Michihiro Yamaki dies at 78

Michihiro Yamaki, founder and CEO of Sigma Corporation, has died at the age of 78. Michihiro Yamaki was a true industry leader, who started the third-party lens industry. I met Mr. Yamaki on several occasions, usually when he was in Germany at Photokina. Our first meeting was in Japan however, when I visited the Sigma factory together with a small group of editors from TIPA. Mr. Yamaki was not only our host for that day, we had a wonderful traditional Japanese dinner with geishas. Sitting next to me, Mr Yamaki explained to me this part of the Japanese culture and how little the rest of the world understands it. I will never forget that evening. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences go out to his son Kazuto Yamaki and the rest of his family.

Michihiro Yamaki (1933-2012)