Fujio Mitarai is a Japanese business leader best known for transforming Canon into a globally dominant and highly profitable company. Born in 1935 and originally trained in law, he joined Canon in 1961 and later headed Canon USA before becoming CEO in 1995. At a time when Canon was struggling, Mitarai restructured the company by shutting down unprofitable divisions, streamlining operations, and focusing on core products like cameras, printers, and imaging equipment. His leadership style blended American business efficiency with traditional Japanese values, emphasizing profitability over market share. Under his guidance, Canon’s profits tripled, and the company rose to global leadership in its sector. Though still Chairman and CEO as of 2025, Mitarai has faced shareholder criticism in recent years over Canon’s environmental and governance practices.
Personal Details
Title: Mr
Surname: Mitarai
M/F: Male
Nationality: Japan
Country of Birth: Japan
Language: English
Qualification: Law degree
Industry:
Qualifications & Experience
Industry Experience +5yrs:
Industry Qualification +5yrs?:
Finance experience +5yrs?:
Finance Qualification +5yrs:
Legal experience +5yrs?:
Delinquent director?:
Other Experiences?:
Collapsed company director?:
Other directorships (state)
(only entities turnover at least $5m p/a)
Working history
Committee/s
Company
Committee
Role
Appointment Date
Resignation Date
Canon
Board
Chairperson
01/01/1995
Independence Questions
Any family members working for the company?:
Are you doing business with the company?:
Do you hold shares in the company for more than 0.10%? (directly or by representation):
Is your Director annual fee more than 5% of your total income from all sources?:
Are you more than 10 years as a director?:
Are you an executive chairperson?:
InsidEntity has assumed that responses to the Independent Questions are NO as the company has not populated the information. The result will present the Director as Independent.