GK
The G series was Olympus' standout brand after the Second World War. The revamped Showa GK was launched in 1946—one year after the war ended. During this period, there were serious problems at Olympus’ Ina manufacturing plant. Valuable blueprints and tools had been destroyed during the war, and technicians at the plant faced many challenges. Delaying the Showa GK due to manufacturing issues would have been devastating for the company. In fact, there was even a plan to convert the Ina plant’s expansive grounds into agricultural use to grow castor-oil plants as food for silkworms, then raise Eri silkworms to generate revenue. The castor-oil plants were planted but, thankfully, we did not have to start raising silkworms.