Did Miki Gakki always sell musical instruments? No. Miki Gakki, a landmark in Osaka, began as a humble book rental business in 1825. Imagine Osaka in the Edo period, a city brimming with local culture. Sasuke Kawachiya saw an opportunity and founded what would eventually become Miki Gakki. Initially, it wasn’t about melodies but stories. The shop nestled among the traditional wooden houses of Shinsaibashi Street.
Miki Gakki’s building, as we see it today, dates back to 1924. Its four-story structure, with one basement level, stands as a testament to a blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles. After the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the builders took extra precautions. They reinforced the foundation, columns, and walls to make Miki Gakki a safe haven. The tiled facade is a distinctive feature from that era. Kiyoshi Masuda designed the building and Konoike Construction Co., Ltd. built it. During the Osaka Air Raids, Miki Gakki sheltered numerous lives. This historical building was even registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1997.
Miki Gakki wasn’t always about guitars and pianos. In 1888, a partnership with Yamahaya Shokichi (later known as the founder of Nippon Gakki Seizo, now Yamaha) introduced musical instruments to their offerings. They started selling organs. Soon after, in 1889, violins followed, thanks to a collaboration with Suzuki Masakichi (founder of Suzuki Violin Manufacturing). Miki Gakki continued to grow, becoming the sole distributor for Steinway & Sons in Japan in 1921. Though they stopped selling Nippon Gakki products in 1922, Miki Gakki continued its journey as a musical institution. It officially became Miki Gakki Co., Ltd. in 1956.
The heart of Miki Gakki, the Shinsaibashi store, opened in 1969. This impressive six-floor structure, a musical emporium, remains a vital part of Osaka’s musical landscape. Miki Gakki isn’t just a store; it’s a cultural hub. It hosts the Sneaker Ages, a high school and junior high school light music club contest co-sponsored by the Sankei Shimbun. It’s a launchpad for young musicians. Miki Gakki has expanded its reach with specialized stores for guitars, drums, pianos, DJ equipment, and wind instruments, catering to every musical passion. It has come a long way from its book rental beginnings, its legacy echoing through the streets of Osaka.