Zenrin
Zenrin Co. Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社ゼンリン, TYO: 9474) is a Japanese map publisher. Founded in 1948, the company is known as a maker of residential maps and software used in personal computers and Automotive navigation systems. It is a leading Japanese company in the production of mapping software.
Head office
Zenrin's head office is in the Zenrin-Asahi Building at 1-1-1, Muromachi, Kokura-Kita Ward, Kitakyūshū. The building stands on the spot where noted Edo period mapmaker Inō Tadataka began his mapping of Kyūshū, in the midst of a modern shopping and cultural center called Riverwalk Kitakyushu. The company also has a development center (Techno Center) at Nakabaru Shinmachi 3-1, Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu.
In the U.S., Zenrin provides navigation software and expertise to Nissan North America, Honda's Internavi in car telematics service in Japan, and other automobile and navigation systems hardware manufacturers. Zenrin is also continuing to explore collaborative efforts with other electronic and auto manufacturers. Field research crews collect data throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and survey businesses along America’s Interstate's to integrate into their navigation software and databases. Businesses, organizations, and travelers nationwide utilize this data in a variety of applications and settings.
International offices
Zenrin USA, Inc., located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley at 851 Traeger Avenue, Suite 210, San Bruno, CA, 94066 USA (650-615-4200).
Zenrin Europe GmbH, located in Münsterstr. 306, 40470 Düsseldorf, Germany (+49-211-369-780).
President
Zenshi Takayama (高山善司, 1962-) has been the President and CEO of Zenrin Co. Ltd., since April 1, 2008. Mr. Takayama joined Zenrin Co. Ltd. in 1986 and has been its Director since 2006. He graduated from the Seinan Gakuen University.
Shinobu Ōsako (大迫忍, 1945-2005) was president from 1980 until his retirement in 2001. Inheriting the company from his father, he built it into a major company in mapping and vehicle-mounted navigation software. He was also the first president of the StarFlyer airline.
Map museum
A map museum is located on the on 14th floor of the company’s home office building. It is open 10:00-17:00 weekdays, closed weekends and Japanese national holidays. Admission is ¥100.