July 2, 2026
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) undertook the challenge of creating the “Largest printed microscopic image mosaic (logo)” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its microscope business, which reached this milestone in 2025.
Employees from Japan as well as Europe, the Americas, and Asia contributed by capturing microscopic images. These images were brought together to create a mosaic artwork representing the 100th anniversary logo of Nikon Healthcare.
As a result, more than 2,800 images were collected, forming a completed artwork measuring 4.2 meters by 6 meters with 2520 images selected, with a total area of 25.2 square meters. The mosaic was officially recognized as a Guinness World RecordsTM title on June 30, 2026.
This project is part of the microscope business 100th anniversary celebrations, launched to mark the milestone of the 100th anniversary of the release of the “JOICO” microscope—the foundation of the Nikon microscope business—which occurred in July 2025. The initiative was designed to build a stronger foundation for each employee, with the aim of fostering a sense of unity among employees engaged in the healthcare business worldwide. By providing opportunities to experience Nikon healthcare products from the customer’s perspective while reaffirming the fascination and importance of imaging, we intend to lay the groundwork for creating even better products in the company’s 101st year and beyond.
Guinness World RecordsTM Certification Details
| Record Title | Largest printed microscopic image mosaic (logo) |
|---|---|
| Challenge | To create the world’s largest mosaic artwork (100th anniversary logo) by printing and assembling microscopic images |
| Participants | Employees involved in Nikon’s healthcare business in Japan and overseas |
| Record | 4.2 m × 6 m, total area of 25.2 m2 (2520 microscopic images) |
| Production Period | Image collection: March–April 2026 Mosaic assembly: May–June 2026 |
| Date of Recognition | June 30, 2026 |
| Location of Recognition | Nikon Headquarters (1-5-20 Nishi-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan) |
Comment from Haruhisa Sonoda, Head of Healthcare Business Unit, Nikon
This challenge marked a significant milestone as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of our microscope business. It provided us with an excellent opportunity not only to reflect on the technologies and values Nikon has built over the years, but also to consider how we will continue to take on new challenges as we move toward the next 100 years and strengthen the foundation for further growth.
Employees involved in our healthcare business from around the world contributed microscopic images they captured themselves, bringing them together to create a single piece of artwork. This initiative truly embodies the essence of our microscope business—"Making the invisible visible.”
Furthermore, this project was not solely about achieving a record. It also provided an opportunity for employees to reconnect with microscopes and rediscover their potential and the role they play in society.
Looking ahead to the next century, Nikon will continue to contribute to advances in science and medicine and strive for further growth of its healthcare business, with the aim of improving quality of life (QOL) for people around the world.
About the Exhibition of the Artwork
The mosaic artwork, recognized by Guinness World RecordsTM through this challenge, is on display in the atrium on the first floor of Nikon Headquarters / Innovation Center (1-5-20 Nishi-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) through July 17, 2026. The atrium is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to view the artwork freely.
The completed artwork is also featured on the special website commemorating the 100th anniversary of Nikon’s microscope business. Visitors can explore selected microscopic images collected from around the world up close. Those who are unable to visit the venue are encouraged to view the artwork online.
Special website:https://www.microscope.healthcare.nikon.com/joico-100th
Image Samples
Behind the Challenge
After four months of image collection and assembly work, the final piece was placed during the certification ceremony held on June 30, 2026.
The project brought together not only employees experienced in using microscopes, but also those who had rarely used them or had not done so in a long time. Through microscopic observation, participants were able to deepen their interactions with one another.
By observing familiar objects and prepared slides, employees gained a sense of wonder at the microscopic world and developed a deeper appreciation for the possibilities of imaging. The project also fostered meaningful conversations around the microscope, strengthening relationships and contributing to the further development of the healthcare business.
Related Links
Nikon Official Website
Nikon Healthcare Website
https://www.healthcare.nikon.com/en/index.html
Nikon Healthcare Microscopy Products & Services Website
https://www.microscope.healthcare.nikon.com
Special Website: 100th Anniversary of Nikon’s Microscope Business
The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.