Obituary Ryoji Okamoto (1931 - 2021)

JMT Web NewsINDUSTRY TOPICS

February 16, 2022 11:30 AM

Ryoji Okamoto, ex-chairman of Kiwaya Co., Ltd. passed away on December 30, 2021. He was 90 years old. Funeral service was taken on Jan. 6 by family members.

Got started music products distribution business at Ide Gakki in 1946, Okamoto joined Kiwaya Co., Ltd. in 1957. After a while, He launched “Famous” brand ukulele line, known today as a leading brand made in Japan in collaboration with a manufacturer.

Even after Hawaiian music lost popularity, he continued providing ukulele players with Famous instruments. While keeping communication and help with ukulele musicians including Herb Ohta, Okamoto successfully established the brand, and took leadership in promotion of ukulele launching teaching studios himself. His passion for the instrument lasted through lifetime.

<　list page

JMT Subscription/AD Rates

JAPAN MUSIC TRADES [Printed Edition]

* Sales, production statistics of music products in Japan appear in September issue of JMT every year (import/export statistics is in April issue).

* Aside from annual subscription, we offer one single copy at ￥1,500 plus handling charges and postages upon request.

Purchase

JMT Digital Edition

*You can view every content of the printed edition online when you are out of office or at home.
*The digital edition has helpful functions for the viewers including customization of the size of view, search, and bookmark.

Purchase

JAPAN PIANO ATLAS 2017

List of Japanese & imported pianos manufactured from 1946 to 2017.
A full list of Japanese pianos with serial numbers, specifications, finishes, photos. A list of imported pianos with brand names, model numbers, finishes, and retail prices. A must for used piano dealers.

* 63 brand names, 1,600 models, serial numbers.
* 630 pages, 210mm x 148mm size.
* ¥4,500
(not including postages and handling charges.)

* Japan Piano Atlas 2008 and 2013 editions now come in one single publication and updated. The 2008 and 2013 editions are out of print.

Purchase

Piano Nomenclatur (Far East version)

Piano vocabulary listing the parts of the piano, the name of the part, the adjustment criteria of the action etc. in four languages.
* Far East version of Piano Nomenclature originally written by Nikolaus Schimmel /H. K. Herzog
* English GB/USA, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Taipei
* 64 pages, 208mm x 220mm size.
* ￥3,000
(not including postages and handling charges.)

Purchase