‘Kuniko passes this rite triumphantly. Her effortless, glitch-free technique and ability to manipulate mallets and sticks to seemingly coax melodies from non-melodic instruments are bound to humble aspiring and established percussionists alike.’                                     

Gramophone

‘These are meticulous and muscular performances, at once elemental and elegant. Brilliant.’

The Sunday Times

‘A refined colourist, the young Kuniko appears here as the worthy heir to the legendary Keiko Abe for whom most of these scores were written.’                                                                                                                                        

Le Monde

Born in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture. After completing graduate studies at the Toho Gakuen School of Music, moved to Europe and graduated at the top of the class from the Rotterdam Conservatory. Following participation in groups such as the Saito Kinen Orchestra, Ensemble Ictus, and Ensemble Nomad, began a global career as a soloist. Awarded the 12th Saji Keizo Prize by the Suntory Arts Foundation in 2011. Won the Best Recording Award at the 26th Music Pen Club Japan Music Awards in 2013. The album “IX,” featuring works by Iannis Xenakis, received recognition as the Best Song by NPR (USA) in 2015. Also, awarded the 10th CD Shop Grand Prize in 2018. Received the Excellence Award at the 73rd Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Festival in 2018

Kuniko founded and directs the Artist Incubation Project, inc. as an artistic director and mentors To foster the development of the next generation of young artists.

The only Japanese artist under an exclusive contract with the globally renowned LINN Records known for high-quality sound in the UK. An endorser for Pearl Iand Adams Musical Instruments globally. Received the Aichi Prefecture Cultural Award in 2020, appointed as a special ambassador for her home, City of Toyohashi, and she resides in the United States.