If you’ve ever watched a major piano competition and noticed Shigeru Kawai listed among the official instruments, you might wonder:
Why do so many competitions choose it?
The simple answer is this:
Shigeru Kawai pianos are built to perform reliably under pressure, sound convincing in large halls, and stay consistent even after hours of playing. That combination matters a lot in competitions.
Let’s break it down in plain terms.
Shigeru Kawai is chosen for international piano competitions because it offers hand-crafted precision, concert-level sound, and long-term reliability that both performers and juries can trust.
Where Is Shigeru Kawai Used?
1. International Piano Competitions
Shigeru Kawai has been selected or offered as a competition piano in top-level international events, including the International Chopin Piano Competition.
At these competitions, pianists are often given a choice of instruments. Many choose Shigeru Kawai because it feels predictable, responsive, and musically flexible, especially in high-stress situations.
A notable example is Vincent Ong, a Malaysian pianist who performed on a Shigeru Kawai at the Chopin Competition — a strong signal that the instrument meets the expectations of both international juries and elite performers.
2. Asian & Regional Competitions
Across Asia, Shigeru Kawai is commonly used in:
● Regional and international piano competitions
● Youth and emerging artist competitions
● Cultural and educational performance events
Competition organisers appreciate instruments that can handle multiple rounds, many performers, and constant use without compromising playability and durability over time.
3. Conservatories & Music Colleges
Many conservatories and music institutions choose Shigeru Kawai for:
● Final recitals
● Jury examinations
● Masterclasses with visiting artists
These environments demand a piano that responds well to different playing styles, not just one type of repertoire.
What Makes Shigeru Kawai “Competition-Grade”?
A competition piano isn’t just about sounding good — it has to stay stable, predictable, and fair for every pianist who sits down to play.
Handcrafted by Master Piano Artisans
Every Shigeru Kawai piano is built by Master Piano Artisans (MPA) in Japan.
● Each artisan has over 20 years of experience
● Fewer than 0.1% of Kawai craftsmen reach this level
● Quality of the piano is monitored closely from start to finish
Why does this matter in a competition?
Because careful handcrafting helps ensure even touch and consistent response for pianists who may be meeting the instrument for the first time.
Stable Feel During Long Performances
Competitions involve long rehearsals, multiple rounds, and changing hall conditions.
Shigeru Kawai uses the Millennium III action which is designed to be:
● Resistant to temperature and humidity changes
● Stable even after hours of playing
● Consistent from morning rehearsals to evening performances
This means the piano feels largely the same throughout the day, which is exactly what competitors need.
A Sound That Carries — Without Overpowering
In large halls, a piano must project clearly but still allow control.
Shigeru Kawai is known for:
● A wide dynamic range (very soft to very powerful)
● Clear projection to the back of the hall
● A balanced tone that keeps melodies and inner voices audible
This makes it suitable for repertoire often heard in competitions, including Chopin, Romantic works, and modern pieces.
Consistency That Competition Committees Look For
From an organizer's point of view, consistency is everything.
Shigeru Kawai pianos are prepared to concert-level regulation standards, which helps them:
● Hold tuning well across multiple rounds
● Maintain even touch across all keys
● Perform reliably despite heavy use
This reduces technical issues and allows juries to focus on musicianship, not mechanical differences.
What Do Artists and Juries Think?
Many professional pianists choose Shigeru Kawai because it allows them to:
● Shape tone naturally
● Control dynamics accurately
● Play with confidence under pressure
For jury members, a clear and balanced piano helps them hear interpretation and musical detail, rather than limitations of the instrument. Interview with Vincent Ong - click here
FAQ
Q: Which Shigeru Kawai model is used in competitions?
A: Most major competitions use Shigeru Kawai concert grand models, especially the SK-EX. Smaller venues may use other SK series models depending on hall size and acoustic needs.
Q: Why is the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX so well known?
A: The SK-EX is known for being:
● Fully handcrafted by Master Piano Artisans
● Designed for large concert halls
● Powerful, controlled, and flexible in tone
● Trusted at international competition level
It represents the highest level of Shigeru Kawai craftsmanship.
Q: Is Shigeru Kawai only for competitions?
A: Not at all. While it’s widely used in competitions, Shigeru Kawai is also chosen for:
● Professional concerts
● Conservatories and universities
● Recording studios and recital halls
● Smaller/compact ones may be used at home
The same qualities that help in competitions also suit serious performance and study.
Q: Why do competition organizers trust Shigeru Kawai?
A: Because the pianos are known for being:
● Mechanically stable
● Consistent over time
● Well suited to professional concert preparation
This reliability makes event planning smoother and fairer for all competitors.
Final Takeaway
Shigeru Kawai is selected for prestigious international piano competitions because it
combines careful handcrafting, dependable stability, and a concert-ready sound that
performs consistently under pressure.
Whether in global competitions, or conservatories, it’s a piano chosen not for hype, but for how well it works when it matters most.
