KAWAI
1927
Kawai Founded in Hamamatsu, Japan
After investing many years leading the Research & Development effort for another Japanese piano company, Koichi Kawai (front row center with glasses) and seven kindred colleagues formed the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in Hamamatsu, Japan.
1928
First Grand Piano Built
The first Kawai Grand Piano was produced in Hamamatsu, Japan. Koichi Kawai’s dream to build the world’s finest pianos had begun.
1929
A New Name
Company name changed to Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing CompanyCompany name changed to Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Company
1928
Piano Production Capacity Increases
Production capacity increases to 75 upright pianos and 10 grand pianos per month.
1953
Koichi Kawai Receives Blue Ribbon Medal
Koichi Kawai receives the prestigious “Blue Ribbon Medal” from the Emperor of Japan, becoming the first person in the musical instrument industry to receive such an honor.
1955
Shigeru Kawai, President of Kawais
Koichi Kawai died suddenly in October of 1955 at the age of 70. Succeeding him at the helm was 33-year-old Shigeru Kawai who would lead his family’s company into the realm of modern manufacturing.
1956
Kawai Music Education Programs
Believing that music education was the key to any instrument purchase, Shigeru Kawai built a network of Kawai Music Schools. And since these schools would require teachers, he created the Kawai Academy of Music to train qualified music teachers to staff the newly established schools.
1960
Kawai Electronic Organs
Kawai joins the electronic world by releasing its first non-acoustic musical instruments.
1956
Kawai Piano Technicians School
Kawai opens a piano factory in Maisaka as the main assembly plant.
1961
Kawai Piano Technicians School
Shigeru Kawai inaugurates the Kawai Piano Technical Center to train service technicians in the art of caring for pianos.
1963
Kawai America Launched
Kawai America Corporation is established in 1963 — followed by Kawai Europe, Kawai Canada, Kawai Australia and Kawai Asia.
1970
ABS Composite Material Used in Kawai Upright
Kawai boldly pioneers the use of ABS composite material in upright pianos.
1975
ABS Composite Material Used in Kawai Grand Pianos
ABS composite material is utilized in Kawai Grand Piano actions for the first time.
1980
Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory Established
Opening in 1980, the 300,000 square-foot Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory was built at a cost of $50 million. Ryuyo embodies the perfect “marriage” of hand-craftsmanship and advanced technology. It is equipped with the most sophisticated piano-building tools available and is staffed by the most knowledgeable and experienced piano personnel in the world.
1985
Shigeru Kawai Awarded Blue Ribbon Medal
Opening in 1980, the 300,000 square-foot Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory was built at a cost of $50 million. Ryuyo embodies the perfect “marriage” of hand-craftsmanship and advanced technology. It is equipped with the most sophisticated piano-building tools available and is staffed by the most knowledgeable and experienced piano personnel in the world.
1980
Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory Established
Opening in 1980, the 300,000 square-foot Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory was built at a cost of $50 million. Ryuyo embodies the perfect “marriage” of hand-craftsmanship and advanced technology. It is equipped with the most sophisticated piano-building tools available and is staffed by the most knowledgeable and experienced piano personnel in the world.
1989
Hirotaka Kawai, President of Kawai
In 1989, the presidency of the company was passed to Shigeru’s son, Hirotaka Kawai. Hirotaka began with a pledge to carry on the commitment to excellence established by his father and grandfather.
1995
Kawai Piano Manufacturing Begins in America
Kawai America Manufacturing is established in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
1997
Kawai Receives Highest Environmental Certification
Kawai becomes the first company in the piano industry to receive ISO 14001, the world’s most prestigious certification for environmental excellence.
2000
Shigeru Kawai Grand Pianos Introduced
Having spent nearly 50 years leading the Kawai company, chairman Shigeru Kawai unveils his personal legacy to the piano world — the Shigeru Kawai Grand Pianos.
2004
Kawai Introduces Millennium III Action
Kawai introduces the revolutionary Millennium III Action featuring components made of ABS-Carbon, a new composite material created by the infusion of carbon fiber into our existing ABS Styran.
2005
Kawai RX Series Grands Named MMR "Piano Line of the Year"
For three straight years beginning in 2005, the Kawai RX Series Grand Pianos received the prestigious “Acoustic Piano Line of the Year” award from Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) magazine.
2009
Kawai's K-3 Professional Upright Wins "Four in a Row" Action
Beginning in 2009, the K-3 Professional Upright Piano wins MMR Magazine’s Dealers’ Choice “Acoustic Piano of the Year” award in four consecutive years.
2010
Hirotaka Kawai Awarded Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
Current President of Kawai, Hirotaka Kawai, is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
2010
Hirotaka Kawai Awarded Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
Current President of Kawai, Hirotaka Kawai, is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
2014
MP Series Awarded MMR Digital Piano Line of the Year
The Kawai MP Series Digital Pianos is awarded the MMR Dealers’ Choice “Pro Digital Piano Line of the Year” award.
2014
The New Kawai "K Series" Professional Uprights introduced.
Current President of Kawai, Hirotaka Kawai, is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
2014
CN Series Digital Pianos Win Two Major Industry Awards
The Kawai CN Series digital pianos win the MMR Dealers’ Choice “Home Digital Piano Line of the Year” award and the Music Inc. “Product Excellence” award in the same year.
2014
KAWAI CS10 Hybrid Digital Wins Music Inc. "Editor's Choice" Award
At the 2014 NAMM Show (the 2nd largest music products industry trade show), the Kawai CS10 hybrid digital piano wins the coveted Music Inc. “Editor’s Choice” award.
2014
Kawai Russia Established
A new subsidiary company, Kawai Pianos Russia, is established in Moscow.
2015
Kawai GL Grand Series Pianos Introduced
Kawai introduces introduces a brand new line of professional grand pianos — the GL Series.
2015
First Overseas Showroom Opens in Houston, Texas
Kawai introduces introduces a brand new line of professional grand pianos — the GL Series.
2016
Kawai China Established
Kawai Musical Instruments (China) Co., Ltd. is established in Shanghai.
2017
Second Overseas Showroom Opens in Dallas, Texas
Kawai Piano Gallery of Dallas becomes the 2nd Kawai retail store to be opened outside of Japan.
2017
Second Overseas Showroom Opens in Dallas, Texas
Kawai Piano Gallery of Dallas becomes the 2nd Kawai retail store to be opened outside of Japan.