Founders of Japanese Guitar Manufacturers!

When it comes to acoustic and electric guitars, names like Fender, Gibson, and Martin often come to mind. However, Japan also has many manufacturers producing high-quality guitars. Here’s a look at some notable Japanese guitar makers and their founders, along with their unique features.

■ Ibanez

The founders of Ibanez are Yoshitaro Hoshino and his wife Tama. It began as the musical instrument division of Hoshino Shoten bookstore in 1908 and officially established Hoshino Gakki in 1929. The guitars and basses produced by Hoshino Gakki are branded as Ibanez. They also manufacture drums under the Tama brand, named after Tama, Hoshino’s wife.

Ibanez gained worldwide recognition with the signature model PS10 of KISS’s Paul Stanley. The PS10 was based on the Iceman, a shaped guitar. Because of KISS’s use of it, Ibanez became a global brand.

Ibanez / PS10-BK Paul Stanley Model

■ Tokai

The founder of Tokai is grandfather of Shohei Adachi, who served as the representative director until 2021. Tokai is the brand name for guitars produced by Tokai Gakki Co., Ltd., which was established in 1947 for the research and development of pianos and harmonicas. They started selling classical guitars in 1965 and electric guitars under the Tokai brand in 1977. Tokai Gakki Co., Ltd. became a subsidiary of Grace Co., Ltd. in November 2021.

Tokai is known for its Talbo Series of electric guitars. The use of aluminum alloy in the body results in quick sound response and long sustain.

Tokai / A-168SH MBL

■ Fujigen

The founders of Fujigen are Yutaka Mimura and Yuichiro Yokouchi. In 1960, they established Fuji Gen-Gakki Seizo with joint investment. The company name is derived from Japan’s tallest mountain, Mount Fuji. Initially, they manufactured violins but gradually shifted their main products to classical and electric guitars. In 1989, the company name was changed to Fujigen Inc.

Fujigen manufactures a variety of guitars through OEM, but their original brand guitars are also quite popular.

Fujigen / ERS-FM-R/BBTQ

■ Yamaha

Yamaha was founded by Torakusu Yamaba. The company name is derived from the founder’s surname. In 1889, Yamaha Fukin Seizoujo was established but was dissolved shortly after. Later, in 1897, Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. was founded, focusing on piano production. In 1987, to mark its 100th anniversary, the company changed its name to Yamaha Corporation.

Yamaha produces a wide range of high-quality products, including pianos, electric pianos like Clavinova, Electones, acoustic and electric guitars, amplifiers, speakers, and drums. They have also introduced attention-grabbing products like the Revstar, inspired by café racer motorcycles, which debuted in 2015 and recently underwent a model change.

Yamaha / RSP20 MLB

■ Aria

Aria was founded by Shiro Arai in 1956 as Arai ＆Co., Inc., in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. They introduced the Aria brand in 1960. They mainly offer acoustic guitars under the Aria brand and electric guitars under the AriaProII brand. Their affordable Legend Series is well-known for being beginner-friendly.

Legend / LST-Z White

AriaProII / PE-480 See-through Black Burst

■ Greco

Greco was founded by Ichiro Kondo in 1948 when he established Kanda Shokai Corp. in Kanda, Tokyo. Greco is the guitar and bass brand of Kanda Shokai. As a comprehensive musical instrument wholesale dealer, they also sell ukuleles, drums, percussion instruments, and effects.

Greco is famous for its LP-type EG Series, which rivals Gibson’s Les Paul in quality, but they also offer ST-type and TL-type electric guitars.

Greco / WST-STD GR R

■ Try Using Japanese-Made Guitars

Many Japanese guitar manufacturers are highly regarded worldwide. Besides the long-established Japanese guitar makers introduced here, there are many more. How about adding Japanese guitar manufacturers to your list of options along with international brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin?

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