The land, climate and nature of the regionLocated almost in the middle of Tokyo and Osaka, the Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area (hereinafter referred to as the "Area") is an area rich in natural tourism resources, including the brackish lake "Lake Hamana," which is said to nurture 600 species of life, the forests of the Enshu Nada Sea and Tenryu region, and the Tenryu River, a first-class river. Blessed with its geographical location, warm climate, and abundant water resources such as the Tenryu River, the area has long grown as a town thriving in "manufacturing."

Local manufacturingManufacturing in this region began with cotton weaving in the Edo period. Cotton cultivation flourished due to the long hours of sunlight, warm climate, and abundant water resources such as the Tenryu River, and techniques were developed to add innovations and improvements to the cotton weaving process. In addition, being located in the middle of Tokyo and Osaka, there was a lot of human interaction, and craftsmen gathered in an environment suitable for manufacturing, which fostered the temperament and soil for manufacturing.

I'll try it first
Where it all beginsWorld-renowned companies Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawai were all founded here in Hamamatsu. Starting with power looms, they developed and manufactured motorized bicycles, motorcycles, and pianos. They took on the challenge of trying things out when others around them said they couldn't do it, and they made it happen after failing many times. This "Yaramaika spirit," a temperament unique to Enshu, is the root of Hamamatsu's manufacturing industry, and teaches us that it all begins there.

Towards manufacturing
Curiosity and explorationMachines and products developed from the Meiji period through to the early Showa period continued to evolve and develop into an industry that is recognized worldwide. This was due to the tireless challenges of engineers and craftsmen to create higher quality fabrics, faster bikes, and instruments that produce more beautiful sounds. The curiosity and spirit of inquiry in manufacturing continues to this day, supporting Hamamatsu's manufacturing industry.

The ability to continue despite difficultiesFrom the latter half of the Showa era through to the Heisei era, due to the economic downturn and changing needs, each industry faced a difficult time, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Some companies were forced to go out of business, but even in these difficult times, there are companies and people who continue to make products by protecting and further evolving their techniques. These have become techniques that cannot be imitated anywhere else, and they are now attracting attention and becoming indispensable around the world.