Yamaha Chairman Takuya Nakata appointed from global company as new president of Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On the 12th, the Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry officially elected Yamaha Chairman Takuya Nakata to succeed Chairman Kaoru Saito (Enshu Railway Advisor). Mr. Nakata, who previously served as the head of a global company, supports the growth of local companies and also works to create a city where young people who have moved to the metropolitan area will return.

Mr. Nakata is from Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture. Became president of Yamaha in 2013, and chairman since 2024. Mr. Saito said, ``I want him to make use of his broad perspective, which he has gained through managing businesses in a world where people and languages ​​are different.''

They were elected through the regular assembly and extraordinary general assembly. He will assume the position on the 13th, and for the time being will take over the term of office until the end of October 2028 from Mr. Saito, who is retiring mid-way.

Local businesses managed by chambers of commerce are facing soaring raw material and energy prices and labor shortages. There are also many challenges such as the rapid advancement of AI and ensuring security.

Mr. Nakata said, ``If we demonstrate the power of Hamamatsu, which has developed in a culture that values ​​challenge, we will be able to successfully ride the waves and lead to growth, rather than being overwhelmed by the waves.'' The city will also work more closely with the government and universities to create an attractive town.

The company has been chairman since 1950, when Mr. Yoshiichi Kawakami, from the ``Nippon Gakki Seizo'' era, retired from Yamaha. Automobile giant Suzuki has also not had a chairman for more than half a century. However, it is not easy to find the next candidate, and the company decided to hire someone from a "global company" after considering their deep relationships with local parts manufacturers and their contributions to the region.