Kaoru Jitsukawa and Koki Kuroiwa to Perform at Itabashi Culture Hall in Luxurious Piano Recital Featuring Two Yamaha 'CFX' Pianos (August 31, 2026)

Overview

The Itabashi Culture and International Exchange Foundation will host the "Kaoru Jitsukawa x Koki Kuroiwa Piano Recital" on Monday, August 31, 2026, as the second installment of the "Premium Selection" series, which delivers special musical experiences by select artists.

This performance features a collaboration between Kaoru Jitsukawa and Koki Kuroiwa, two young, internationally active pianists known for their solid skills and unique musicality. The first half of the program will feature "solo" performances highlighting their respective aesthetics, while the second half will present a breathtaking "two-piano" collaboration that only two close friends can produce, offering a luxurious program irresistible to piano fans.

In addition, Yamaha Music Japan Co., Ltd. will sponsor the event by providing two "CFX" pianos, Yamaha's flagship concert grand pianos.

It is a special night woven by the individualities of the two pianists and two CFX pianos. Please enjoy a dialogue of sound that can only be experienced here.

A Luxurious Moment Woven by "Solo" and "Duo" Performances by Internationally Active Pianists Kaoru Jitsukawa and Koki Kuroiwa

Kaoru Jitsukawa has steadily built a strong reputation both domestically and internationally by layering precise expressions within a calm resonance. The delicate nuances infused into every single note depict a quietly expanding world.

Meanwhile, Koki Kuroiwa, backed by his achievements in competitions, captivates audiences with powerful, fast-paced performances and striking tone colors. His dynamic expressions and energetic music instantly draw the audience in.

Program

- Shostakovich: Concertino for Two Pianos Op.94
- Rachmaninoff: Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos Op.17
- J.S. Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (arr. Bauer) (Jitsukawa Solo)
- Scriabin: Vers la flamme, Op.72 (Kuroiwa Solo)
And more.
*Please note that the program is subject to change.

Performers

Kaoru Jitsukawa
After winning and placing in major domestic competitions since childhood, he won 3rd prize (no 1st prize awarded) at the Long-Thibaud International Competition in France in 2015, along with the Best Recital Award and Best New Work Award. In 2016, he won 1st prize at the Caraglio International Piano Competition. He has been a guest performer at international music festivals such as the Beppu Argerich Music Festival, Sendai Classical Music Festival, Shanghai Music Festival, Seoul International Music Festival, Nohant Festival Chopin (France), and Arsonore (Austria). In recent years, he has focused his performances on Bach and Beethoven, releasing a Bach album from King Records in 2023. He also plays the harpsichord and continues to research Bach's performances.
He has performed with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic, Japan Philharmonic, New Japan Philharmonic, Tokyo City Philharmonic, Kanagawa Philharmonic, Osaka Symphony Orchestra, Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, Nagoya Philharmonic, Chiba Symphony Orchestra, and Gunma Symphony Orchestra.
He graduated at the top of his class from the Faculty of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts and completed his master's degree there. He also completed a postgraduate course at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. Since April 2024, he has been a full-time lecturer in the Instrumental Music Department (Piano) at Tokyo University of the Arts.

Koki Kuroiwa
Graduated at the top of his class from the Piano Department, Faculty of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts. Completed his master's degree at the same university and at the Liszt Academy of Music. Semi-finalist and Special Prize winner in the piano section of the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition. 1st prize in the piano section of the 84th Music Competition of Japan. 1st prize and Audience Award in the piano section of the 11th Tokyo Music Competition. 1st prize at the KIPA International Piano Competition 2019. Guinness World Record holder for the longest continuous 28-hour duo concert. Recipient of the Aoyama Music Award Newcomer Prize, Utsunomiya Esper Award, and Matsukata Hall Music Award. His 2nd CD "Pictures at an Exhibition," following his 1st CD "sailing day," was selected as a special recommendation by Record Geijutsu. His 3rd CD "Brahms Piano Works" has received high praise in newspapers and music magazines. Studied under Naomi Serizawa, Haruhi Hata, Akira Eguchi, Sándor Falvai, and Henri Barda. Served as a part-time lecturer in the Piano Department at Tokyo University of the Arts, and is currently a part-time lecturer at the Music Department of Kai Seikowa High School and a lecturer at CJM Jingu no Mori Music Academy. https://www.kokikuroiwa.com

Supreme Resonance from YAMAHA's Flagship Concert Grand Piano "CFX"

YAMAHA's Flagship Concert Grand Piano "CFX"
Resonating with me.
"The sound I want is the sound that fulfills what I want to express."
What Yamaha wants to create is not simply an instrument that produces beautiful sounds.
It is a piano that can transform the passion of a pianist who faces the keyboard with their heart and soul into actual sound, resonating delicately at times and powerfully at others.
To achieve this, we have spent many years engaging in dialogue with numerous pianists,