OKAMOTO Michiko
-Japan-
Graduated from the Toho Gakuen School of Music, studying under Mme. Kazuko Ariga and Prof. Motonari Iguchi. After winning second prize at the 32nd Music Competition of Japan, she was awarded a full scholarship to Texas Christian University (USA), where she studied with Mme. Lili Kraus and became a prize winner at the 3rd Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Upon returning to Japan, she pursued an active career as both a soloist and chamber musician, while joining the faculty of the Toho Gakuen School of Music. She was awarded the Best Accompaniment Prize at the 6th International Tchaikovsky Competition and has since maintained an international performance career in the USA, Russia, and Taiwan, collaborating with prominent national and international orchestras.
She has served as a jury for numerous prestigious competitions, including the Music Competition of Japan, Carl Czerny International Piano Competition (Prague), International Scriabin Competition (Moscow), Atlanta International Piano Competition, International Rachmaninoff Piano Competition for Young Pianists (Los Angeles), Geneva International Music Competition, and SHIGERU KAWAI International Piano Competition.
In addition to her performances, she has released numerous recordings, and has edited and published music scores. Currently, she serves as Honorary Chairman of the Japan Piano Teachers Association, is a board member of the Frederic Chopin Society of Japan, and holds the position of Specially-Appointed Professor at the Toho Gakuen School of Music.
