Kawamura produced early Nishikis in Japan and production was later done by Giant in Taiwan for West Coast Cycles which later sold the distribution rights to Derby Cycles which distributed Nishikis from 1989 to 2001. Some of these Derby models may have been manufactured by Colnago and their high end models are pretty exceptional bicycles.

The Japanese models are superior to their Taiwanese counterparts and the Nishiki name was retired in 2001.

West Coast Cycles is also responsible for Kuwahara's line of rather legendary BMX bikes that were the first to bear their company name and making Kuwahara a well known brand.

Many Nishiki models carry the same names as Kuwahara bicycles due to their connection with W.C.C.

Kuwahara is a builder that has been in operation since 1918 and has built bikes for many companies including Schwinn... they currently market their bikes under the Asama brand and I believe this may precede a re-release of more high end Kuwahara models.

My first road bike was a Kawamura made Nishiki Competition... it was a beautiful bicycle in every respect.