KAWAI
Founder of Kawai · 1886–1955
The Animated Origins of a Legacy in Piano Craftsmanship
For nearly a century, Kawai has stood at the forefront of piano craftsmanship — blending traditional artisan skill with pioneering innovation. But every great enterprise begins with a single spark of inspiration.
Discovering the Art of Instrument Making
The story begins in Hamamatsu, Japan, just before the turn of the 20th century. Hamamatsu is now globally recognised as the “City of Music,” but in 1897 that legacy was only just beginning to take root.
Here we meet a young Koichi Kawai — a boy with an extraordinary innate talent for mechanics and invention. The pivotal moment comes when he is introduced to an early keyboard instrument, likely a reed organ. The look of sheer amazement on his face captures the exact instant a lifelong passion was ignited. It was here that Koichi realised his calling: not just to build machines, but to craft instruments that could sing.
Hamamatsu, Japan
The First Japanese-Made Piano Action
As Koichi grew, so too did his unparalleled skill. Having apprenticed under Torakusu Yamaha, he became a central figure in the research and development of early Japanese pianos — at a time when Japan was heavily reliant on imported parts to construct Western musical instruments.
In 1907 came a monumental milestone: Koichi’s successful completion of the first entirely Japanese-made piano action. Meticulously sanding wood, drafting blueprints, collaborating with his peers — his tireless dedication and collaborative spirit overcame immense technical hurdles. He was not just an inventor; he was a pioneer pushing the boundaries of what domestic craftsmanship could achieve.
The Birth of Kawai
The film takes a solemn turn as an older Koichi stands silently before a grave — the passing of his employer and mentor, a great loss that would become a major turning point in his life.
Driven by an unwavering desire to build the world’s finest pianos, Koichi struck out on his own. In 1927, alongside seven like-minded craftsmen, he founded the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory. He stepped into his own as a leader, yet remained intimately connected to the tactile, hands-on crafting of the instruments he so deeply loved.
The Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory
Passing the Spirit to the Next Generation
Koichi’s relentless pursuit of excellence did not go unnoticed. In 1953, the Japanese government awarded him the prestigious Medal with Blue Ribbon — making him the very first person in the musical instrument industry to receive such an honour.
As the film draws to a close, we see Koichi at the piano before the image transitions to a younger man: Shigeru Kawai, the second president. Taking the reins in 1955, Shigeru would modernise Kawai’s manufacturing and introduce the brand to the world. A clenched fist and a confident smile symbolise the passing of the torch — ensuring that Koichi’s spirit of innovation would echo through generations to come.
An Original Score Inspired by Koichi Kawai’s Legacy
When he was fully satisfied, Koichi would sit at the instrument and play a phrase from “Echigo Jishi.” The moment that familiar phrase echoed through the factory, the technicians could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
At the heart of the composition lies a cherished story passed down through generations. It is said that Koichi personally carried out the final inspection of every completed piano. His standards were exacting, and the technicians would wait in silence, holding their breath as he made his judgment.
This image — of a single melody signalling that a piano had met Koichi’s uncompromising standards — remains a powerful symbol of Kawai’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship. The score is built as an homage to Echigo Jishi, the motif serving as the unifying theme throughout, returning in increasingly expressive variations as the story unfolds.
The quoted musical idea is inspired by the Echigo Jishi passage in Act I of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly — the moment Cio-Cio-San recounts how she became a geisha. Because that passage stands musically on its own, it offered a compelling way to imagine what Koichi himself may once have played.
For the piano sound itself, the production uses “Piano Premier ‘Kawai Legend,’” a software instrument sampled from the SK-EX concert grand. Through the voice of Kawai’s finest piano, the score reimagines the very note to which our founder once listened so intently.
Experience the complete animated journey of Koichi Kawai and discover the origins of a legacy that continues to inspire pianists around the world.
His son Shigeru, grandson Hirotaka, and great-grandson Kentaro have each carried the founding vision forward — and today Kawai is one of the most celebrated piano makers in the world.
