Ikutaro Kakehashi

Ikutaro Kakehashi (梯 郁太郎, Kakehashi Ikutarō, born in Osaka on February 7, 1930) is an engineer, an entrepreneur, the founder of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments.

Biography

During the 1950s, Ikutaro Kakehashi, repaired electronic organs and created new prototype organs, all the while running an electrical appliance shop. At 28, he decided to devote himself to music, the first step of a continuing search for the ideal electronic musical instrument. Bkutaro Kakehashi is best known for founding Roland Corporation. Prior to Roland he started Acetone, an organ company that evolved into Hammond Organ Japan. He left Hammond to start Roland in the early 70s. Ikutaro Kakehashi now assumes the role of Special Consultant, supporting Roland management with his extensive experience and connections. And as chairman of the Roland Foundation, he continues his efforts to contribute to society. In 1991, based upon his great contribution to the development and popularization of electronic instruments, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Berklee College of Music, U.S.A. In 2000, he left his handprints on the Rock Walk Hall of Fame in Hollywood.

In 2002 Kakehashi published his biography in a book called "I Believe In Music" (ISBN 0634037838), and was also featured as a biography in the book The Art of Digital Music.

Highlights

• 1930 - Born in Osaka, Japan.
• 1954 - Started Kakehashi Radio electrical appliance store.
• 1960 - Founded Ace Electronic Industries Inc.
• 1972 - Founded Roland Corporation and became president.
• 1988 - Roland purchased Rodgers Organ Company renamed Rodgers Instruments fulfilling Kakehashi's lifelong dream to build large classical organs.
• 1994 - Founded Roland Foundation and became chairman.
• 1995 - Appointed chairman of Roland Corporation.
• 2001 - Resigned chairman's position and appointed Special Executive Adviser of Roland Corporation.

External links

• Ikutaro Kakehashi's Picture
• "Berklee College of Music, Honorary Degree Recipients" http://www.berklee.edu/about/honorary.html
• "Guitar Center's Hollywood Rockwalk" http://www.rockwalk.com/inductees/handPrint.cfm?id=60&disp=2