Tohatsu

Tohatsu

The Tohatsu Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, was founded in 1922. It manufactures and sells outboard motors, pleasure boats, portable fire pumps, small fire trucks, pumps for construction and drainage, refrigeration units for transportation and also does real estate property management in Japan.

The company was originally named Takata Motor Research Institute, and manufactured railcars. Research and development of high-speed, portable engine generators and radio-controlled generators began immediately and were brought to production in 1930. During the 1930s and 40s, Tohatsu consolidated its product line and moved its corporate office to Tokyo. In 1950, production and sales of motorcycles began. 1955 brought aggressive growth to Tohatsu. Capital increased to 150 million yen and production on a new line of engines started. Sales offices were established in Fukuoka, Nagoya, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo. Dealers were set up throughout Japan.