Kenji Kusakawa enjoys a dynamic and multifaceted career as a sustainable product manager and violinist based in Düsseldorf, Germany, originally from Tokyo. His journey seamlessly intertwines innovation, sustainability, and music, driven by a vision to inspire and create transformative experiences across industries.
Kenji began playing the violin at the age of 4, cultivating his musical talents alongside his academic pursuits. He graduated from the University of Tokyo and its graduate school with a focus on architecture. His career spans diverse fields—from music to technology and entrepreneurship. Kenji has performed at prestigious venues and festivals, including the Berliner Philharmoniker's Project "BePhil," Tokyo Spring Music Festival, Classic Caravan, Candlelight Concerts, Tokyo National Stadium, and in music videos for world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. His accolades include second place in the Virtuoso category at the Osaka International Music Competition 2023 and a gold award in the YouTuber category at the Gunma International Music Competition 2023. He has studied violin under Andres Cardenes and Asa Nakajima and refined his chamber music skills under Nobuo Okada and Sachiko Suda.
Kenji's passion for cross-cultural communication through music was ignited during his participation in the Cabinet Office project "Ship for World Youth," where he discovered the violin's power to transcend language and cultural barriers. This experience continues to influence his mission to connect people through music.
Professionally, Kenji had over 11 years of experience in engineering and product management in Japan's manufacturing industry. At LIXIL Corporation, he led the development of innovative, climate-conscious products, notably inventing the sustainable shower system "SHIN-ON," which he successfully commercialized via crowdfunding and earned the prestigious Good Design Award BEST100. Sponsored by his company, Kenji pursued his MBA at Carnegie Mellon University, strengthening his strategic business acumen and leadership skills.
He currently serves as the concertmaster for Japan's first candlelight orchestra and works as a sustainability major in Takenaka Corporation Europe and a project manager with the internationally acclaimed Bach Collegium Japan. His vision extends to founding a global firm dedicated to developing sustainable and creative products and systems, alongside establishing the world's most innovative music education institution—a space where high-quality live music and entrepreneurship intersect.
Kenji also explores real estate investment to promote sustainable living spaces and foster vibrant communities. His ventures aim to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, leaving a positive impact on society.
With a visionary mindset that bridges tradition and modernity, Kenji Kusakawa is building a future where technology, sustainability, and music exist in perfect harmony.
