Canon began as Precision Optical Industry in 1937 in Tokyo, Japan. In 1933, their predecessor was founded to research cameras and produced prototypes like the Kwanon camera in 1934. They registered the Canon trademark in 1935 and introduced the Hansa Canon in 1936. In 1940, Japan's first indirect x-ray camera was developed by Precision Optical. After World War II, Canon resumed camera production and opened a service station in 1946, receiving acclaim for cameras like the Canon S II. Canon aims to promote creativity and innovation through photography, targeting younger audiences aged 16-35 to inspire imagination.