IPC Launches 30th Year with National Geographic Presentation
Honors Fuji Photo Film Chairman with “Hall of Fame” Award
NEW YORK CITY, January 21, 2004—The International Photographic Council (IPC) today inaugurated its 30th year of dedication to the photo industry with the organization’s annual New Year’s Luncheon in the Delegate’s Dining Room at the United Nations in New York. The event featured a keynote address and narrated slide shows by representatives from National Geographic magazine, and was highlighted by a presentation of the IPC’s annual Hall of Fame award to Dr. Minoru Ohnishi, chairman of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd (Tokyo, Japan).
National Geographic Publisher Praises Photography as a Universal Language In his keynote address, Stephen P. Giannetti, vice president and group publisher, National Geographic magazines, characterized photography as part of the DNA of National Geographic magazine. He commented that “Our mission as stated 116 years ago was ‘for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge’. But today, we have an added focus on raising awareness and promoting greater public understanding of conservation and the environment. Clearly, we believe that photography can be a positive catalyst on not only individual peoples’ lives, but also for the world around us and for fulfilling our new mission.” Mr. Giannetti’s remarks were followed by captivating narrated slide presentations by two of the magazine’s distinguished staff photographers, Chris Johns and Joel Sartore.
Dr. Minoru Ohnishi Honored with 2004 Hall of Fame Award The IPC’s Hall of Fame award recognizes distinguished individuals for their contributions to the worldwide photographic and imaging communities. Consisting of a soaring silver eagle and a gold medal, the 2004 award was presented to Dr. Minoru Ohnishi, chairman of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) by IPC president James L. Chung. In attendance at the event was the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Japan Mission to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Koichi Haraguchi.
Dr. Ohnishi’s Distinguished Career
Part of the Fuji Photo Film organization since 1948, Dr. Minoru Ohnishi rose through the ranks to become chairman in 1996. He was named manager of the company’s New York office in 1964, where he oversaw U.S. sales and marketing activities from Fuji Photo Film’s headquarters (at the time) in the Empire State Building in New York City. Dr. Ohnishi is credited with numerous landmark achievements in photography and imaging, including advancements in high-speed color film, the Super CCD sensor found in Fujifilm’s digital cameras, digital X-ray technology, and the development of today’s popular one-time-use cameras. He has also championed the movement to recycle one-time-use cameras, a sound economic as well as environmental cause.