A pianist performing on a Kawai piano in warm light

Since 1927

Crafting
Inspiration

Three generations. Nearly a century of innovation. One uncompromising standard.

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Since 1927, three generations of the Kawai family have dedicated their lives to crafting inspiration through innovative piano technology, scientific research, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Founded

0.0M+

Pianos Built

Awards

Competition Victories

Generations

A pianist at a Kawai upright in a refined sitting room

Established1927

Heritage

A Family Legacy of Craft

In 1927, Koichi Kawai — a gifted inventor and former apprentice to Torakusu Yamaha — founded Kawai with a singular belief: that exceptional pianos should be within reach of every musician. Three generations later, that founding conviction still guides every instrument we build, marrying traditional Japanese craftsmanship with relentless scientific curiosity.

Meet our founder, Koichi Kawai Our philosophy

Heritage

A Legacy of Innovation

1927
Foundation
Koichi Kawai, former apprentice to Torakusu Yamaha, establishes Kawai Musical Instruments with a vision to democratize access to quality pianos.
1955
Second Generation Leadership
Shigeru Kawai becomes president, introducing a scientific approach to piano innovation and establishing the foundation for modern Kawai technology.
1971
ABS Technology Revolution
Kawai introduces revolutionary ABS composite materials for piano actions, later proven at Cal Poly to be superior to traditional wood in durability and consistency.
1989
Third Generation & Global Expansion
Hirotaka Kawai takes leadership, introducing robotics in manufacturing and expanding Kawai's global presence while maintaining traditional craftsmanship values.
2002
Millennium III Action
Launch of the revolutionary Millennium III Action, representing the pinnacle of composite action technology and setting new standards for touch and response.
2024
Continued Excellence
97 years later, Kawai continues to lead with 61+ international competition victories and instruments trusted by artists and institutions worldwide.

Overhead view of a Kawai grand piano's gold soundboard and strings

Innovation

Engineered by Science

Kawai has never treated piano-making as tradition alone. From the introduction of ABS composite actions in 1971 to today's ABS-Carbon and Millennium III mechanisms, our advances are proven in the laboratory and felt under the fingers. The same research drives Progressive Harmonic Imaging, bringing the voice of our concert grands into every digital instrument we make.

Explore our technology

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Go Deeper

Awards & Recognition

More than 50 international awards for product design and service excellence.

View our awards The Winner's Choice

Institutions & Owners

Universities, conservatories, and concert halls worldwide perform on Kawai.

Distinguished owners The EPIC program

A Kawai upright piano in an elegant interior

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Experience 97 Years of Innovation

Discover how Kawai's legacy of craftsmanship and innovation can shape your musical journey.

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KAWAI

CraftingInspiration

A Family Legacy of Craft

A Legacy of Innovation

Foundation

Second Generation Leadership

ABS Technology Revolution

Third Generation & Global Expansion

Millennium III Action

Continued Excellence

Engineered by Science

Go Deeper

Awards & Recognition

Institutions & Owners

Experience 97 Years of Innovation

CraftingInspiration

A Family Legacy of Craft

A Legacy of Innovation

Foundation

Second Generation Leadership

ABS Technology Revolution

Third Generation & Global Expansion

Millennium III Action

Continued Excellence

Engineered by Science

Go Deeper

Awards & Recognition

Institutions & Owners

Experience 97 Years of Innovation

Crafting
Inspiration

Crafting
Inspiration