CLASSIC NEVER DIES

HKS History: Born in The Foothills of Mt. Fuji

Founding Pioneers and Modest Beginnings

Three men infront of a garage that says HKS in white — 1/2 of the Founder’s—Goichi Kitagawa (center) next to two other people
Source: HKS

The inception of HKS in 1973 was a result of the visionary partnership between Goichi Kitagawa and Hideo Hasegawa. These automotive enthusiasts shared an unquenchable passion for the world of cars and a mutual vision to amplify their potential. In the early days, the company operated from a modest workshop at the foot of Mount Fuji, but it was fueled by an insatiable drive to redefine the boundaries of automotive performance.

HKS Factory in Fujinomiya with Mt. Fuji covered with snow in the background — Mount Fuji & at the foot of mountain—Factory Headquarters in Fujinomiya, Japan
Source: HKS

Kitagawa and Hasegawa’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence led to the development of the first aftermarket turbo kit from the company. This groundbreaking innovation quickly garnered attention, not only for its tangible enhancements to engine output but also for its visionary approach to elevating performance. With this early success, HKS earned a reputation for its commitment to turbocharging technology, setting the stage for its future achievements in the industry.