For audio maniacs in the U.S. who think they’ve heard it all—Taguchi Acoustic Lab is a name worth knowing. Founded in Japan by the late craftsman Kazunori Taguchi (1947–2021), the company created flat-diaphragm loudspeakers that became a gold standard in pro audio. These speakers power some of Japan’s most iconic venues—like the Octagon floor at ageHa in Tokyo, TRUNK(HOTEL), and Blue Note cafés—yet they are not sold on Amazon, not available through mass online retailers. Every unit is hand-built by skilled artisans in Taguchi’s Tokyo workshop. And as ERIC, who now carries the founder’s legacy, explains: “We want these speakers to be bought only by people who really understand and appreciate them.”
Inside the interview with ERIC
In Episode 2 of Legend Channel, PHONON CEO Isao Kumano and Nice Company CEO Motoaki Sayama sat down with ERIC at the Taguchi workshop.
Key moments from the conversation:
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The philosophy of flat diaphragms
Unlike conventional cones, Taguchi’s flat honeycomb drivers minimize phase distortion and keep sound even across distance. That’s why DJs love them in clubs, and café owners rely on them for clarity without harshness. -
Where Taguchi is heard
From massive venues like ageHa’s Octagon to intimate spaces like Blue Note Okinawa and boutique hotels, the brand continues to define rooms where sound must be immersive yet natural. -
The inventor spirit of Kazunori Taguchi
Known as a fearless tinkerer, Kazunori experimented with solar-powered PA systems, analog geometry for speaker alignment long before DSP tools, and countless one-off prototypes. His drive was always about better sound for real people in real spaces.
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Handcrafted, not mass-produced
Every Taguchi speaker is still built by hand in their Tokyo factory—woodworking, painting, assembly, tuning—done by seasoned craftspeople. ERIC stresses that this human touch is inseparable from the brand’s sound. -
Exclusivity as a value
Taguchi speakers aren’t meant for the masses. They aren’t listed on e-commerce platforms or sold through online distributors. As ERIC puts it: “If someone truly values what we make, they’ll come to us. We don’t want to sell just for the sake of selling.”
Taguchi is not just another speaker manufacturer—it’s a philosophy: build by hand, sell only to those who understand, and let the sound speak for itself.
👉 Watch the full interview on YouTube to hear all the stories from ERIC, including never-before-told anecdotes from inside the workshop.
Thank you so much, Eric!
🎙 What Is "Legend Channel"?
Legend Channel (a.k.a. Lege-chan) is a podcast series that interviews legends from the world of sound—music, acoustics, instruments, and more.
From fascinating behind-the-scenes stories to deep production secrets known only to true audio maniacs, you’ll hear insights that can only be shared now, after years of experience.
Interviewers:
Isao Kumano, CEO of PHONON Inc. and Motoaki Sayama, CEO of Nice Company Inc.