It was developed in Japan by the CUBE Works toy company and the Maywa Denki design firm,[1] led by the brothers Masamichi and Novmichi Tosa,[2] and is produced and marketed by Hamee [ja].

[3] The ribbon controller is logarithmic to resemble a string instrument, there is a shorter distance between higher notes than between lower ones.

The three models produced and marketed by Hamee are: Some Otamatones have designs based on popular Japan-based characters, like Kirby or Hello Kitty.

There are also a number of models of Otamatone produced only by Maywadenki themselves, either prior to the transfer of production to Hamee or not part of it,These are sold only in Japan.

[9] On February 3, 2021, Juanjo Monserrat performed "Nessun Dorma" on the original Otamatone on the auditions for the sixth season of Got Talent España and won the Golden Buzzer award after two of the judges tried playing the instrument themselves.