Testimonial
“These are truly wonderful shoes that I sincerely hope many people will have the opportunity to wear.”
Little Pianist is an indispensable part of my life.
I have been wearing these shoes for about ten years, and they are truly one of a kind. They provide a stress-free fit and allow me to perform with complete confidence on stage. To me, they are also like a lucky charm.
I am currently based in both Japan and Europe, performing around the world. I keep a pair of Little Pianist shoes at both of my homes, and they accompany me onto the stage for every performance. They are truly an irreplaceable partner.
“These are truly wonderful shoes that I sincerely hope many people will have the opportunity to wear.” I encourage everyone to experience them for themselves.
Profile
Following her marriage in 2024 to her partner living in Romania, Natsumi Kuboyama has established her career with bases in both Japan and Europe while performing throughout the world.
She graduated at the top of her class from the Faculty of Music at Toho Gakuen College of Music. She gave a special performance before the Imperial Family at the Toka Gakudo New Artist Concert, hosted by the Imperial Household Agency. She also appeared in a television commercial for Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Her CD, Plays Chopin, received the Semi-Special Selection Award from Record Geijutsu magazine.
Together with her mother, Chikako Kuboyama, she co-authored Nacchan’s Great Adventure, which was published by Karansha Publishing as both a book and a picture book.
Inspired by a peace education program she attended in the fifth grade, she became aware of the hardships faced by many people around the world. Since the sixth grade, she has organized charity concerts throughout Japan, supporting causes including landmine clearance, Esperanza, Chernobyl relief, recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and educational support for children in Peru.
She has performed in numerous countries, including Russia, Germany, Poland, Romania, South Korea, China, Singapore, and Peru. As a concerto soloist with orchestras, chamber musician, solo recitalist, and educator, she continues to expand her international career through music.
Competition History
- National Finalist, PTNA Piano Competition (A2, B, and Jr.G Divisions)
- Highest National Ranking, PTNA Duo Competition (Elementary A Division)
- Gold Prize, PTNA Piano Competition F Division (2006)
- Recipient of the Yomiuri Shimbun Award and the Seitoku University Kawanami Award
- Silver Prize, Chopin International Piano Competition in Asia (Grades 3–4 Division)
- Bronze Prize, Concerto A Division
- Highest Prize, Professional Division
- Audience Award, Romania International Competition (2007)
- Second Prize, Romania International Competition (2017)
- Romanian Music Association President’s Award
- Mirai Consultants Award
- Yasuko Fukuda Prize Encouragement Award (2009)
- Performed with the American String Quartet in New York in 2010 as part of the award
- First Prize, Iizuka Rookie Competition (2013)
- First Prize, Salzburg–Mozart Chamber Music Competition (2016)
- Silver Prize, Kawai Competition S Course
International Performances & Awards
- Performed at the Japan–Russia Friendship Concert in Moscow (1998), including performances at the Gnessin Academy Hall, Pushkin Museum Hall, and Rachmaninoff Hall
- First Prize, Junior Category II, Hummel International Piano Competition, Slovakia (2001)
- Unanimous First Prize, Intermediate II Division, Steinway Competition, Paris (2003)
- Second Prize, Audience Award, and Concert Award, Berlin Steinway International Piano Competition (2009)
- Invited to perform in a commemorative concert in Berlin (2010)
She was also a member of the 4th and 5th Suntory Chamber Music Academy, a recipient of the Yamaha Music Scholarship (2012), and the Munetsugu Angel Scholarship (2017).
