A Brief History of Kawai Pianos
- Tristan Pate
- Dec 28, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’ve spent any time around pianos, you’ve probably heard the name Kawai - usually spoken with a nod of respect and a “yeah… those are good.” There’s a reason for that.
From Humble Beginnings to World-Class Craftsmanship
Kawai was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, a brilliant piano engineer who previously worked for Yamaha. (Yes, this is one of those rare cases where leaving a job led to something legendary.) Koichi Kawai believed that a piano should feel just as good as it sounds, and that belief became the foundation of the entire company.
From the beginning, Kawai focused on precision engineering and long-term reliability; two things pianists care deeply about, even if they don’t always say it out loud.
Innovation Without Losing the Soul
One of the things that sets Kawai apart is their willingness to innovate without abandoning tradition. They were among the first piano makers to introduce composite action parts, which are more stable than wood alone and far less affected by humidity and temperature changes.
(Translation: your piano won’t suddenly feel different because Georgia decided to be Georgia.)
But don’t worry, Kawai didn’t turn their pianos into machines. Their grands still use high-quality spruce soundboards, carefully voiced hammers, and designs that preserve warmth, clarity, and musical character.
Why Pianists Love Kawai
Kawai pianos are known for:
A smooth, even action that feels incredibly consistent
A warm, balanced tone that works across genres
Reliability that makes them ideal for homes, studios, and performance spaces
They’re often described as “easy to play,” which is pianist-speak for “this piano isn’t fighting me.”
The Kawai Philosophy
Kawai’s philosophy has always been simple: “Build instruments that help musicians focus on music, not mechanics.”
And nearly a century later, they’re still doing exactly that.
Our Take at World Class Piano Gallery
At World Class Piano Gallery, we love Kawai because they consistently deliver pianos that feel honest, inspiring, and dependable. Whether you’re a student, teacher, composer, or lifelong player, a Kawai grand has a way of making you want to sit down… and stay awhile.
Come play one in person and see what we mean.