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In 1953, Yamaha Motor founder Genichi Kawakami, inspired by his observations of marine recreation in the U.S. and Europe, envisioned a future for boating in Japan. After encountering performance issues with existing outboard motors, Kawakami decided Yamaha should develop its own. Initially targeting commercial users like fishermen, Yamaha’s first outboard motor, the P-7, launched in 1960 after years of trial-and-error development. Despite its shortcomings, including noise and vibration, it marked Yamaha’s entry into the market.

The turning point came with the release of the P-3 in 1961. Designed for durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of use, it was informed by user feedback and featured innovative materials like silicon-infused aluminum alloy and die-cast parts for a lighter, more compact design. Its performance and reliability quickly gained popularity among fishermen, with its distinctive yellow powerhead earning it the nickname “Yamaha’s yellow hats.” The P-3 solidified Yamaha’s reputation in the outboard motor market.

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POWER AND SOUL

Revolutionizing fun on the water. Empowered by a passion for innovation, we create exceptional value and experiences that enrich the lives of our customers.

ORIGINALITY IN INNOVATION

Our principles are founded on a continuing desire to produce value that moves people, and are based on the evolving wants and needs of our customers. We strive to build a corporate culture that encourages enterprise, innovation and creativity. Our corporate mission of being a “Kando Creating Company” is an expression of our desire to offer our customers around the world products and services that bring joy and unexpected exhilaration that enriches their lives with new fulfillment.

Bringing Joy to Your Life

Creating Kando:

Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that people experience when they encounter something of exceptional value.

For over 50 years, Yamaha has endeavored to create diverse value through products and services, and we promise to continue delivering excellence in order to create a more fulfilling life for people all over the world.

We strive to use our ingenuity and passion to realize peoples' dreams and always be the ones they look to for “the next Kando.”

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