“Sensuously beautiful tone…lyrical and sublime” –San Francisco Classical Voice

One of Japan’s premier guitarists, Shin-ichi Fukuda is internationally known as an intelligent and brilliant interpreter of contemporary guitar music. He began playing the classical guitar at the age of eleven, studying under Tatsuya Saitoh (1942–2006). In 1977, he moved to Paris to continue his musical training at the École Normale de Musique under Alberto Ponce. Fukuda later pursued studies at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy, on a scholarship, studying under Oscar Ghiglia from 1980 to 1984.

After earning diplomas in both Paris and Siena, Fukuda was awarded numerous prestigious competition prizes, including first prize in the 23rd Paris International Guitar Competition, organized by Radio France. For over thirty years, he has maintained a distinguished concert career, performing solo recitals, concertos with orchestra, and chamber music in major cities worldwide.

In addition to his performing career, Fukuda is a highly respected and enthusiastic teacher. He has trained many pupils who have gone on to achieve high honors, including renowned Japanese guitarists Kaori Muraji, Daisuke Suzuki, and Yasuji Ohagi, among others. He currently serves as a guest professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (China), Osaka College of Music, Hiroshima’s Elisabeth University of Music, and Showa Music University.

The distinguished Cuban composer Leo Brouwer dedicated his “Concerto de Requiem – In Memoriam Takemitsu II” for guitar and orchestra to Fukuda. In 2011, Fukuda was awarded the Japanese government’s Art Encouragement Music Prize, and he has more than eighty recordings to his credit.