[HONDA around the world] Visiting places associated with Honda founder Soichiro Honda

Soichiro Honda's childhood and his father, Gihei's success story

Honda Soichiro was born in 1906 in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. His father, Gihei, was known as a skilled blacksmith, but he was quite poor. This is evident from the location and traces of his birthplace. Later, Gihei moved to the center of the village and opened a bicycle repair and sales shop in addition to his blacksmith shop, which he became successful. At the time, bicycles were just starting to become popular, and automobiles were rare. He repaired used bicycles and sold them cheaply, and became a popular shop in the area. His business was successful in capturing demand at a time when personal mobility for the masses was becoming more widespread in Japan, and this experience must have had a great impact on Honda Soichiro. Visiting a place where you can feel the spirit of the Honda family may have a special meaning in this mobility revolution. With this in mind, I visited the places associated with him.

Birthplace of Soichiro Honda

Soichiro Honda was born in 1906 in what is now Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City. His birthplace is said to be near the intersection that serves as the entrance to Mount Komyo. There used to be a monument at the intersection, but it was removed a few years ago.

The site of Soichiro Honda's birthplace

This is where Honda Gihei, Soichiro's father, a blacksmith, had his workshop. Soichiro moved away when he was young, and relatives lived there afterwards, but it was destroyed by fire and is now a cedar forest. The site is to the right just before the cedar forest, but there is no information board or anything else there.

Former Santo Elementary School Site

This is the elementary school where Honda Soichiro attended. It is now a kindergarten and the public is not allowed to enter, but the tall gatepost built in 1925 remains as it was. On the left gatepost is a wooden sign that reads "The site of the school where Honda Soichiro, the global leader, attended."

The bell associated with Soichiro Honda

There is an anecdote from his time at Futamata Elementary School that goes like this: the noon bell rang 30 minutes early so he could eat his lunch early. That bell still remains at Seiryuji Temple.

Honda Soichiro Manufacturing Heritage Museum

This small museum displays many nostalgic motorcycles, as well as a timeline and photos that reveal the life and thinking of local hero Soichiro Honda and the history of manufacturing. The vehicles on display are from the Honda Collection Hall (Honda's official museum), and are changed on an irregular basis. There are permanent exhibits and related books on the second floor, so there is a lot to see.

The drafting table that he loved to use is also placed here, and it is said that he used to draw pictures on it in his later years.

The museum shop is also well stocked, with original products, related books, and Honda goods on offer.

The building was formerly the town hall and is designated as a registered tangible cultural property.

Address: 1112 Futamata, Futamata-cho, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
☎ 053-477-4664
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:30
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays Admission: Free

Masudaya Confectionery Store

This candy store was located very close to the Honda family home, and my great-grandfather apparently attended the same elementary school as Honda. Inside the store, the Curtiss and other materials about Honda are on display.

">

There is also the "Honda Soichiro Karuta" which was produced for the Tokyo Olympics.

">

The famous sweet "Ponpon Sable" (700 yen per box) is delicious.

The exterior of the Masudaya confectionery store is also beautiful, exuding a traditional feel. Parking is available on the back street.

Address: 4295-3 San'in, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
☎ 053-925-2917
Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Closed: Tuesday