Education
The Nikon Group is actively involved in educating the next generation. We will continuously communicate with related people so that we can not only support them but also grow with them.
Nikon Scholarship Program in Thailand
Nikon established the Nikon Scholarship Program in 2007. It supports junior and senior high school students and university students in Thailand. It also gives university students an opportunity to come to Japan and study in graduate school. With this program, Nikon is supporting the dreams of young people in Thailand.
Support of Environmental Education
Nikon is supporting environmental education for children in the hope that they will enjoy nature and at the same time will increase their knowledge and interest in biodiversity and environmental conservation. Nikon developed its own unique materials for environmental education.
Education Support Using Nikon Products
Outdoor class
In cooperation with schools, Nikon holds classes for children using Nikon products. On May 24, 2011, Nikon held an open-air class in cooperation with the Elementary School Attached to Fukushima University.
All the students at the school, 678 in total, their teachers, and Nikon staff left Fukushima City on 18 buses bound for the Michinoku Lakewood National Government Park in Miyagi Prefecture. At the park, first- and second-year students played games, third- and fourth-year students participated in a nature class using Nikon Fieldscopes and binoculars, and fifth- and sixth-year students participated in art and science classes using Nikon cameras.
Since the Major Earthquake happened in Northern Japan, the children in the Elementary School Attached to Fukushima University had only been able to engage in indoor activities, so this was the first time they could enjoy outdoor activities in about two and a half months.
Nikon Chair of Imaging Science in Tokyo University
Nikon contributed to establish the Nikon Chair of Imaging Science in the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo in April 2012. This department aims to evolve and advance Japan's optics technologies in a sustainable manner by nurturing excellent human resources who will lead the next generation of optical industry. Hiroshi Ohki, General Manager of Research & Development Headquarters, Core Technology Center, Nikon serves as the Project Professor.
Nikon contributed to establish the Nikon Chair of Optical Engineering in the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo in November 2006. In this department, optics education that is directly linked to the industry needs was provided to close to 100 graduate students including lens designing using professional design software under the instruction of full-time Nikon lens designers. The Nikon Chair of Optical Engineering then ended its term at the end of March 2012.
Nikon Chair of Imaging Science expands the scope of Nikon Chair of Optical Engineering. The department continues to provide distinctive lectures as well as strives to promote exchange between engineers and researchers who bear the responsibility of Japan's future optics technologies, hoping that this industrial-academic collaboration will strengthen Japan's competitiveness in the world.
Training Programs for Educators at Private Companies
Nikon has been supporting the Training Programs for Educators at Private Companies under the sponsorship of the Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs) since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. The aim of the program is to provide teaches a change to experience corporate activities first-hand and use the knowledge gained to improve classes and school management.
In August 2011, six junior high school teachers toured the Kumagaya Plant and took part in a class on digital SLR cameras.
In August 2012 as well, Nikon supported the training activities with a plan to further promote communication between the company and the educational community.