Ninety-five years ago, Koichi Kawai established the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in Hamamatsu, Japan, along with seven colleagues who shared his vision of building the world’s finest piano. The son of a wagon maker, Koichi had always been inventive. Even at the age of 13, he drew the attention of his next-door neighbour by riding a pedal-driven cart he’d designed himself. The neighbour turned out to be Torakusu Yamaha, who was so impressed that he offered the young Koichi an apprenticeship.

Founder Koichi Kawai with Kawai Grand Piano No. 500. Photo supplied

As Kawai’s General Manager Australia & New Zealand Warrick Baker tells Limelight, “For many years the traditional piano had remained largely unchanged since its development in Italy by Cristofori. The first real change in piano development didn’t take place until the 13-year-old Koichi invented a unique piano action – the first of its kind in Japan.”

“Many people are unaware that the action is commonly referred to as the heart of the piano, and this new type of action invented by Koichi had completely different mechanics to the existing pianos of the day. With this tradition of Koichi...