Foundation and History of Yamaha Company

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami. Genichi’s father was the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki Company. In March of 1934, Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School. He was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company in July of 1937.In 1950, Genichi was 38 years old, he quickly rose to positions of manager of the company’s Tenryu Factory Company and then Senior General Manager, before he assuming the position of fourth-generation President in Nippon Gakki.

In 1953, Genichi decided to make aircraft propellers, he look for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Besides, he also explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Their competitor and the market factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. During this period, Genichi actually visited the United States many times.In August of 1954 the first model Yamaha YA-1 was complete. The bike was completely by 2-stroke, an air-cooled, 125cc engine and single cylinder. This bike was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was first-class. The Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1 in January of 1955. On July 1, 1955 Yamaha Motor Co Ltd was founded by Genichi. His company was staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees. The new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.In the same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 1st Asama Highlands Race and the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race. Yamaha won the 125cc class in these debut races. The YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race in the following year. In 1956, a second model YC1 was ready for production. The YC1 had a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1 in 1957.

In 1958, Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. Yamaha took quick action in the USA by using momentum gained and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 which provided 50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike in 1958.

Through the dealers, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in USA in year 1960. Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry with the overseas experiences under his belt and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors in 1960. The new engines and Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic technologies was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing. The CAT-21 was the first watercraft model, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha focus on technological innovations and cutting-edge by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, remove the inconvenience of oil and pre-mixing fuel.To carried out their first project in the new Itawa. Yamaha build a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer. Japan Plant, built in 1966 and the YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.

In 1966, Yamaha continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Mexico and Thailand. In 1968, the globalization continued with Netherlands and Brazil. Distributors and R&D operations in a market with manufacturing bases. Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior innovation and performance by the late 1960s. Product diversity and distribution were on the right track. He created an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences if he forward the vision and walking hand in hand with original ideas. Actually, every situation is in flux from moment to moment and developing with a natural flow. It is impossible to start out in a new field of business unless one reads that flow.

Yamaha DT-1 is a real-world illustration of this belief. In 1968, the world's first true off-road motorcycle had been debuted to create an entirely new genre that we know today as trail bikes. In the USA, the DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced the single cylinder, 2500cc and 2-stroke. Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of forward vision, original ideas and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' appetences.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow. Diversity increased with the addition of products including race kart engines, snowmobiles, generators, ATVs, scooters, personal watercraft and more. Genichi Kawakami set the stage with his vision and philosophies for Yamaha Motor Company's success. To provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality and high performance products, Genichi Kawakami total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries.

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long. In Cypress, California he saw the new corporate headquarters. In 1980, the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha becomes a reality. On May 25, 2002, Genichi passed away yet his vision still lives on through the products and people of Yamaha, throughout the world.