The history of RISO began with a single mimeograph printing device on the birthday of founder Noboru Hayama on September 2, 1946. At the end of World War II, he had entered Nihon University. He had to raise the money for both educational fees and family finances all by himself, and so that’s why he chose the mimeograph printing industry as his occupation.
Hayama believed that “people should not lose their ideals because then there would be no future for Japan as a nation. Thus, we must always pursue our ideals to ensure the future.” He reflected this conviction directly into the company name and founded “Riso-Sha,” meaning “ideal.” After approximately 18 months, Hayama completed the development of Japan’s first emulsion ink, RISO INK. This was the first step toward becoming a manufacturer of printing equipment.