Born in Sapporo, Japan, Hiroko Ishimoto is one of Japan’s most eminent pianists. She has performed in the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe. She is a graduate of the world-renown Juilliard School in New York City. While there she was invited to compete in the young pianist competition in Mexico City where she took first place.

After completing her studies at Juilliard, Hiroko moved back to Japan and pursued an active career as a musician and as a teacher for 10 years at the prestigious Toho School of Music in Tokyo. While there, one of her noteworthy achievements was leading and performing in The Juilliard and Friends, a series of chamber music concerts. She has also been a judge in piano competitions worldwide.

Her performances have been reviewed by The New York Times, where her music was acclaimed as “a synthesis of creativity and tranquility.” Music World Japan described her playing as ``absolutely original, with a natural sense of rhythm and ability to harmonize.” Playing with the London Symphony at the Leonard Bernstein and PMF Music Festival, she received enthusiastic applause and her performance was noted as brilliant. Hiroko’s natural rhythm comes from her being able to perceive music as emotions and colors.

She also practices the Alexander Technique, which is a simple coordination technique to enhance her musical performance. She was first introduced to Bela Bartok`s music by her professor at Juilliard, Sándor György, and since moving to Budapest five years ago she has been able to further develop her passion for his compositions. Her CD has been played on the Hungarian State BARTOK Radio, and her recording Bartok - Three Folksongs from the Country CSIK was used in the Hungarian movie Children of Glory.

In 2010 she started a spring piano seminar with Professor Jándo Jenő who teaches at the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy in Budapest. The seminar is held with advanced students from all over Japan. After the tragedy of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, she is also actively raising awareness by performing all over the EU and performs for children in Fukushima every year under the project of the cultural minister of Japan.