Tohatsu History

On 11th January 2018 Tohatsu Marine Corporation - Tohatsu's manufacturing plant in Japan - reached the cumulative production of 4 million outboard engines. More than any other outboard manufacturer in the world!

Tohatsu factory in Japan

Founded on October 20th 1922, Tohatsu Corporation, then named Takata Motor Research Institute, manufactured train carriages, high-speed portable engine generators and radio controlled generators. In 1956 Tohatsu introduced their first outboard engine. Since then, Tohatsu outboard engines have capably served a variety of marketplaces; commercial fishing, marine transport, recreation and competition. To satisfy those diverse customer demands, we have researched and developed our products with advanced technology and know-how.

In January 2005, Tohatsu opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the mountainous area of central Japan that boasts over 370,000 sq. ft. of space and has a production capacity of over 200,000 outboards per year. Tohatsu's new plant uses technologically advanced machinery that is fully automated to produce reliable outboards with award winning reputations. All Tohatsu outboard motors are produced in Japan.

Tohatsu factory in Japan

Here are some key dates and figures leading up to this historic moment for Tohatsu.



1956       Japan's first outboard engine was manufactured.

1988       Tohatsu Marine Corporation was established in Okaya City, Nagano.

1998       Manufacturing of four-stroke outboard engines started.

2000       Manufacturing of two-stroke low-pressure direct injection (TLDI) started.

2005       Relocated from Okaya City to Komagane City, both in Nagano

2008       Total production of outboard engines exceeded 2.5 million units.

2011       Total production of outboard engines exceeded 3 million units.

2014       Total production of outboard engines exceeded 3.5 million units.

2016       60th anniversary of Tohatsu producing outboard engines.

2018       Total production of outboard engines exceeded 4 million units.




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