We recently connected with Yuuki Hashimori and have shared our conversation below.
Yuuki, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Let’s see. For example, if I have a six-hour practice session, I try to use both my mind and body effectively. Instead of practicing non-stop for six hours, I aim to focus intensely for about three hours and then spend the other three doing different activities. During that time, I make a point of doing nothing and letting myself daydream, reflect on my thoughts, and soak in new experiences. I visit museums or go to concerts to get fresh inspiration, listen to all kinds of music (not just classical), and sometimes I even practice without my instrument by just reading sheet music. I also try to engage with things I wouldn’t normally be into and meet new people whenever I can. I focus on staying open to change and embracing new experiences.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I received my first violin as a birthday gift when I turned three and began taking lessons soon after. By the age of 11, I had earned a scholarship to study at the Cologne University of Music, making me the youngest scholarship student at the time.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to win numerous awards, including first place in several prestigious competitions such as the Japan Classical Music Competition, the Japan Music Competition for Young People, the 13th Oikawa Production Audition (where I also won the Best New Artist Award), and the CCPA Concerto Competition, among many others.
I’ve had the honor of performing as a soloist with renowned orchestras, including the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo New Philharmonic Orchestra, and the NHK Symphony Orchestra. I’ve also had the privilege of touring with world-famous artists such as Sarah Brightman and IL DIVO, and I’ve ventured into cross-genre projects, including recording with YOSHIKI from X JAPAN.
My performances have been featured in newspapers and on television, and I’ve been fortunate to perform internationally. Notably, I was invited to give a recital tour in Bogotá, Colombia, by the National University of Los Andes, and I’ve also performed at the Latin Grammy Awards in the U.S., sharing the stage with Carlos Santana and Ricky Martin. I’ve had the opportunity to perform across Germany, France, Switzerland, Russia, the U.S., Japan, and many other places.
In 2014, I made my solo debut CD on Octavia Records with my album Grand Waltz. Beyond my musical career, I am deeply committed to charity work. I’ve raised funds for various causes, including a school in Benin, South Africa, through “Charity Concerts for Benin’s Children” held five times in Japan and once in Germany. I’ve also raised money for orphanages in Japan and performed at the Saitama City Memorial Service for War Dead in 2020 and 2021. When a major earthquake hit Japan last year, I performed at a Noto Earthquake Benefit Concert in the U.S. and donated all the proceeds.
Since 2019, I’ve served as the concertmistress for the Aile Symphonic Orchestra, where I lead innovative projects, such as collaborating with world-renowned designer Junko Koshino on costumes and premiering compositions created by artificial intelligence (AI). Our performance received a nomination for the prestigious Hakura Award, which recognizes cutting-edge creative works, and we won the 8th Encouragement Award in 2024.
Currently, I split my time between the United States and Japan, where I’m active as a solo performer, concertmistress, and recording artist. I also serve as a judge for music competitions and mentor the next generation of musicians at my studios in both countries. Additionally, I teach at the Super Soloists Academy by Nippon Violin Co., Ltd. in Japan, helping young talents find their path. In 2024, I was honored to receive the Outstanding Educator Award at the Special Venue Music Award International Competition.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
A strong work ethic
Entrepreneurial mindset
Proficiency in languages
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I think the most impactful thing my parents did for me was letting me study abroad in Germany when I was just 11, especially at a time before smartphones and the internet were as widespread as they are now. Now that I have a child of my own, I can only imagine how difficult and nerve-wracking it must have been for them to send me so far away. It wasn’t an easy decision, but they believed in me, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. In addition to supporting my studies in Germany, they also encouraged me to attend concerts around the world, including in Russia at that time, and later, a concert tour in Colombia during my university years, even though both countries weren’t particularly stable. I really appreciate how they never made these big decisions feel too overwhelming, which allowed me to follow my passions without anxiety.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yuukihashimori.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/yuuki_hashimori
- Twitter: http://x.com/yuuki_hashimori
Image Credits
Junichiro Matsuo
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