The performer's rendition, presented at the fully-booked Teatro Infanta Leonor in Jaén, was deemed the best by the jury, chaired by a renowned Barcelona-based pianist. His interpretation of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, earned him the first prize.
The award, which includes 20,000 euros, a Gold Medal, a diploma, and a five-concert tour, was presented by the head of Culture and Sports for the Provincial Council. This victory makes the pianist the fifth musician from his country to be listed in the competition's honor roll, succeeding last year's winner.
“"This performer's act was, in the jury's opinion, the best of those presented by the three musicians who competed in this final."
The second prize, worth 12,000 euros, went to an Italian performer, while the third prize, valued at 10,000 euros, was awarded to another Japanese pianist. Both performed notable works by Beethoven and Sergei Rachmaninov, respectively.
In addition to the main awards, special prizes were also granted. The first prize winner also received the romantic music award, endowed with 8,000 euros. The chamber music award, also 8,000 euros, went to the second Japanese pianist, who also won the audience's favor with 52% of the votes.
Other recognitions included the “Rosa Sabater” award for the best interpretation of Spanish music, with 6,000 euros, which went to an Israeli performer, and the Contemporary Music Prize, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, also 6,000 euros, awarded to a French musician for his interpretation of the commissioned work ‘Tres morillas m’enamoran’, by a Sevillian composer.
The 67th edition of this piano competition, which distributed a total of 70,000 euros in prizes, took place in Jaén from April 9 to 18, 2026, featuring 48 musicians from 13 countries and four continents.
