For Kawai pianos that we have available for purchase, click here

 

1927: The Founding of Kawai

Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, a visionary inventor and piano craftsman. A former protégé of Torakusu Yamaha (founder of Nippon Gakki, now Yamaha Corporation), Koichi set out to create a company dedicated to the art of fine piano building in Hamamatsu, Japan, the heart of Japan’s musical instrument industry.

 Koichi Kawai (front row center with glasses) and seven kindred colleagues formed the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in Hamamatsu, Japan.

 

1930s–1940s: Precision Engineering and Growth

Kawai quickly gained a reputation for high-quality upright and grand pianos, known for their meticulous construction and rich tone. During these early decades, the company focused on building reliable instruments for schools, homes, and professional musicians across Japan.

An early look inside the Kawai piano production plant.

 

1950s: Post-War Rebuilding and Innovation

After World War II, Kawai resumed full-scale piano production, bringing in modern machinery and advanced manufacturing methods. Koichi Kawai’s vision for innovation led the company to explore new materials and techniques, setting it apart in the increasingly competitive piano market.

 

1960s–1970s: Expansion into Global Markets

Under the leadership of Koichi’s son, Shigeru Kawai, the company began expanding internationally. Kawai entered the United States and European markets, establishing itself as a serious competitor to established Western piano brands. The company also began producing grand pianos for concert performance, further elevating its reputation.

 

1970s–1980s: Technological Leadership

Kawai became a pioneer in piano innovation, being one of the first manufacturers to introduce ABS-styran plastic action parts, which were more resistant to humidity and warping than traditional wooden parts. This led to the development of their Ultra-Responsive Action system.

In 1980, Kawai released the first of its digital pianos, combining the brand’s acoustic expertise with cutting-edge electronic technology.

 

1990s–Present: The Shigeru Kawai Legacy

In honor of Shigeru Kawai’s dedication to perfection, the company launched the Shigeru Kawai line of handcrafted grand pianos, which represent the pinnacle of Japanese piano craftsmanship. These pianos are hand-built by Kawai’s Master Piano Artisans (MPAs) in Japan and are used by concert pianists worldwide.

Kawai also continues to lead in the digital piano space, with award-winning models in its CA (Concert Artist) and ES series.

 

Legacy and Innovation

Today, Kawai is recognised as one of the “Big Three” piano makers in Japan, alongside Yamaha and Roland (digital only). With over 95 years of experience, Kawai pianos are celebrated for their exceptional tone, touch sensitivity, and build quality.

Whether it’s a Shigeru Kawai grand, a K-series upright, or a Kawai digital piano, the brand continues to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation—making it a favourite among teachers, performers, and piano enthusiasts around the world.

Koichi Kawai, founder of Kawai Musical Instruments, alongside a grand piano.

 

For more information about the different types of pianos, click the links below:

Uprights	Grands

Serial Numbers

1927 - 4200	1930 - 6000	1935 - 8350
1940 - 9600	1945 - 12000
1950 - 14200	1952 - 15000	1953 - 16200
1954 - 18600	1955 - 20590	1956 - 21300
1957 - 22500	1958 - 23200	1959 - 24900
1960 - 26000	1961 - 54500	1962 - 75760
1963 - 85622	1964 - 132307	1965 - 165178
1966 - 203433	1967 - 251660	1968 - 303686
1969 - 369088
1970 - 425121	1971 - 488834	1972 - 558216
1973 - 633601	1974 - 718768	1975 - 785568
1976 - 844362	1977 - 904384	1978 - 973490
1979 - 1067130
1980 - 1126366	1981 - 1219355	1982 - 1300000
1983 - 1380000	1984 - 1475000	1985 - 1550000
1986 - 1630500	1987 - 1706250	1988 - 1781250
1989 - 1856250
1990 - 1950000	1991 - 2000000	1992 - 2050000
1993 - 2100000	1994 - 2160743	1995 - 2197503
1996 - 2244232	1997 - 2279943	1998 - 2314043
1999 - 2350000
2000 - 2380000	2001 - 2410000	2002 - 2430000
2003 - 2466000	2004 - 2495000	2005 - 2518000
2006 - 2543000	2007 - 2566000	2008 - 2584000