• Company Name: Ricoh Company, Ltd.

• Founded: February 6, 1936

• Headquarters: Ōta, Tokyo, Japan

• Industry: Information Technology, Office Equipment, Digital Services

• President & CEO: Akira Oyama

• Global Presence: Around 200 countries and regions

• Employees & Group: 246 subsidiaries and affiliates (as of March 2026) [2]

Ricoh traces its origins to the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) in Japan. In 1936, the sensitized paper division of Rikagaku Kogyo was spun off to form Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd., under the leadership of Kiyoshi Ichimura, who is regarded as the founder of Ricoh. [3]

Key milestones include:

• 1936: Founded as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd.

• 1938: Renamed Riken Optical Industries and expanded into cameras and optical equipment.

• 1950: Introduced the Ricohflex III, helping popularize affordable cameras in Japan through mass production.

• 1955: Entered the office equipment industry with the Ricopy 101, its first copier.

• 1963: Officially adopted the name Ricoh Company, Ltd.

• 1970s onward: Expanded internationally with subsidiaries across North America, Europe, and Asia.

• 2000s–present: Transitioned from primarily hardware manufacturing to digital services, workflow automation, cloud solutions, and managed IT services. [4]

Today, Ricoh’s operations span several major business segments:

Digital Services

Ricoh provides solutions that help organizations digitize and automate business processes, including:

• Managed IT services

• Cloud services

• Workflow automation

• Document management

• Collaboration tools

• Cybersecurity support

• Digital workplace consulting

Office Equipment

Ricoh is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of:

• Multifunction printers (MFPs)

• Laser printers

• Scanners

• Digital duplicators

• Wide-format printers

• Fax systems

• Production printing systems

Commercial & Industrial Printing

Ricoh develops high-speed digital printing systems for:

• Publishing

• Packaging

• Direct mail

• Textile printing

• Industrial printing

Industrial Products

The company also manufactures:

• Electronic components

• Precision optical equipment

• Thermal media

• Industrial inkjet printheads

• Manufacturing systems

Imaging

Ricoh has a long history in photography and imaging technologies. Its imaging business includes:

• Ricoh GR premium compact cameras

• 360° cameras (Theta series)

• Pentax interchangeable-lens cameras (through Ricoh Imaging)

• Camera lenses and accessories

Ricoh’s product portfolio includes:

• Multifunction printers

• Office printers

• Scanners

• Digital production presses

• Interactive whiteboards

• Unified communication systems

• Workflow software

• Cloud document solutions

• Managed print services

• Digital cameras

• 360-degree cameras

• Industrial printing systems

Ricoh invests heavily in research and development, focusing on:

• Artificial intelligence

• Automation

• Digital workflow optimization

• Cloud computing

• Industrial inkjet technology

• Imaging science

• Optical engineering

• Sustainability technologies

The company has evolved from a hardware manufacturer into a provider of integrated digital workplace solutions, combining devices, software, and services. [5]

Ricoh’s corporate philosophy is rooted in the “Spirit of Three Loves,” established by founder Kiyoshi Ichimura:

• Love your neighbor

• Love your country

• Love your work

Today, the company expresses its purpose as helping people achieve “Fulfillment through Work” by transforming workplaces and enabling productivity and creativity. [6]

Ricoh places sustainability at the center of its corporate strategy. Its initiatives include:

• Carbon emission reduction

• Renewable energy adoption

• Circular economy programs

• Energy-efficient products

• Responsible manufacturing

• ESG integration into corporate governance

The company has received repeated recognition in global sustainability rankings for its environmental and social initiatives. [7]

Ricoh serves customers ranging from small businesses to multinational enterprises across industries such as:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Government

• Manufacturing

• Finance

• Retail

• Legal services

Its worldwide network spans approximately 200 countries and regions through subsidiaries, distributors, and service organizations. [8]

Ricoh established its direct presence in the Philippines in 1999 when Ricoh Company, Ltd. acquired the local distributor and formed Ricoh (Philippines), Inc. The Philippine subsidiary provides office automation products, managed print services, digital workplace solutions, and technical support to businesses throughout the country. [9]

Ricoh is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading office technology companies. While many consumers associate the brand with printers and photocopiers, its business has expanded significantly into digital transformation, managed IT services, cloud-based workflow solutions, commercial printing, and imaging technologies. Its long history of innovation, global reach, and emphasis on sustainability have made it a prominent player in the digital workplace industry. [10]

1. Company Data | Global | Ricoh

2. Ricoh at a Glance | Global | Ricoh

3. Company History | About Ricoh | Global | Ricoh

4. Starting out — entering the business machine field | Company History | About Ricoh | Global | Ricoh

5. Corporate Overview | Ricoh Philippines

6. This popular compact camera brand has been ranked on the Global 100 sustainability list for the 14th time

7. Ricoh celebrates its 90th anniversary | Global | Ricoh

8. Celebrating 20 years, Three Loves, One Growing Company | Ricoh

9. About Ricoh | Global | Ricoh

10. About Us