The Life of Soichiro Honda

November 17, 1906

Soichiro is born to Gihei Honda, a blacksmith, and his wife Mika in Komyo Village which is now incorporated into the Tenryu Ward of Hamamatsu, Japan.

April 1922 - 1928

Joined Art Shokai at the age of fifteen as an apprentice in this Tokyo automobile repair business.  Completed his apprenticeship and opened a branch of Art Shokai in Hamamatsu, where he earned the title, “the Edison of Hamamatsu”

September 1, 1946

The Tokai Seiki company was established by Honda and an associate to manufacture piston rings in 1936. By 1939, the company employed more than 2,000 people and supplied piston rings to Toyota and other companies. After the war, Honda sold his interest in the company to Toyota.  The Honda Technical Research Institute was established at No. 30, Yamashita-cho in Hamamatsu City on September 1, 1946 and work was begun on a motorized bicycle.

September 24, 1948

Founding of the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. It was capitalized at ¥1 million. Including President Soichiro Honda, there were 34 employees.

August 5, 1991

Soichiro Honda retired as President of Honda Motor Company in 1973.  He passed away on August 5, 1991 at the age of 84.