Japanese Hometwon

Tokyo University of Arts attachment music high school 13th period graduate.
Miki Duo have been performing all around the world as "traveling musicians" since they formed their project in 1974.
In 1990 when they had an opportunity to go to Europe for their recital at "Boesendorfer hall" in Vienna, they were
touched by traditional folk music from all over Europe and devoted.
Also they were often invited to perform in Korea, China (Mongolia etc...) and Taiwan.
They have been continuing international cultural exchange of music over 30 years.
They are originally classical musicians, but to introduce folk music from all around the world such as Romanian & Spanish
gypsy music, Tango, Korean & Chinese traditional songs, Japanese folk songs to as many people as possible are their goal
(life work).

A receiving a prize career
1992Recipient of the Fukuyama City Outstanding Citizen Award
1993Winner of the Special Prize at the First Osaka International Chamber Music Concert and Festival
1993Recipient of the Fukuyama City Culture Award
1994Winner of the Grand Prize of the Hiroshima Prefecture Cultural Festival
1998Recipient of the Rotary Volunteer Award from the Fukuyama Rotary Club Runner-up
2000(no winner was awarded) at the Second Annual Great Wall of China Cup

Collaboration
* Altaic trio group ( Morin khuur,Violin,Piano )
* Trio-WA ( Shakuhachi,Violin,Piano )
* Tango trio Amores ( bandoneon,Violin,Piano )

Kenji Miki (Piano)
Born in the Kokura area of Kitakyushu City. At the age of three began the piano under his mother's tutelage. Studied under Prof. Kazuko Yokoi (Professor emeritus of Osaka University of Education), and the late Prof. Atsuko Iguchi (Professor emeritus at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts) from the age of four. Placed first in westernｒｎ Japan in the Mainichi Music Contest Piano Division. Went to the Tokyo University of Fine Arts Music Department High School (Piano Division) and entered the Osaka University of Fine Arts Music Department as a scholarship student.

* Visiting professor of Innner Mongolia Nomal University
* Visiting professor of Shaoguan University in Guangdong, China
* Director of Fukuyama cultural union
* Chairperson of Fukuyama Music Competition technical committee
* Vice president of support foreign student society
* Member of Japan Federation of Musicians
* Member of Japan Piano Teachers Association
* Member of Fukuyama Rotary Culb
* Member of Fukuyama international exchange society
* Japanese language adviser for Fukuyama YMCA
* President of Miki music school
* Master of restaurant "Muse Tei"

Toshie Miki (Violin)
Born in Osaka. From the age of four she studied under such teachers as Jun Ishii and the late Koichi Hasegawa. She placed third in the Mainichi Music Contest Elementary School Division and later placed second in the Junior High Division.
She went to the Tokyo University of Fine Arts Music Department High School and from there went on to the Musashino University of Music. During her school days, she toured extensively with the Tokyo Mozart Ensemble performing as the lead soloist. She also appeared as a soloist for the Musashino University Orchestra. Also studied under the late Takeo Inoue (Professor emeritus at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts), Hideo Iso, Hisako Tsuji, and Toshio Eto.

* Visiting professor of Innner Mongolia Nomal University
* Visiting professor of Shaoguan University in Guangdong, China
* Chairperson of Fukuyama Music Competition technical committee
* Principal of Miki music school
* Vice president of Fukuyama violin Teachers Association
* Setoda bel canto hall head instructor for violin class
* Member of Japan Federation of Musicians
* Member of Japan string music guide society Hiroshima branch
* Member of Fukuyama international exchange society
* Chief Editor "dendenmushi tayori"
* "Muse Tei" Chef

●Spring Sea / Composed by Michio Miyagi
Written for the Japanese koto harp and shakuhachi bamboo flute, this song brings to mind images of the calm, shining spring sea. This song later became world famous thanks to a performance by Miyagi Michio on the koto and a French Madame Violinist.

●Early Spring Song / Composed by Akira Nakata
This song, composed by Nakata Akira, is in a similar style to that of his father, the late Nakata Yoshinao, who composed numerous melodies such as “Summer Memories”.This soft melody makes us feel the gentle approach of spring in the midst of the chilling days of winter.

●Sakura Sakura / Traditional Japanese Folksong
Originally a piece for the Japanese koto harp, this song has become the representative piece of Japanese music. On the piano the elegance of spring cherry blossoms is fully revealed.

●A Beach Song / Composed by Tamezo Narita Arranged by Chikako Takahashi
Now a widely sung lyrical piece, this song was considered quite unusual when it debuted in the seventh year of the Taisho era (1919). Based on the Western musical scale.

●Hazy Moon Night / Composed by Sadaichi Okano
A beautiful melody portraying images of dimming light of dusk in spring.

●Summer Has Come / Composed by Sakunosuke Koyama
The lyrics of this 5-part song convey the refreshing return of summer.

●Mt. Fuji / An official song of the Ministry of Education
A song inspired by the traditional elementary school song that first appeared in the 43rd year of Meiji (1910).

●Village Festival / An official song of the Ministry of Education
A lively tune sung to the sound of traditional Japanese wooden blocks.

●Maple Leaves of Fall / Composed by Sadaichi Okano
This song weaves the various colors of the fall mountains into the music to create a refreshing fall experience.

●(Yuyake-Koyake) The Fainting Glow of the Sunset / Composed by Makoto Kusakawa
Based on the children's song that first appeared in the 12th year of the Taisho era (1923). A simple melody, this song sings a farewell to the fading sunset.

●Dragon / Composed by Kouichi Kishi
Born into an affluent house in Osaka, Mr. Kishi traveled to Europe to study the violin, conducting, and composition when he was seventeen. This handsome young prodigy was very active in both Europe and Japan. “Dragon”is the most representative of his five compositions for the violin.

●Seven Children / Composed by Nagayo Motoori Arranged by Tatsuko Ito
With this wonderful arrangement by Tatsuko Ito, this song was brings to mind children singing songs with their parents. A timeless classic.

●Tsugaru Jongara Folksong / Aomori Prefecture Folksong　 Arranged by Yukio Fujimoto
While the arrangement is by Yukio, the power of this song comes from Mr. Takahashi Chikusen who put his heart and soul into his shamisen playing. You can feel the strength of the Northern Japanese people as they are shut in by winter snow.

●My Hometown / Composed by Sadaichi Okano
This song has apparently has brought many a person to tears longing for their own hometowns.

The Miki's tried to promote classical music by setting up a music school near Fukuyama Castle…an area steeped with traditional Japanese arts such as calligraphy, flower arrangement, and the tea ceremony. Even an unmusical person like myself couldn't help but be impressed by their tireless efforts to promote classical music in such a tough locality. Recently, the Miki's have recorded a new CD entitled “Japanese Hometown”. Mr. Miki gave me a copy saying, “Mr. Amano listen to this in your car and tell me what you think.”That night I listened to it in my bed with wondrous surprise. I had no idea their music could touch my soul with such case. This music,borne out of the wonder that is Japanese culture, greets the ear with a lively yet delicate sound. The next day I sought out Mr. Miki and told him. “Mr. Miki, this is healing music to put the soul at ease.”