Kazuo Yairi

Kazuo Yairi was one of the most renowned guitar luthiers in Japan. His long career began as a child when he watched his father building unique handcrafted instruments for local students and musicians. The company expanded under Yairi-san's leadership to include several new models, but always with the tradition of his father and his own background in mind. For example, he never made any electric guitars even though he had been asked many times. He felt it was important to stay with what you know and what you enjoy, and he very much enjoyed building acoustic guitars. His shop has also developed several noted luthiers over the years, many of whom have worked for him for more than 30 years!  Yairi-san passed away in March 2014 leaving his musical legacy to all of us.