Kim's Piano
Authorized Dealer

Shigeru Kawai

Shigeru Kawai pianos are one of the most highly respected, and secretive pianos in the world. Many people have heard of them, but few actually know what they are, or where they come from.

6 pianos
Hand-Picked

Featured Shigeru Kawai Models

The Maker

About Shigeru Kawai

Shigeru Kawai pianos are one of the most highly respected, and secretive pianos in the world. Many people have heard of them, but few actually know what they are, or where they come from. Firstly, the piano is a descendent of the Kawai Corporation, a company that is known primarily for building reliable, mid-range, institutional and home pianos. But it is far from a fancied-up Kawai. The Shigeru project was a special division of Kawai which was created back in the 1970’s by then-president Shigeru Kawai. It wasn’t at that time labelled the “shigeru” project, but simply S. Kawai. The goal of the project was to design and build Japan’s first and foremost world-class concert grand piano. Each piano is hand-made.

A Shigeru piano is much more than the intelligent application of material, labor and design. It is an art form born not from the head, but from the heart. Thus, the craftsman does far more than simply “build” it—he brings it to life.

The sensitive nurturing of every part, every joint, every subtle nuance vests each piano with an intangible quality—a soul—that lives on from generation to generation. And those who own a Shigeru piano know that they possess not merely an instrument, but a partner in the musical pursuit of dreams.

Craftsmanship

Inside a Shigeru Kawai

Close-up of a Steinway & Sons piano interior with strings and label.
Close-up of curved wooden slats forming a modern architectural design.
Close-up of hand carving patterned wood with a chisel.
Close-up of piano strings and tuning pins inside the instrument.
Close-up of piano strings and internal mechanics inside a grand piano.
A man playing a grand piano, viewed from behind.
Close-up of piano strings and tuning pins with red felt dampers.
Grand piano on stage in a large, architecturally intricate concert hall.
Elegant black grand piano with open lid and golden accents.
A grand piano with its lid open, showcasing its strings and hammers.
Watch

Shigeru Kawai on Film

Shigeru Kawai - Evolving The Piano
"Introducing" the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX | Grieg | Episode 2
"Introducing" the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX | Haydn | Episode 3
"Introducing" the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX | Debussy | Episode 4
In Their Own Words

Pianists on Shigeru Kawai

"My Shigeru SK-7 has given me a whole new level of expression, control, tone and clarity that I never dreamed was possible. I am undoubtedly a better composer and performer because of this world class instrument."
Joe Bongiorno
“I insist on a Shigeru Kawai for my recordings, my concerts and my home. It is the only piano I want to hear my music played on.”
Adrian Farrugia
"Ever since I played a Shigeru Kawai piano for the first time years ago, I've dreamed of owning one - and now I do. Some dreams really do come true."
David Lanz