Origin of the Yamaha Logo

The Yamaha Motor logo is a symbol that has evolved over more than a century, reflecting the company’s rich history commencing with musical piano manufacturing and with its commitment to innovation and quality and reliability.

Early Beginnings
The story of the Yamaha logo begins in 1898, just a year after the establishment of Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd., the forerunner of today’s Yamaha Corporation. The company decided to use a tuning fork as its corporate mark, accompanied by a design featuring a “Chinese phoenix holding a tuning fork in its mouth” as the trademark1. This symbol was chosen to represent the company’s dedication to creating world-class musical instruments.

Evolution of the Tuning Fork Mark
The tuning fork, a tool invented by John Shore in the 18th century, became a central element of Yamaha’s identity. The three tuning forks in the logo originally symbolized the cooperative relationship between technology, production, and sales, as well as the three essential musical elements: melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Over the years, the tuning fork mark underwent several changes:
1916: A trademark application was submitted for the tuning forks alone.
1934: The design was widely used in products, advertising, and catalogs.
1956: A trademark application was submitted for use on musical instruments.
1967: The Yamaha logo was standardized, featuring a “reverse design” of the tuning forks.

The Modern Logo
In 1967, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. adopted a logo that included the Yamaha inscription over three tuning forks, enclosed in a triangular enclosure. This design emphasized the company’s roots in musical instruments while highlighting its expansion into the motor industry.
The current Yamaha Motor logo continues to embody the company’s values of innovation, quality, and a harmonious relationship between different aspects of its business. It serves as a reminder of Yamaha’s journey from a small musical instrument manufacturer to a global leader in various industries.

The Yamaha Motor logo is more than just a symbol; it is a testament to the company’s enduring legacy and its commitment to excellence. From its origins in the late 19th century to its modern incarnation, the logo reflects Yamaha’s dedication to innovation and quality across all its products and business ventures.