I used to have a nice FIIB and had several of the KRB basses as well.  Kawai used to make great basses, based on my experience.  I thought the KRB passive basses sounded really great, but their active models weren't as great.  The FIIB was built very well, I thought, and it had some great tones to offer, but I would not say that it sounded like any Alembic that I have heard or played.  It looked and felt very Alembic-like (or, OK, more Alembic-like than Fender-like...) but it didn't really compare in terms of tone, quality, detail, playability, etc.  But then, for $400 - $600 that is what you get: a somewhat rare, made in Japan bass that looks pretty cool.  I have had a S.C. Signiture Deluxe, an Essence w/Europa Electronics, and Elan, currently own a Europa and I am having a new Europa built for me.  I no longer own any of the Kawai's...  I guess that says it all... but then I have dropped thousands or dollars for these basses - every one of which was 100% worth it.  You get what you pay for, by and large, in my opinion.
 
Andy

Kawai f1 pics:
 
http.//www.guitarsjapan.com/kawai_f1_alembic_bass_replica.html
 
J o e y