Kiyoshi Shomura

During a recent visit to Japan, I met with two of Japan’s most prominent guitarists: Kiyoshi Shomura and Shin-Ichi Fukuda. Each has had a brilliant career performing, teaching, and recording.

Kiyoshi Shomura's guitar lessons began at the age of nine, first studying with his father, Masato Shomura, and later with Yasumasa Ohara. In 1964, Mr. Shomura traveled to Spain to study with renowned guitarist, Narciso Yepes, who during a visit to Japan the previous year recognized Mr. Shomura's potential. Mr. Shomura performed several recitals in Europe during his stay in 1967-68.

In recent years, Kiyoshi Shomura has developed an increasingly satisfying career as a guitarist representing Japan in terms of both ability and popularity. He began playing the guitar at the age of 9, studying with his father, Masato Shomura, and later with Yasumasa Ohara. In 1963 he was recognized by Mr. Narciso Yepes at his welcome concert when he visited Japan, and the next year he went to Spain to study with Yepes. He also studied music theory with Hiroshi Iwasaki, who was in Spain at the same time.