Studied with Hidero Satoh. Gave his first recital in 1967 in Tokyo. Studied with Helmuth Herold at Trossingen City Music Academy in Germany in 1970, and further with Tommy Reilly, world reknowned harmonica player, in London in 1971. Received the 2nd Prize at the soloist section of the 13th World Harmonica Competition. In 1973 he returned to Japan and gave his recital with the program of all original pieces for harmonica. In 1978 played Villa-Lobos harmonica concerto with NHK Symphony Orchestra / Hiroyuki Iwaki, conductor, at its regular concert as well as Sapporo Symphony Orchestra and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. In 1980 he played the harmonica part of Pole Chihara “Concerto for string quartet and orchestra” with New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra / Seiji Ozawa, conductor.
He has been positive in taking up varied programs, for instance Franck’s violin sonata, every time at his recital. He is enthusiastic in playing not only solo, but also duo with guitar and harp or joint concerts with Haruna Miyake, pianist. It is also his life work to introduce contemporary Japanese compositions. In 1979 he gave a series of 4 concerts introducing different aspects of harmonica in order to pursue possibilities of this instrument. In 1984 gave his recital having guest artists of Yuji Takahashi and Haruna Miyake, and in 1997 commemorating his 30th anniversary as harmonica player he gave a concert with Mie Miki, accordion player, Yoshiko Miyake, harpist, Haruna Miyake and Haruki Mino, pianist.
His attitude to harmonica music is to play music of the wide range of expression on the harmonica that can be enough compared with on other instruments. In order to make it possible he uses a chromatic harmonica, and has put his efforts to make it popular. His super technique and his rich musicality as well as his passion capture the mind of audience.
He has been busy in doing various activities like movie, TV, radio, CD recordings besides concerts, and in giving lessons also.
Discography: “Four seasons in Japan”, “My heart in Foster – Works of Foster”, “Toredo for you – Original Works for harmonica and piano” (Haruki Mino, piano), “The Art of Harmonica”, “Forgetful Angel”, “Ave Maria” (Yoshiko Miyake, harp), “Vocalise” (Haruki Mino, piano), “Poem Harmonica” (Mie Miki, accordion), “Aldeas de España” (Fujie Sugata, piano), “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” (Satoru Nakazato, harmonica & Fujie Sugata, piano) and “Bluesette – Dedicated to Toots Thielemans” (Haruki Mino Trio). |
