Rohto Eye CareHistory

For approximately 100 years, we have continuously conducted tireless researchinto formulations, containers, and people's needs.
We continuously promote and proposeeye care habits that are in line with the times!

Meiji

Meiji

Created over 100 years ago,Rohto eye drops became a hit, beloved by the intellectual class!

1909.04.
Rohto Eye Drops Released
Rohto Eye Drops Released

Following the end of the Russo-Japanese War, and amidst an epidemic of the eye disease trachoma, demand for eye drops increased, leading to the launch of "Rohto Eye Drops." "Rohto Eye Drops" gained popularity among a newly formed intellectual class, including teachers, doctors, and office workers, and became a sensation with its catchy slogan, "Rohto Eye Drops that don't feel bad."

Showa

Showa

Showa

Rohto Pharmaceutical's company name comes from Dr. Rohto Mundt, who created "Rohto Eye Drops."

1931.04.
Rohto Eye Drops Released in New Packaging

The double-ended eye drop bottle of Rohto Eye Drops was conceived to combine the eye drop container and the eye drop dispenser into a single unit. This Rohto automatic eye drop dispenser obtained a patent for its innovative design and was launched nationwide as a "new invention." Combined with its groundbreaking integrated container, Rohto Eye Drops quickly rose to become a top brand.

Rohto Eye Drops Released in New Packaging
Innovation 01

In the early Showa era, when eye drop bottles and eye drop containers were separate, they developed an integrated dropper-type container!

1949.09.
Reorganized into Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Dr. August von Rothmund

Dr. August von Rothmund

The name of Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. originates from "Rohto Eye Drops," which were created by Dr. Rohto Mundt and launched in 1909. The company adopted the name 40 years later, in 1949, after the war when it became a limited company. At the time, it was common in the pharmaceutical industry to name the company after the founder, but Rohto chose the product name "Rohto Eye Drops," which was well-known and the cornerstone of their business, and named the company Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

1958.09.
"New Rohto Eye Drops" Released
"New Rohto Eye Drops" Released

As sanitation improved with the post-war economic recovery, the role of eye drops expanded from therapeutic purposes to health-promoting purposes focused on eye health. Responding to this change, Rohto launched "Shin Rohto Eye Drops," containing vitamin A, which is effective for tired eyes. It gained popularity among people during the period of rapid economic growth as a product that helped maintain eye health.

Innovation 02

In the pre- and post-war periods, when the purpose was to treat eye diseases, the concept and habit of eye strain care as a health supplement were promoted.

1960s

1960s

1960s

The "V-Rohto" brand is born.Behold, the history of a long-selling product begins here.

1961.12.
Rohto eye drops for children released
1964.02.
"V-Rohto" released
Along with the first-ever use of plastic packaging, we are launching a new brand that combines a comfortable feel with effectiveness.
"V-Rohto" released

At the time, we focused on aspartate, which was attracting attention as an active ingredient in nutritional supplements. We demonstrated its effect of activating eye cells, which had not been confirmed in the eye, and quickly incorporated it into our product. Considering ease of application, we adopted a square-shaped container and pursued the most comfortable stimulation for the eye. With its formulation, efficacy, and container, it was born as Rohto Eye Drops' flagship product.

Innovation 03

We've developed a multi-purpose eye drop that can be used for redness, eye strain, and more. The container has also evolved from a glass bottle to a plastic one!

1970s

1970s

1970s

In 1979, the "New" designation was added, making it a standard product.Even now, it remains a truly innovative "New V-Rohto."

1970.03.
"Children's V Rohto" released
1979.04.
"New V-Rohto" released
The "V-Rohto" series adopts a gold crown cap, which is part of its DNA.
"New V-Rohto" released

1980s

1980s

1980s

Fueled by the bubble economy and plagued by hay fever,eye drops became a must-have item for everyone.

1987.01.
Eye drops for pollen allergy relief
Rohto launches "Alguard Eye Drops"
1987.02.
Rohto Z released
Rohto Z released
Innovation 04

The introduction of eye drops with a strong cooling sensation has opened up the youth market!

1989.03.
Rohto launches "V40," eye drops for middle-aged and elderly people.

1990s

1990s

1990s

A few people are starting to say, "My eyes get dry when I wear contact lenses."

1991.04.
Third-generation "New V-Rohto Plus" released
1994.06.
Rohto Z Lycée released
Rohto Z Lycée released
Innovation 05

Adding cuteness and fragrance, we've opened up the market for young women!

1996.02.
Rohto C-Cube released
Innovation 06

As contact lenses become more widespread, we propose a comfortable contact lens lifestyle that is good for your eyes!

2000s

2000s

2000s

A series of groundbreaking innovations that will make you widen your eyes in amazement are coming your way. Stay tuned for what's to come!

2001.06.
The fourth generation "New V-Rohto EX" is now on sale.
2002.04.
The first volume of the "Unraveling the Mysteries" series.
Rohto Eye Stretch released
The first in the "Unraveling Eyes" series, "Rohto Eye Stretch," is now on sale.
Innovation 07

We've developed eye drops that work on the focusing muscles!

2004.06.
Rohto Dry Aid released
Innovation 08

We've developed eye drops that utilize ultra-high viscosity liquid technology to address the prevalence of dry eye!

2008.05.
Rohto V11 released
2011.04.
"Rohto Junior" released
Innovation 09

Discover the changing environment surrounding children, such as video games and entrance exams!

2013.10.
"Rohto Nano Eye"
Rohto Nano Eye Clear Shot released
Innovation 10

A revolution in eye drop containers! A new container with an ultra-small nozzle and a tiny drop with approximately 400 times the viscosity for an unprecedented application experience!

2014.01.
Rohto Alguard Protect released
2014.04.
Eye drops for active seniors
Rohto V-Active launched
Innovation 11

Introducing new products to meet the demands of the super-aging and digital age!

2014.06.
Guinness World Records™ has recognized it as "the best-selling over-the-counter eye care brand in the most recent year."
2014.07.
Eye drops for the digital age
Rohto Digi-Eye released
2014.11.
Preservative- and cooling agent-free eye drops
Rohto Soft One Eye Drops Launched
2014.12.
Children's eye drops for pollen allergy relief
"Rohto Alguard Kids Clear" released.
2015.06.
Rohto's first functional food product.
Oral supplements that target the retina
Rohto V5 Tablets Released
Rohto V5 Tablets Released

Our ability to see is supported by five elements (retina, ciliary muscle, lens, cornea, and blood flow), but these decline with age. Therefore, we have launched a functional food (supplement) that works on the retina to support the maintenance of vision.