The Untold Story of Sound House’s Founding Episode 5: The Company that Came into Existence with the Support of Many Friends!

There are ups, downs, and a lot of winding roads in our lives, and we sometimes have to take unexpected turns. I ran my own company in the States in the 1980’s, and then in the 1990’s I ran a music venue and my own company in Tokyo, but despite all of that previous experience, I found myself jobless in Narita. Along with my lack of a job, my in-laws’ small tailor shop went bankrupt with a large amount of debt right after my sudden wedding. In addition, the weekly church concerts where I used to perform were suddenly canceled while we were away on our honeymoon.
It’s in times like these where I gain strength from the support of my many friends. I was in Narita only for a little more than half a year, but I had gained many friends through the church concerts. We soon started gathering every week to discuss our future plan and we prayed together. One night, I think there were about 10 of us. We gathered as usual and we began to have a serious heart-to-heart talk about our futures. I believe everyone understood my feeling to do something since my in-laws’ tailor shop went bankrupt and we had to pay off their debt.

Then, my good friend Mr. S suggested that we should start a music company, which was something that we had discussed previously. Funny how I was thinking exactly the same thing. The conversation went into a discussion about importing audio equipment. At the time, the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Japanese yen was I think around 120 yen. Imported goods were extremely expensive and it was normal to see these items being sold at around twice their retail value in Japan. Since I had lived in the States for many years, these prices were nothing but rip-offs to me, so I had always wanted to do something to break out of the mold. Therefore, starting an audio equipment import and sales company was the most logical strategy and this suggestion motivated me to take action.

I think that meeting with my friends lasted about three hours that day. Anyway, everyone discussed and thought about what kind of company this guy Nakajima should start. Everyone finally came to a conclusion and they agreed on one thing: “Let’s start a music company!” At that moment, Y-kun, who usually didn’t speak up much, suddenly muttered, “I think the company name should be Sound House.” Woah, well this was a surprise. We all were stunned by his short words. After a brief silence, someone said, “That’s a great idea!” and the rest also agreed, “Yes, let’s name the company Sound House!” I felt bolstered by these words to quickly name this company Sound House. This special moment is something that I will never forget. (To be continued in the Final Episode)