Nippon Kangakki Co., Ltd. (日本管楽器, "Nikkan"), founded in Hamamatsu in 1917, was one of Japan’s earliest wind instrument manufacturers and a pioneer of domestic flute production. Nikkan flutes from the mid-20th century are still appreciated among collectors and students for their solid build and characteristically warm tone. The company was acquired by Yamaha in 1970, and its flute-making expertise became the foundation of Yamaha’s wind instrument division — many vintage "Nikkan" stamped flutes remain in circulation as student and intermediate instruments.