Ikuko Kawai was born and raised in Kagawa prefecture in Japan. Kawai graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts and completed its graduate school. Currently, she is a professor at the Osaka University of Arts. Kawai has performed with numerous internationally renowned artists and orchestras, conductors, and the world-famous tenor, José Carreras. Kawai’s versatility extends beyond classical music. In addition to working with pop musicians, she has also collaborated with many renowned ballet dancers. Kawai has composed for film, television dramas, and commercials, and many of her pieces have been used by international figure skaters such as Shizuka Arakawa, Michelle Kwan, and Yuzuru Hanyu.

• 2025: July – Performed with Duo HIBIKI in London and Budapest
• 2024: May – Duo HIBIKI’s Italian tour enjoys high acclaim
• 2023: September – Orchestra HIBIKI’s first overseas concert at Lincoln Center, New York, NY, to a great success
• 2023: Orchestra HIBIKI’s Debut Album “Ikuko Kawai in Orchestra HIBIKI” release
• 2020: “Thank Blue Concert” audience-free charity concert delivered to healthcare professionals around the world
• 2020: Performed the theme music for NHK’s historical drama “Kirin ga Kuru” Travelogue.
• 2019: National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
• 2015: Opéra Bastille (France), Ikuko Kawai Concert de Violon ~I’Est rencontre I’Ouest~
• 2012: Kawai composed the music for the film “A Chorus of Angels”, which won the Best Music Award of the Japan Academy Award.
• 2010: Istanbul (Turkey), Fazil Say Duo Concert Royal Albert Hall (England), José Carreras concert guest appearance
• 2008: Carnegie Hall (U.S.A.) “Ikuko Kawai at Carnegie Hall 2008”

Kawai founded the “Ikuko Kawai Mother Hand Fund”. In addition, she has been selected as an artist of friendship for “Japan for UNHCR”. The Japan Shrines and Temples Association has appointed her as a goodwill ambassador.