Kyoko Hara

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Job Title
President
Company Name
Kiwaya Musical Instrument

Kyoko Hara is proud to continue her family tradition of being involved in the music products industry. It all began in 1919 when her grandfather opened a small store. Her father, Ryoji Okamoto, expanded the company and began providing ukuleles for their customers. The ukulele was a key instrument for the company and provided deep pride within the family to provide instruments to their customers, especially students.  In 1998, Hara-San began teaching the ukulele in the store and witnessed first hand the power music making can have in a person’s life. She created a special free rental program for prospective customers as well as community lessons that has resulted in hundreds of people of all ages being able to enjoy the benefits of playing a musical instrument.