kowa

Kowa, officially Kowa Company, Limited, is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo. The group operates in multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, life sciences, and optics, with a global network of subsidiaries and distributors. Its pharmaceutical division develops prescription medicines and consumer health products; the life sciences arm provides research reagents, diagnostic tools, and related services; and the optics division produces instruments used in science, industry, and outdoor pursuits.

Kowa Optics is known for manufacturing binoculars, telescopes, and microscopy equipment. Its optical products are distributed worldwide and are used by researchers, birdwatchers, astronomers, and hobbyists who require reliable, precision optics.

Historically, Kowa grew from a diversified Japanese enterprise and expanded its capabilities in the 20th century to include pharmaceutical manufacturing and optical instrumentation. Today the company emphasizes research, quality control, and global supply chains.

Beyond the corporate entity, the name Kowa also appears as a surname and is used by various unrelated organizations and places in Japan and elsewhere.