Hideo Nonaka

Hideo Nonaka was the chairman of Nonaka Boeki Company, a music instrument distributor located in Yokohama, Japan. His father began importing musical recordings in a business that was burned to the ground during World War II.  Hideo reestablished the business and in 1953 expanded the product line to include musical instruments. He pioneered American instrument imports during the 1950s and built up the Japanese market as a result. His contributions have been recognized by the Japanese government as well as the French government, which bestowed the prestigious “Chevalier de I’ordre Nationall du Merite” award to him in 1995. In recent years his son and daughter have played a vital role in the company, allowing the family tradition to continue.