Corporate history

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HISTORY

はじまりは少年時代に抱いた夢
Foundation
1911-1945

Foundation

Foundation and post-war period
Departure from business as a family-owned lens processor

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1911
Founds Yamamoto Spectacle Lens Manufacturing.
1935
Moves plant to Higashi-Osaka City. Begins the manufacture of dust-proof glasses and lenses.
1941
Manufactures dust-proof and aviation eyewear as a military subcontractor.
1945
Upon devastating damage due to air raids during the war, uses the remaining factory to begin the manufacture of swimming goggles and other such eyewear after the war with celluloid which was hidden in a well and sells the products nation-wide.

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Establishment
1946-1969

Establishment

A fresh start
Technological innovation after the war

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1953
Manufactures aviation, dust-proof, and light-shielding eyewear upon designation as a factory of the Japan Defense Agency,
1955
Is successful in the development of Japan's first plastic mold sunglass frames.
1964
Releases Temper Glass sunglasses with reinforced lenses.
1969
Changes the "SWAN" logo at the time to the plural "SWANS" in the belief that the company exists due to the prowess of all its employees.
1969
Builds a plant in Higashi-Ura, Awaji Island.

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Dynamic
1970-1991

Dynamic

Establishing core technologies and brands
The path to a globally recognized company

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1970
Establishes the company-wide SWANS brand as a sportswear brand.
1971
Develops goggles using hydron lenses, which offer the world's first genuine anti-fogging properties.
Yamamoto Kogaku's efforts in anti-fogging eyewear unfold.
1976
Begins equipping ultra-hard petroid lenses.
1980
Changes company name to Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd. and completes a technology laboratory in the Higashi-Osaka Headquarters building.
1982
Develops an anti-fogging lens specifically for swimming goggles using in-house technology, successfully reducing the trouble of applying an anti-fogging coating.
1983
Releases prescription swimming goggles.
1984
Releases laser light-shielding eyewear. Developed to protect the eyes from laser light occurring at worksites such as welding and medical situation.
1986
Releases the world's first swimming goggles with both prescription and anti-fogging technology.
1987
Completes the Tokushima Plant.
1988
Releases the full-face Life Saver, developed as a countermeasure against asbestos, which was an issue at the time.

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Developmental
1992-2010

Developmental

A period of dynamic development for the 21st century
Establishment of the Protecting for You motto

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1992
Releases protective goggles for lasers, equipped with the C Type for multiple wavelengths.
The product is revolutionary as a single lens can respond to multiple varieties of laser light.
1994
Develops protective goggles equipped with new capabilities suited to the person wearing them. With a movable function temples, the goggles can be adjusted to any face while their design provides a sense of fashion to safety equipment—a rare and thus popular aspect.
1996
Releases the first competitive swimming goggles in Japan. Adopting a non-cushion design, they are successful in reducing major resistance to flowing water.
1997
Begins operation at the Tokushima Logistics Center.
2000
Establishes YAMAMOTO as a protective equipment brand.
2001
Establishes technology allowing polarized lenses to be inserted into swimming goggles.
2008
Opens the SWANS Communication Center.
2010
Completes the Hokudan Plant, the second plant on Awaji Island.

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Reform
2011-2024

Reform

An era of reform: Adapting to the rise of global IT From Protecting for You to Comfortable Safety

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2011
Appoints Naoyuki Yamamoto chief exective officer as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary.
2012
Develops the multifunctional Ice Blue Lens, allowing for easy visibility by raising contrast.
2014
Develops the Premium Anti Fog coating for higher anti-fogging capabilities than before.
2018
Develops protective goggles which do not fog up due to heated lenses. The product receives a favorable reception and is picked up by a variety of media.
2018
Concludes a contract as the official supplier to the Japan GoalBall Association. Develops eyeshades specifically suited to athletes and supports them at competitions.
2019
Opens the company-operated SWANS STORE Osaka Location in LINKS UMEDA.
2022
Releases the S-Grade powered air-purifying respirator.
2022
Adds a new production line to the Tokushima Urushigahata Plant.
2023
Launched "Protective Glasses for Railway Operations" Developed to support safe operation by improving visibility for train operators and reducing fatigue and stress, and adopted by various railroad companies.
SWTD-0153
SWTDC-0153
Compact type
2024
Released SN-610, single-lens safety eyewear,combining fit and comfort.
Featuring the newly developed anti-fog coating "PAF."
2024
Launched "Night Yellow Lenses" Night Yellow Lens was developed to improve visibility when driving at night,in the rain, and at dusk.
ER1-0121

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