In 1885 Suzuki Masakichi began mass production of violins. After major successes in the world market, the company expanded its production on guitars, mandolins, shamisen and finally from 1928 the ukulele. After the war, the company was split at the instigation of the US occupying power. At the Nagoya headquarters Suzuki Violin (often referred to as Nagoya Suzuki Violin) remained, in Nagano Prefecture Kiso Suzuki violin settled. The ukulele production at the headquarters was discontinued in 1971. What is sold today under the name „Suzuki Ukuleles“, are products of the company Suzuki Music founded in 1953 in Hamamatsu.