Honda's Kumamoto Plant Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Operation. History of the core base supporting motorcycles and power products

Honda announced that its Kumamoto Plant, located in Otsu-cho, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture, marked the 50th anniversary of its operation. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, a ceremony was held on January 5, 2026.

Evolving from an Export Base for Asia to a Production Base Supporting the World

Kumamoto Manufacturing started operations in January 1976 as a production and export base for finished motorcycle commuters for the Asian market. Since the 1980s, the company has expanded its business domain to include the production of power products and mini-car engines, and has continued to manufacture products that meet the needs of each era. In the 2000s, the company transferred domestic production of large motorcycles from the Hamamatsu Plant, strengthening its position as an important base for Honda's motorcycle business. Currently, the company produces a wide range of models from commuters to large motorcycles, including electric models, as well as power products such as generators, tillers, and snowplows, and supplies these products to 83 countries and regions.

Honda Kumamoto Manufacturing was completed in 1975. Today, it produces 37 models of motorcycles, 24 types of power products, and 25 types of outboard motors.

Masaki Shimazoe, director of the company, took the stage to express his gratitude for the company's 50th anniversary and to demonstrate the "joy of expanding the possibilities of life" offered by its motorcycles & power products, including electric power.

Supporting Overseas Production as a Global Mother Plant

Honda has been expanding its production functions for motorcycle commuters and power products around the world based on the concept of "manufacturing where there is demand. In this context, Kumamoto Manufacturing plays the role of a global mother factory that supports overseas bases. Kumamoto Manufacturing has accumulated expertise in establishing production technologies and launching new models, which it has then transferred to its overseas production bases. Currently, it provides technical support to production bases in 31 countries and regions, contributing to the improvement of local production quality and stable supply. Another feature of the company is that it focuses on training engineers and developing human resources that can be used globally. At the 50th anniversary ceremony, Mr. Masaki Shimazoe, Director of Kumamoto Works, made a comment. He expressed his gratitude to customers, suppliers, dealers, employees, and their families for their support, and also expressed his commitment to providing "the joy of expanding the possibilities of life" through high-quality motorcycle and power product products, including electrified products. In the half century since its completion in 1975, Kumamoto Manufacturing has built a system to produce 37 models of motorcycles, 24 models of power products, and 25 models of outboard motors. It will continue to evolve its production technology as a global mother plant and play a role in meeting the needs of various regions of the world. Having reached the milestone of 50 years, Kumamoto Machinery Works will continue to move forward into the next era as an important foundation supporting Honda's motorcycle and power products businesses.

Members of the team, including the director, took the stage at the commemorative ceremony, which also featured a special tricolor gold wing depicting the 50th anniversary logo!

Honda's Kumamoto Plant Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Operation. History of the core base supporting motorcycles and power products

2026.1.6

Honda announced that its Kumamoto Plant, located in Otsu-cho, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture, marked the 50th anniversary of its operation. To comme...