Founded as the export brand of Excel Sound Corporation, which was established in 1970 by Masao Okada-san in Tokyo, Japan, HANA emerged in 2015 as a premium phono cartridge manufacturer bringing over five decades of cartridge expertise to the global market. Named after the Japanese word meaning 'brilliant' and 'gorgeous' (華), HANA represents Excel Sound's transition from being a trusted OEM manufacturer for numerous respected audio companies to creating their own world-class brand. Led by cartridge design master Masao Okada, who began researching phono cartridge technology in 1964, the company operates from its factory in Yokohama, Kanagawa, where skilled artisans hand-assemble each moving coil cartridge with meticulous precision. Distributed in the United States through Musical Surroundings since 2016, HANA has achieved global recognition for delivering exceptional analog music reproduction and incredible value through their comprehensive range of MC cartridges including the E, S, M, and premium SL and SH series. Excel Sound Corporation's deep expertise in phono cartridge development, combined with traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern engineering, positions HANA as a leading force in the high-end analog audio market for vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles worldwide.