Yuichiro Yokouchi, Founder of FujiGen, Passes Away at 98
Yuichiro Yokouchi, the founder of FujiGen, a prominent Japanese guitar manufacturing company, has died at the age of 98. Yokouchi established FujiGen in 1960, initially named Fujigen Gakki Seizo, and later rebranded in 1989. Under his leadership, FujiGen became a leading OEM for major guitar brands such as Fender Japan, Ibanez, and Greco. Yokouchi's journey into the music industry began with an invitation to manage a struggling violin company, which sparked his interest in instrument manufacturing. Despite challenges, including repurposing a cow shed from his family's farm into a factory, Yokouchi's vision and dedication led FujiGen to become a world-class guitar manufacturer. His legacy is celebrated by musicians and industry professionals worldwide, who recognize his contributions to the global music scene. 
