5th Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition
Since the first competition, we have been delighted to host over 1,000 pianists from more than 20 countries and regions participating in this competition. The Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition has grown in popularity and is now a significant global event. This success is entirely thanks to the support and cooperation of all those involved, and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our supporters.
We are excited to welcome new and returning pianists to our 5th competition in 2025. The First Prize winner of the 2025 competition will receive the First Prize Trophy, Certificate of Commendation, and 2,000,000 yen (JPY) prize. With the Prize Winners Concert held at Kawai Omotesando Concert Salon “Pause” on August 3, 2025. There will be a total of 7 Prizes awarded by the Jury, comprised of both Japanese and international piano professionals.
Application Information
Applications Open
Online applications for the Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition open on November 1st 2024, and close on January 15th 2025 at 0:00 (Japan Time).
Eligibility
The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities born on or after January 1, 1996.
Application Procedures
The Full Application involves the creation of your “My Page” on the official Competition website (https://skipc.jp), and complete the application form there. From your My Page, you can then upload supporting documents including high resolution photos (from front, chest up), official identification documents (such as a passport), and submission of performance video via a URL link (such as an unlisted Youtube link). Follow this link for more information about the application process.
Repertoire
Applicants must play a piece from Chopin: Etude Op.10 or Op.25, and a second piece of their choosing. Total playing time of all pieces should be no more than 15 minutes, and the playing order can be decided by the applicant. Visit the official website for full repertoire information.
Winners’ Prizes
| First Prize | JPY 2,000,000 | Certificate of Commendation | Trophy |
|---|---|
| Second Prize | JPY 1,000,000 | Certificate of Commendation | Trophy |
| Third Prize | JPY 500,000 | Certificate of Commendation | Trophy |
| Fourth Prize | JPY 200,000 | Certificate of Commendation |
| Fifth Prize | JPY 100,000 | Certificate of Commendation |
| Sixth Prize | JPY 50,000 | Certificate of Commendation |
| Audience Award | JPY 50,000 | Certificate of Commendation | Souvenir |
Message from Mr Kentaro Kawai
In commemoration of our company’s 90th anniversary, the Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition was established in 2017 and has now reached its 5th edition.
As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027, we are reaffirming and developing the “Kawai Ism” that we have continuously inherited for 97 years since our founding. This spirit embodies the pursuit of high ideals, never yielding to adversity, and being sincere and warm-hearted. With renewed determination, we will carry this forward. Beyond our 100th anniversary, Kawai will continue to strive towards our ultimate goal of building the world’s finest pianos for the next 100 years.
We are truly looking forward to seeing the wonderful performances you will deliver with the Shigeru Kawai pianos, the realisation of our dreams, during this competition.
Kentaro Kawai, President of Kawai.
Competition History and Purpose
The Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition was established in 2017 in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. The aim of the competition is contributing to the development of musical culture and promoting international exchange by finding and nurturing pianists of the next generation from around the world.
The Competition has two unique characteristics:
The first is that Shigeru Kawai grand pianos are utilised throughout the competition. The Shigeru Kawai full concert piano SK-EX, which will be used from the 1st Round to the Final Round, has been adopted as the official piano for many prestigious international piano competitions for over 20 years since its debut in 2001, and is highly acclaimed as an instrument capable of producing a wide range of tones by performers.
The second is that the repertoire for the final round is a piano concerto performed by two pianos. Adopted from the second edition, this two-piano concerto will feature the orchestral part performed by Andrey Pisarev, a professor and head of the piano faculty at the Moscow Conservatory and a world-renowned pianist, and Alexei Melnikov, a distinguished young pianist who, like Prof. Pisarev, also studied under the late Prof. Sergei Dorensky.
With their powerful musical support, the finalists will have the opportunity to express their music to the fullest.
