Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was founded in August 1927 by Koichi Kawai in Hamamatsu, Japan. Koichi Kawai, born in 1886, had been an apprentice to Torakusu Yamaha, a watchmaker and reed organ builder. Together, they played a pivotal role in introducing pianos to Japan.
Here are some key milestones in Kawai’s history:
Today, Kawai continues to create exceptional grand pianos, upright pianos, digital pianos, electronic keyboards, and synthesizers, distributing them to over 80 countries worldwide. Their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation remains unwavering.
Whether you’re a pianist, music enthusiast, or simply appreciate fine instruments, Kawai’s legacy is one of passion, precision, and musical excellence.
This is the question we get more than almost any other at The Piano Place: "Should I buy an acoustic or a digital piano?" And our honest answer is always the same — it depends. There's no universally right answer, but there are definitely right answers for different people. Let me break it down for you the way I would if you walked into our showroom today.
Something remarkable is happening in classical music right now, and honestly, I don't think it's getting nearly enough attention. A new generation of young pianists — most of them under 30 — are turning Bach and Chopin into social media sensations. And the audiences showing up to listen? Millions of them. Many of them Gen Z.
If you've spent any time on TikTok or YouTube Shorts this year, you've probably come across it: someone sitting at a piano, playing a slowed-down, stripped-back version of a pop song you know by heart — and it somehow sounds more beautiful than the original. Welcome to one of the biggest music trends of 2026.