Aiwa

Aiwa Origins

Aiwa, a Japanese consumer electronics brand, has origins dating back to 1951 when it was founded as AIKO Denki Sangyo Co., Ltd., manufacturing microphones. The company changed its name to Aiwa Co., Ltd. in 1959. Aiwa was known for producing high-quality audio products, including phonographs and turntables. The company’s first phonograph or turntable was likely part of its early product line, given its initial specialization in microphones and audio equipment.

In 1969, Sony acquired a controlling stake in Aiwa Co., Ltd., which marked a significant shift in the company’s ownership and direction. Despite this, Aiwa continued to develop and manufacture turntables and other audio equipment under its own brand name.

In 2017, the Aiwa brand was revived by Towada Audio, a contract manufacturer of Sony radios, which acquired the Aiwa brand rights from Sony (globally, except the Americas). This revival brought Aiwa back into the market as a subsidiary called Aiwa Co., Ltd., with a focus on audio products.

T

oday, Aiwa continues to manufacture and sell turntables and other audio equipment, maintaining its legacy as a turntable manufacturer.