11 Finalists Chose Shigeru Kawai at the 2025 Chopin Competition: Here’s Why
Warsaw, Poland – October 2025 — At the world’s most prestigious piano competition, something remarkable is happening. As the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition enters its second round, 11 of the 40 advancing contestants have chosen Shigeru Kawai concert grands—making it the second most popular piano choice among the world’s elite young pianists.
This represents a dramatic shift. In the previous 2021 competition, Shigeru Kawai was the least popular selection. Now, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s most established names.
Why Top Pianists Are Choosing Shigeru Kawai
The Chopin Competition doesn’t offer second chances. Each contestant gets just 15 minutes to test and select from concert grands made by Steinway, Yamaha, Fazioli, Bechstein, and Kawai. With careers and €60,000 prizes on the line, these musicians choose the piano that will best communicate their artistry to the jury and a global audience of millions.
What makes 11 pianists trust their career-defining performances to Shigeru Kawai?
Uncompromising Craftsmanship
Each Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand is handcrafted by Master Piano Artisans in Japan, with fewer than 20 instruments completed annually. The exclusive Kigarashi natural wood-aging process and hand-voiced Shiko Seion hammers deliver what performers describe as an instrument capable of both thunderous power and intimate whispers—essential for Chopin’s demanding repertoire.
Proven Competition Pedigree
This isn’t Shigeru Kawai’s first moment in the spotlight. At the 2021 Chopin Competition, the second-place laureate performed on a Shigeru Kawai, demonstrating the instrument’s capability at the highest level. That performance helped establish the SK-EX as a serious contender on the world’s most demanding stages.
The Millennium III Advantage
Professional pianists praise Shigeru Kawai’s proprietary Millennium III Action for its lightning-fast repetition and precise control—critical for Chopin’s intricate passages and demanding technical requirements. Combined with the instrument’s singing tone and dynamic range, it’s an ideal match for this repertoire.
What This Means for Serious Pianists
When 11 world-class musicians independently choose the same instrument for the most important performance of their lives, it sends a clear message: Shigeru Kawai belongs among the world’s finest concert grands.
For pianists seeking an instrument that combines Japanese precision craftsmanship with European tonal richness, Shigeru Kawai offers what many are discovering—a concert grand that doesn’t compromise.
The competition continues through October 23, with finals beginning October 18. Will the 2025 Chopin Competition winner perform on a Shigeru Kawai? The world is watching.
Ready to experience the piano trusted by the world’s most discerning musicians? Explore the complete Shigeru Kawai collection to find the instrument that speaks to your artistry.
Follow our coverage of the 2025 Chopin Competition and discover why more professional pianists are choosing Shigeru Kawai for the performances that matter most.