Post-World War II ushered in a time for new musical influences such as jazz, swing, and rock and roll. This created a new generation of musicians who needed affordable musical instruments, which, at that time, were in scarce supply. Recognizing this need, Katsumi Yanagisawa started Pearl Percussion in a small factory in Tokyo on April 2, 1946. Since that time Pearl Corporation (now operating a permanent management, distribution, and warehouse facility in Nashville, Tenn.), has grown into a world-wide concern selling all manner of percussion instruments and equipment.