Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Takes 1st and 2nd at the 6th Takamatsu International Piano Competition
The results are in from the 6th Takamatsu International Piano Competition — and the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano was the instrument of choice for both top finishers.
Ukrainian pianist Roman Fediurko claimed 1st Prize, and Kim Jeonghwan of Germany earned 2nd Prize — both performing on the SK-EX throughout the competition. Out of 45 contestants from around the world, the field was narrowed over four rounds across two weeks at Sunport Hall Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, with just five pianists advancing to the final stage.
| 1st place | Roman Fediurko | Ukraine | SK-EX usage |
| 2nd place | Jeonghwan Kim | Germany | SK-EX usage |
| 3rd place | Elizabeth Tsai | America | |
| 4th place | Park Hye-rim | South Korea | |
| 5th place | Ha Gyu-tae | South Korea |
The Winner: Roman Fediurko
At just 21 years old, Roman Fediurko has already built a remarkable competition résumé. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, he began playing piano at age five and is currently studying under Professor Dr. Milana Chernyavska at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz in Austria. His recent accolades include 1st Prize at the Vladimir Horowitz International Young Pianists Competition, 1st Prize at the Robert Schumann Competition for Young Pianists, and performances at venues including the Salle Cortot in Paris, Victoria Hall in Geneva, and the Beethoven House in Bonn.
His decision to perform on the SK-EX at Takamatsu adds to a growing list of elite young pianists who are choosing Shigeru Kawai for their most important performances.
A Continuing Trend
The Takamatsu result is the latest in a series of strong showings for the SK-EX on the international competition circuit. In recent months, performers on the SK-EX have earned top prizes at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, the International Paderewski Piano Competition in Poland, and the Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition — among others. At the 2025 Chopin Competition alone, SK-EX selection among contestants grew more than threefold compared to the previous edition.
When the world’s most promising pianists have the freedom to choose their instrument, more and more of them are reaching for the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX.
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