Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co.,Ltd.'s hybrid piano “NOVUS NV12” has won the 2026 Good Design Award, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. It was recognized for delivering an experience close to playing a grand piano even in compact living spaces.
The hybrid piano “NOVUS NV12” was introduced as a new flagship model pursuing a playing experience comparable to that of a grand piano. It features the same keyboard action and damper mechanism as a grand piano and is the first model to adopt “soundboard speakers.”
The openable lid allows the breadth of the sound to be adjusted according to how far it is opened, creating an elegant presence and sense of openness reminiscent of a grand piano. Its design, which combines a compact form with full-scale performance, was evaluated.
In addition to sound, touch and resonance, the design considers the performer's visual experience and harmony with the surrounding space. The company explains that it enables an experience close to playing a grand piano at home.
The product is the hybrid piano “NOVUS NV12,” with a tax-included standard price of ¥1,452,000 and a launch date of 18 September 2025. The designer is Ito Shinichi (伊藤 慎一) of the Design Office, Marketing & Design Strategy Department, at Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co.,Ltd.