Profile — English
Haruyo Kimura
Erhu Player
Erhu Player / Singer / Event Producer｜Kobe, Japan
About
Haruyo Kimura is one of the few Japanese professional erhu players, born and raised in Kobe, Japan. The erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument from China — often called the “Chinese violin” — celebrated for its ability to sing with a voice-like expressiveness. Haruyo brings out this quality with rare depth and artistry.
Having participated twice in the Erhu Master Class Summer Program at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and studied under leading performers and educators in both China and Japan, she has built a technical foundation of the highest order. Yet it is her freedom — her refusal to be confined by the stereotype of the erhu as a “Chinese instrument” — that has earned her the description: “Kimura Haruyo: a genre unto herself.”
Her repertoire spans Chinese classical pieces, Western classical, jazz, J-pop, rock, enka, and folk songs. Her performances are distinguished not only by her extraordinary tone and expressiveness, but also by her carefully crafted costumes, hair, and stage presence — and an MC style that is both witty and warmly accessible. She has been described as “the DIVA of the erhu world.”
Recognition
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Cultural Figures List
Registered on the official list maintained by Japanese diplomatic missions worldwide, used as a reference when planning cultural exchange events at overseas embassies and consulates. Nominated by the Consulate-General of Japan in Bengaluru in recognition of her diplomatic and cultural performances in India.
Japan Embassy Delhi — “Japan Calling” Magazine
Featured in the official publication of the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi. Her performances in India were also covered by major Indian newspapers including The Hindu, Deccan Herald, and Deccan Chronicle.
Erhu no Tomo — Chinese Erhu Specialty Magazine
Selected as one of ten Japanese erhu players “Supporting the New Phase of Erhu in Japan.” The only professional performer among the ten who works exclusively as a performing artist — with no teaching role.
Selected Performances
| 2025 | Osaka-Kansai Expo — Event Stage Performance |
| 2023 | Sun TV “KOBE LIFE” — 30-minute documentary (narrated by Mirai Moriyama) |
| 2021 | Agency for Cultural Affairs AFF-supported event: “Sennen Koiuta ~A World Woven by Erhu and Art~” — organized and performed |
| 2019 | Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race — Official Opening Ceremony and Awards Ceremony |
| 2018 | Mysore Dasara — Main stage of South India’s largest festival, audience of over 3,000 |
| 2018 | Bangalore International Arts Festival (India) |
| 2017 | Rotary Club, Bengaluru (India) — Invited Performance |
| 2016 | Koyasan Kongobuji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — Dedicatory Concert |
| 2016 | Consulate-General of Japan in Bengaluru — New Year Reception |
| 2016 | Invest Karnataka 2016 — Karnataka State Government International Economic Forum |
| 2014 | National Gallery of Modern Art, India |
Prestige Venues
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka / Marriott Hotel Tokyo / Hotel Okura Kobe / Meiji Kinenkan Tokyo / Hachifuen Tokyo / Cruise Ship Asuka II / Koyasan Kongobuji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage) / Hyogo Prefectural Hall
Discography
| 2023 | Sennen Koiuta — Love You for a Thousand More (with Tomonori Adachi) |
| 2018 | DIVA II — Covers (recorded live in a temple hall and concert venue) |
| DIVA — Utahime (original compositions) | |
| Niko-Uta and others — available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more |
More
Press Coverage
YouTube Channel
日本語プロフィール
Instrument and maintenance generously provided by Japanese erhu maker Kazuhiro Nishino (Koshundo).