SH
Hamamatsu, Japan
Honda Motor
Soichiro Honda
Self-taught mechanic with no formal engineering degree. Built post-war Japan's most enduring industrial brand by racing — and losing — until he won.
Self-taughtRacing as R&DHands-on engineering
Struggles
Wartime bombings destroyed his factory twice. Mocked by Toyota and Japanese banks for 'lacking discipline'.
Family
Married to Sachi. Two sons. Refused to let his children inherit the company — meritocracy.
The full story
From day one to today.
The journey
Milestones, not magic.
1946
Founded Honda Technical Research Institute post-war.
1949
Built first complete motorcycle — the Dream D.
1959
Entered US market. Beat Harley at its own game.
1972
Civic launched. Honda became a global car brand.
Wins
- Built Honda Motor into a defining brand from Hamamatsu, Japan.
Setbacks
- Wartime bombings destroyed his factory twice. Mocked by Toyota and Japanese banks for 'lacking discipline'.
News, interviews & references
Read, watch, dig deeper.
Live links — open the latest articles, interviews and profiles about Soichiro Honda across the web.
Next journey
Akio Morita — Sony