Over the weekend, Yamaha demonstrated that it doesn’t just make keyboards and bikes.
The “Two Yamahas, One Passion” exhibition at Roppongi Hills showcased prototype musical instruments and mobility machines created under the umbrella of the oddly named “project AH A MAY“, the Yamaha concept design project which was also presented at the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Etienne 2015 in March.
The project is a joint venture between the two Yamaha arms: Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. One creates tools for sound, the other creates tools for mobility.
There were 13 exhibits, 6 of which were being shown in Japan for the first time. One of exhibits was a world premiere.
Fujin (God of Wind)
This marimba is designed for two performers and allows them to add and multiply their energy. The seating of the performers brings to mind the image of a two-seater motorcycle and enables the performers to enjoy the thrill of unexpected swigs and gaps as they play the marimba.
Raijin (God of Thunder)
Is this a drummer’s nightmare or a dream come true? Perhaps we should test it out with Terence Fletcher.
This design seeks to create an ideal form that will allow human beings to go beyond existing methods to express themselves. The design resembles a globe and allows performers to let their imaginations run wild on an assortment of different kinds of drums. Energy erupts centered on the performer and creates an increasingly visually dynamic world of sound.
Electric-Power Assisted Bicycle
This prototype was “inspired” by 0±0 (Zero plus/minus Zero).
The electric-power assisted bicycle is placed on a recharging stand, and when cyclists pedal it, this recharges the battery. The battery power can then be taken out of the stand and the electricity generated shared with the family and used to power musical instruments and other electric appliances. The design aims to suggest a lifestyle that takes a positive attitude and approach toward power usage.
√ (Root)
By taking the meters on the instrument panel off the motorcycle rider’s view, the idea of the design is to enable him or her to be a part of the passing scenery. The form was created to flow from the seat to the fuel tank and was inspired by a horse motif that aims to give a sense of unity among people, nature, and the vehicle.
01GEN
This is a three-wheel, multi-terrain motorbike that lights up in cool blue.
The on & off crossover of the concept refers to the multi wheel’s command over a variety of terrain – both on-road and off – that is grounded in the maneuverability unique to the format. A distinctive feature is the seamless design that sees the front and back overlap and interlace with no distinction between the two. The shape advocates a new and racy design expression evolving from the harmony of interweaving the mechanical framework with the flowing body line that makes the most of the volume of the double front wheels.
02GEN
This concept model brings to life the ideal of a wheelchair that can be controlled with ease and moves elegantly while being adaptable to the needs of each individual user. It is meant to “Merge” all of the functionality required in an electrically power-assisted wheelchair with a design that creates a beautiful sitting posture and a sense of unity between the user and the chair. All this makes it a design concept model that offers excellence in CMF (Color, Material and Finish) in a design aimed at enriching the lifestyles of wheelchair users.
03GEN
These two concept models explore the potential fun of mobility based on two themes that express expectations for the future, the allure of a racing machine, respect for time-honored forms and styling, and the exhilaration that comes from experiencing the cutting-edge. With a design theme of “Future Racing,” the 03GEN-f expresses the futuristic appeal of Yamaha LMW models with racing-inspired styling. The 03GEN-x features a timeless design based on a “Cross” (crossover) theme that combines classic off-road model elements with the latest LMW structure.
Vocaloid Keyboard
This keyboard has a nice Eighties feel to it!
