Kanako Motor Corporation

The Kanako Motor Corporation, usually referred to as Kanako, is a japanese car manufacturer that fields cars in Formula A, V8 ChampCar, FARC, Dash Cup and others. It is one of the largest manufacturers of Japan.

History
The brand was created after World War II by Yoshiro Akiyama, an motorcycle engineer that provided piston rings to other manufacturers. Akiyama named the company after his first daughter, Kanako. The manufacturer started producing improvised motorcycles, using two-stroke 50cc engines, firstly produced as war surplus. The first complete motorcycle was produced in 1962, and was given the name Yume ('Dream' in Japanese). It was an success and allowed Kanako to grow as one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the planet.

Their first production car was the Senshi ('Warrior'), which is still produced today. It was firstly designed as a luxury car, but in following years, the car changed its form into more of a popular sedan. the Senshi was quickly followed by the Shori, firstly a Kei car, now a hatchback, being adapted to racing under the name M8 Series.

The manufacturer has been expanding into Europe and Americas and increasing its global popularity and influence since 2013. In 2014 they were entered for the first time in a TM Master Cup Series race, but were unable to qualify. In 2015, Kanako became the provider of manufacturer support for Hannagan Enterprises and Team Kwik Fit in Dash Cup.

Formula A
Kanako Formula A Racing Team

Formula B
Team Hageshi

All-Japan GT Championship
Team Hageshi

FARC
Firecracker Racing Trueman Ellison Racing SOCMR Racing Dilpare Inc. Durbin Sports Racing

Dash Cup
Team Kwik Fit

EuroV8 Cup
The brand provides full support to the alliance between Team Kwik Fit and Hannagan Enterprises, while K-Ton Racing and Kanako Team Denso run Kanako cars in the series.