Canon

Canon is a term with several distinct meanings in different contexts. It can refer to a major Japanese corporation known for imaging devices, a body of works considered authoritative within a fictional universe, a system of religious laws and clerical offices, or a musical technique based on strict imitation.

Canon Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, is a multinational company founded in 1937 as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory. It produces cameras, lenses, printers, scanners, and medical imaging equipment. The brand name Canon is widely recognized in consumer electronics, professional photography, and imaging technology.

In literature and media, the canon comprises the elements of a story that creators and audiences recognize as officially part of the fictional universe. Debates often distinguish canonical material from fan-created content or works considered non-canon.

In religion, canon refers to a rule or standard. In the Catholic Church, canon law is the body of laws governing church structure and jurisdiction. The term also denotes canons, clergy members attached to a cathedral or collegiate church.

In music, a canon is a contrapuntal technique in which a melody is imitated by one or more voices after a fixed interval. The form encompasses many styles, from simple rounds to elaborate imitative works, with examples such as Pachelbel's Canon.