Otomo was a Japanese automobile built by Mr. Hayataya Toyokawa from 1924 to 1927 at the Hakuyosha Ironworks in Tokyo . It was meant to build upon his experimental Ales cars of 1921 . Otomo offered an air-cooled 944 cc four-cylinder light car , available as two - or four-seat tourer or saloon ( sedan ) , or as a van . This was joined in 1926 by a water-cooled 24 hp model . During this time , Otomo was one of only two Japanese automakers , joined by the Japanese established Gorham Automobile Company , financed by American aircraft engineer William R. Gorham . The remnants of the Gorham Automobile Company became the Nissan Motor Company Ltd . The car found it difficult to compete with Ford Model T 's being manufactured at Yokohama , and Chevrolet Capitols being built at Osaka , and the company was integrated with other smaller Japanese automobile manufacturers . The 1923 Great Kantō earthquake also disrupted the local economy , with manufacturing resources greatly affecting business operations
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
Otomo (automobile)