Japanese Music Fair

Masato Horibe is proud of the origins of his company, which date back to 1917 when Mr. Niimi opened a small store in Japan. He first began selling phonograph needles and later brought into the harmonica. After World War II, school band instruments became a major focus of the business, helping the company branch into wholesaling. Horibe-san’s strong background as a musician brought a special element to the business when he joined Niimi Gakki in 1993. Since then, he has also volunteered to serve the industry as Vice Chairman of the Japan Music Fair Association, helping to manage man

Takanori Kojima is a seasoned Japanese entrepreneur and guitarist whose profound interest in guitars and audio engineering has been a driving force throughout his career. While studying law with a focus on business management and marketing, Takanori dedicated over 40 years to Yamaha Corporation, gaining invaluable experience in retail, sales, and marketing across various store locations in Japan. His passion for empowering customers led him to establish his own wholesale company, aptly named after his favorite major seventh chord, reflecting his commitment to encouraging everyone

Yutaha Kurihara formed his own case company in Japan, which came into its own in the 1989s when he introduced a line of cases in a variety of colors.  Since that time Yutaha has been very active in the Tokyo Manufacturing Association.  He found his involvement and volunteer work with the associations within the industry were of great benefit to his business.  Wanting to give back, Yutaha helped develop programs to provide training to help grow the industry.

Yukio Sakurai studied photography and art at the university in Tokyo before his uncle asked if Yukio would come to work for him. His uncle was the founder of the Japan Music Trade Magazine and Yukio was very interested to work in the music industry, which in publishing required his training as an artist. Yukio joined the magazine in 1963 and rose to become the chief editor and a pioneer in the industry as a supporter of music education and as an advocate for music and music making.

Masaru Sawano began playing guitar as a young student when he first heard the Beatles.  He took a liking to music and the first job he took after college is the one he still has, working for Japan Music Trades.  Although today he is president of the magazine and he started out as a part time employee.  Just like the fact that Masaru-san still enjoys playing the guitar, he also still is passionate about the music products industry and being a part of it.  During his interview, Masaru reflected on the history of the 40th anniversary of the Japan Music Trades Magazine and the role it

Masamitsu Yamano’s grandfather opened up a small music stop in the heart of Ginza –the shopping area of Tokyo, Japan. The year was 1892. The retailer, which started out as a small keyboard dealer, has expanded over the years to include over 50 retail stores in Japan. Mr. Yamano’s vision for the growth and development of the music industry has played a large role in the Retailer’s division of the Japan Music Industry Association. As chairman of the Japan Music Fair Association, he promoted the music products industry as well as the theme of active music making around the country.