Fulfillment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future.”

Commitment to Sustainability & Social Impact

13. Champions of Sustainability – Ricoh leads in eco-friendly manufacturing, with some of its products made from over 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. This commitment to sustainability continues to set industry standards.
14. Ricoh’s Eco-Friendly Biomass Toner – In 2009, Ricoh developed the world’s first biomass toner, reducing environmental impact and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
15. A Learning Hub for Sustainability – In 2021, Ricoh established the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) to educate businesses on sustainable practices and the circular economy.
16. Refurbishing for a Greener Future – Ricoh’s Asia Pacific Central Refurbishment Center (AP CRC) restores old machines, significantly reducing e-waste and promoting sustainability.
    

    Global Reach and Expansion

17. Ricoh’s Early Expansion into the United States – Ricoh was among the first Japanese companies to establish a presence in the U.S., founding Ricoh of America, Inc. in 1970.
18. A Manufacturing Hub in Thailand – Ricoh’s production facility in Thailand plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for printers and copiers in Southeast Asia.
19. A Strong Service Network in Thailand – Ricoh Thailand boasts 15 service centers—eight in Bangkok and another seven across the country, ensuring top-notch customer support.
20. Global Support in Over 200 Countries – With operations in over 200 countries, Ricoh provides sales, support, and research & development on a global scale.

Ricoh's Cultural and Historical Contributions

21. A Star Attraction at Expo ‘70 – In 1970, the Japan Expo '70, the first World’s Fair in Asia, was held in Osaka for an impressive 183 days! RICOH participated with a cutting-edge pavilion showcasing futuristic technology, perfectly aligned with the event’s theme, "Progress and Harmony for Mankind." Throughout the expo, the pavilion attracted over 7 million visitors!
22. An Olympic Legacy: Supporting the 1992 Barcelona Games – Ricoh was an official sponsor of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, setting up an Olympic Fax Network that improved communication between 167 countries.
23. Investing in Future Leaders: Ichimura Nature School – Founded in 2001, Ichimura Nature School provides hands-on agricultural experiences to help young people develop leadership and self-sufficiency skills.
24. Gemba: Staying Close to the Action – Ricoh embraces the Japanese philosophy of “Gemba” into one of its 7 core values, which means “the real place”, emphasizing firsthand observation to tackle challenges effectively.

Bonus: A Legendary Copier

25. RICOPY DT1200— A Copier Hall of Fame Inductee – The RICOPY DT1200 set a new standard for plain-paper copiers (PPCs) and was inducted into the Copier Hall of Fame in 1991 for its impact on copier technology.

The story of Ricoh throughout its nearly nine-decade journey is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and leadership in driving change. From pioneering cutting-edge technologies to strong commitment to sustainability, Ricoh continues to shape a better future for businesses and society worldwide. We hope these 25 fascinating facts about Ricoh have inspired you and given you a deeper appreciation of its remarkable legacy!