About Pearl

 
About Pearl

About pearl

A Message From the President.

Max Iishi
Max Iishi

Pearl specializes in the manufacture and sale of musical instruments, specifically drums, percussion instruments, and flutes.

I wish to thank all of our business partners, associates, musicians, and friends for their support for our brand, products, and company.

Pearl began in 1946 in a small backyard workshop in Tokyo, Japan. From these humble beginnings, Pearl has now grown to become the iconic brand and global leader it is today. We have continuously strived for perfection for over seven decades, and today we stand ever more committed to making superior musical instruments designed to inspire musicians at all levels.

Pearl’s mission is to contribute to the creation of an enriched and vibrant society through the manufacture of superior musical instruments. To fulfill this mission, Pearl has established a vast network of manufacturing, engineering, sales, marketing, and distribution footprints worldwide.

Our instruments are crafted with individual players in mind, enabling them to bring their ambition, passion, and creativity to life. This legacy and our core beliefs are a commitment to musicians, partners, and society that will continue to grow and prosper as we work together now and far into the future.

Thank you for the trust you place in us.

Max Iishi
President and CEO

About Pearl

Katsumi Yanagisawa & Mitsuo Yanagisawa
Katsumi Yanagisawa & Mitsuo Yanagisawa

Pearl started in 1946, founded by Katsumi Yanagisawa in Sumida-ku Tokyo. Katsumi produced music stands for the local Japanese market, and as his reputation for quality and craftsmanship grew, he was soon urged to supply drums. Searching for a name synonymous with lasting value and prestige, Katsumi chose to name his company Pearl. From these humble beginnings, Pearl has grown to become the iconic global leader it is today. Pearl products have been loved and played by millions of musicians in every genre of music imaginable. From beginner to working professional to some of the most recognizable recording artists and live performers the world over, now seven decades later, Pearl instruments continue to remain faithful to Katsumi's original vision of value and prestige.

In 1968, Pearl expanded production beyond percussion instruments and opened a handcrafted flute manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Chiba, Japan. Pearl now has two locations for flute manufacturing, and Pearl Flutes has grown worldwide to become highly praised by beginners, educators, and professional players for their beautiful tone and exacting craftsmanship.

Pearl employs over 650 globally, including employees in Japan, the United States, Europe, Taiwan, and China. Pearl listens, and as a "Total Percussion" brand, we create instruments to meet many musical needs, including drum sets, marching and concert percussion, Latin and World percussion, electronic percussion, and many others.

We care for every musician's needs and deliver unrivaled instruments developed from innovative research and development combined with world-class craftsmanship to meet those needs.

Company Profile (Last Update: Aug. 2024)

Trade Name

Pearl Musical Instrument Co.

Representative

President & CEO
Max Iishi

Established in

1946/4/2

Board of management

President & CEOMax Iishi
Vice PresidentSeiji Suzuki
Vice PresidentAtsuo Takeuchi
Vice PresidentYasuyuki Otsuka
Vice PresidentReiko Yanagisawa
AuditorMasaru Ebisu

Employees

134

Fiscal Period

Once a year on Dec.

Business

Percussion and Flute's manufacture and marketing

Office Location

10-2-1 Yachiyodai-Nishi,
Yachiyo, Chiba, Japan

Bank Account

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank (Oshiage/Yachiyo-branch)
Chiba Bank (Yachiyo-branch)
Mizuho Bank (Funabashi-branch)

Head Office

Pearl Musical Instrument Co. 10-2-1 Yachiyodai-Nishi, Yachiyo, Chiba, JAPAN
Founded in 1952
President: Max Iishi
Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
Pearl Musical Instrument Co.

The group companies

North America

Pearl Corporation 549 Metroplex Drive
Nashville TN. 37211-3140, U.S.A.
Founded in 1979
North America

Europe

Pearl Music Europe B.V.Craenakker 28
5951 CC Belfeld, Netherlands
Founded in 2002
Pearl Music Europe B.V

Taiwan

Pearl Musical Instrument Co, of Taiwan NO.15, Rd. South Round,
Taichung Export Processing Zone,
Tantzu, Taichung, Taiwan
Founded in 1973
Pearl Musical Instrument Co, of Taiwan

China

Pearl Musical Instrument (Hangzhou) Co.,Ltd. Hangzhou Export Processing Zone,
Road 12, HETZ, Zhejiang, China
Founded in 2005
Pearl Musical Instrument (Hangzhou) Co.,Ltd.

History

1946

Began the production of percussion instruments in Sumida, Tokyo.

1952

Reorganized to a Corporation. The inauguration of Pearl Musical Instrument Co.

1956

Began exporting products from Japan.

1961

World headquarters and original factory built in Yachiyo, Chiba, Japan.

1962

Katsumi Yanagisawa becomes Chairman. Mitsuo Yanagisawa promoted to President.

1968

Chiba factory expanded. Pearl Flute Department established.

1972

Trade Department established. Pearl business expanded into the electronic instrument market.

1973

Established Pearl Musical Instrument Co, of Taiwan.

1975

Established the sales company, United Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.

1976

United Musical Instrument Co., Ltd. changed its name to Pearl Musical Instrument Sales Co.

1979

Established Pearl International Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Established Pearl Music Ltd. In the United Kingdom.

1984

Opened Sales Department Distribution Center, Chiba, Japan.

1987

Absorbed and merged Pearl Musical Instrument Sales Co.

1989

Pearl introduces the tag line “The Best Reason To Play Drums”.

1990

Pearl International Inc. was changed to Pearl Corporation.

1993

Pearl Music Ltd. was changed to Pearl UK LTD.

1994

Opened the Pearl Flute Gallery in Tokyo.

2002

Established Pearl Music Europe B.V. in the Netherlands.

2004

Masakatsu Yanagisawa becomes President.
Established Pearl Co. a new division of the company.

2005

Established Pearl Musical Instrument (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. in China.

2008

Opened the East Coast Distribution Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA.
Absorbed and merged Pearl Co.

2021

Masakatsu Yanagisawa becomes Chairman.
Max Iishi Promoted to President & CEO.

Celebrating 75 Years of Innovation

75th Anniversary Movie

Take a trip down Pearl's Memory Lane and witness some of the milestones from our 75-year history.

Pearl Timelines

Follow the year-by-year progression of Pearl history including staff and facility announcements, product development, and artist signings.

75th Anniversary page