Shimamura Music

Toshiaki Hirose, President of Shimamura Music in Japan, played a pivotal role in securing NAMM’s Oral History interview with the company’s founder, Mr. Mototsugu Shimamura, in 2007. His leadership journey began when the founder transitioned to chairman, a critical period that allowed Toshiaki to immerse himself in the company’s rich history, mission, and core values. With this deep understanding, he implemented a company-wide training program designed to empower new hires and foster meaningful career growth.

Mototsugu Shimamura grew a small Japanese music retail store into the country’s largest music retail chain. Shimamura Music has played a vital role in music education and the expansion of the music market in Japan since 1962. As both president of Shimamura Music and an active member of several industry associations, Mr. Shimamura worked to build global growth within the music products industry. His mission for his very first store is still the mission for his entire retail chain today: “Deliver our customers the joy of music to their everyday life.”