Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1991, Mikiya Kaisho began playing the guitar at the age of four. In 2018, he graduated with honors from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) with a Master’s degree in Guitar. Driven by a deep interest in early music, he moved to Germany in 2019 to specialize in historical plucked instruments, studying lute and theorbo at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (HfMDK). 

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In 2022, only three years after dedicating himself to the lute, Kaisho won First Prize at the 11th Maurizio Pratola International Early Music Competition in Italy. His 2023 solo recital at Phoenix Hall in Osaka was a landmark success; the sold-out performance received widespread acclaim in leading newspapers and music journals. In recognition of this achievement, he was awarded the 60th Osaka Cultural Festival Encouragement Prize by the Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the Kansai-Osaka 21st Century Association. 

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In 2024, Kaisho embarked on a nationwide recital tour, "DOWLAND," performing in eight cities across Japan to overwhelming acclaim. His subsequent YouTube release of John Dowland’s works drew international attention, surpassing 50,000 views within a short period. 

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Artistic Vision and Innovation 

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Today, Kaisho is recognized as one of the rare soloists dedicated to both the lute and theorbo. A central focus of his current work is the popularization of the theorbo; by commissioning new works from contemporary composers and creating his own arrangements, he is expanding the instrument’s reach into entirely new sonic landscapes and expressive possibilities. 

Kaisho’s influence also extends beyond the classical stage. He served as a lute expert, consultant, and soloist for the soundtrack of "Scarlet" (果てしなきスカーレット), the latest film by renowned director Mamoru Hosoda (Studio Chizu). 

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Recent Achievements 

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The year 2026 marks a significant milestone with the release of his debut album under the Dutch label Brilliant Classics. As the world’s first complete recording of the Fantasias by Giulio Cesare Barbetta, the album has garnered international praise from major radio stations and music magazines, hailed as a vital contribution to music history. 

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Highly regarded for his refined technique, warm tone, and profound musicality, Mikiya Kaisho is considered one of the leading lutenists of his generation. A specialist in Renaissance and Baroque music, he is actively involved in the research of historical performance practices and the rediscovery of forgotten composers. In addition to his solo career, he performs regularly as a continuo player with various Baroque orchestras and ensembles. 

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Kaisho has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and scholarships, including:

 

・60th Osaka Cultural Festival Prize (2023)

・Yao City New Artist Award (2024)

・Trainee of the Japanese Government’s " Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists " (2020-2021)

・Nomura Foundation Scholarship (2020-)

・the Germany Schlarship (2022-2023)

・Rohm Music Foundation Scholarship(2025-2027)