Do you know Menicon? The company is an industry pioneer and global leader in contact lens innovation, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Menicon’s rich history began in Japan in 1951, when founder Kyoichi Tanaka developed the country’s first practical corneal contact lens. In 1958, Tanaka established Japan’s first contact lens specialty store, the Mainichi Building Consultation Office.
Today, the Japanese company is the fifth-largest contact lens manufacturer in the world. Menicon and its U.S. division, Menicon America, continue to build on a foundation of research, innovation, global production, sustainability, and patient safety.
Since its founding, Menicon has upheld the company slogan of “Contributing to society by providing superior visual correction.” The company has worked diligently to develop products and provide services that achieve the highest levels of safety. Menicon states: “Going forward, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to safety and peace of mind as we move toward a future that is kind to people, animals, and the Earth, guided by a passion for vision care that drives everything we do.”
Here, we share a look at the milestones, innovations, and leadership philosophy that have helped shape Menicon’s 75-year legacy in the contact lens industry.
>> Learn more about Menicon’s rich history HERE.
75th Anniversary Message from the CEO
Koji Kawaura, CEO, Menicon: “As we commemorate our milestone 75th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported our company over the years. Thank you to our valued customers who have continued to choose our products and services.
“Our founder, Kyoichi Tanaka, pioneered Japan’s first corneal contact lens, instilling the spirit of Creation, Originality and Challenge that defines Menicon. This ‘DNA’ was carried forward by our second president, Hidenari Tanaka, who introduced the subscription-based MELS Plan and drove the company’s growth to new heights. As the third president, I have embraced this legacy, accelerating our efforts under the corporate slogan ‘Contributing to society by providing superior visual correction’ while navigating an ever-changing global market.
“The theme of our 75th anniversary project is “Winds of Progress.” These winds, which have propelled us since our founding, will continue to guide us into the next century. We sincerely ask for your continued support as we take our next steps into the future.”
Timeline: A Legacy of Innovation and Global Growth
Since its beginnings 75 years ago, several key milestones have defined Menicon’s journey. These achievements helped establish the foundation for Menicon’s growth and global impact in contact lenses and vision care, including:
• 1951: Menicon was founded by Kyoichi Tanaka, who developed the first practical corneal contact lens in Japan.
• 1958: Tanaka went on to open the Mainichi Building Consultation Office, established as Japan’s first contact lens specialty store.
• 1973: Menicon’s first soft contact lens, Menicon Soft, is released.
• 1984: The Seki Plant is established in Japan’s Seki City as one of the company’s main manufacturing bases.
• 2002: The company’s Menicon Z Night orthokeratology contact lens debuts.
• 2012: The Miru 1month Menicon contact lens is released.
• 2013: The Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack contact lens is released.
• 2015: Menicon is listed on the First Section of the Toyko Stock Exchange.
• 2018: The Miru 1day UpSide contact lens is released.
• 2026: In February 2026, Menicon’s Malaysia Plant opens as the company’s newest and largest production facility dedicated to producing 1day lenses using the latest technologies.
From developing Japan’s first practical corneal contact lens to introducing industry-leading innovations and expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Menicon has established an impactful global footprint. Throughout its 75-year history, the company has continually advanced the vision care market through groundbreaking contact lens technology.
Did You Know? Menicon is Committed to Sustainability.
Sustainability is at the heart of Menicon’s mission, guiding its approach to manufacturing, energy use, and community engagement. The company actively reduces greenhouse gas emissions, advances recycling initiatives, and supports regional revitalization. According to the company, “We believe that plastics used in the manufacturing process are a high-quality resource.”
In Menicon’s Singapore Plant, approximately 40% of the used plastics are reused as a raw material for the secondary packaging. The remaining plastics are handed over to a recycling company.
>> Learn More Here.
Did You Know? Menicon’s 1-DAY Lenses Allow for Easier and More Hygienic Handling
In today’s global contact lens market, demand is increasing for 1day lenses that can be used fresh and clean every day. As a company dedicated to vision care, Menicon has always placed the highest priority on customers’ safety and peace of mind.
For its own Miru 1day lenses, Menicon has developed the revolutionary, proprietary Smart Touch™ packaging. With this innovation, the contact lens is stored with the inner surface facing downward, so it can be removed and inserted easily and hygienically without touching the inner surface. Smart Touch also eliminates the need to check which surface is front or back. Through such innovative technology, Menicon will continue delivering comfortable vision to more people in the U.S. and around the world.
>> Learn More About Miru 1day Lenses Here.
Interested in learning more about Menicon contact lens products or prescribing them in your practice? Please click here.