Yamaha America President – Takuya “Tak” Nakata

You may have heard that Yamaha Corporation celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. During the NAMM trade show, we had a chance to talk to the president of Yamaha Corporation in America, Takuya “Tak” Nakata. Surprisingly, we found out that he plays a number of instruments.

Yamaha America President Tak Nakata

Q: We know traditionally Yamaha is known for its pianos and string instruments. Now there is a big leap to incorporate silent technology and electronics in your instruments. Is there a structure and plan to continue in both areas? How do you are going to maintain Yamaha excellence with electronics?

A: Yamaha continues to develop the traditional type of instruments, but also looks at new types of instruments as technology changes. I strongly believe that Yamaha Corporation will be able to provide both traditional and new technology instruments to meet the consumers’ demands.

Q: Technology is opening many possibilities for more people to become involved with music, and changing the role of the creators and their creations. Due to respect of the technology that is opening many possibilities we strongly believe that the connection between creator and As a creator what is your passion in this field, what is your dream for music? How did you get to this industry?

A: I love musical instruments and I play piano, guitar, and few other instruments. When I was young, I liked computer technology as well as music. As a result, I am able to combine these two fields in our latest products.

Q: Have you seen any ways for Yamaha to help to keep music in the educational curricula in America? There is an ongoing battle in America over the last 30-40 years on keeping music in the schools.

A: Yamaha provides some musical education, especially in Japan and other Asian countries. In America, Yamaha sees possibilities to expand the system that we have in Japan, and we will continue to try implementing them in the US as well.

Q: Are you going to pass your passion to music to your children? Are they any instruments in your house?

A: There are many instruments in my house, mostly Yamaha but also other brands as well.

In addition to the interview I was happy to share with president Nakata that I was attending 16th Annual International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland in 2010 when the first winner, Yulianna Avdeeva, from Russia played on Yamaha piano. Yulianna’s playing was sensitive filled with depth and colours. She also was the first woman to ever win, since Martha Argerich, a juror that year, won it 45 years ago.
He was very pleased.