Kazuo Yairi is a master luthier. He has designed (collaborated with/licensed -- not sure which) the Alvarez-Yairi line. (I believe he designed the two-piece "moustache" bridge.) I had one of those for years but sold it when I got my Lowden. Great guitar!

He also makes K. Yairi guitars in a shop in Japan.

http://www.alvarezgtr.com/products.html
http://www.yairi.com/gtrsktor/gtrintro.html

Cheers,
Michael