The Moment Sound Resides: Classical Guitar Luthier Satoshi Kimijima Holds Special Lecture on Instrument Structure Theory on July 2, 2026

Classical Guitar Luthier Satoshi Kimijima

On July 2, 2026 (Thursday), Osaka College of Music (Toyonaka, Osaka; President: Yuki Morimoto) will host a special lecture, 'Instrument Structure Theory,' featuring classical guitar luthier Satoshi Kimijima. This rare opportunity will delve into how classical guitars generate 'sound' from three angles: structure, materials, and acoustic theory.

Classical guitars are unique among instruments in the wide variety of woods used, where the choice of material directly determines the individual characteristics of the tone. However, opportunities for luthiers to systematically speak to students about the 'source of sound' are rare.

Mr. Kimijima is a highly trusted luthier by performers both in Japan and abroad. His grandfather was Ken Kohno (1926–1998), a builder who shaped the Japanese classical guitar scene. After graduating from the Musashi Institute of Technology (now Tokyo City University) with a degree in Systems Information Engineering, he joined Kohno Guitar Manufacturing and studied under Masaki Sakurai (1944–2025), Kohno's nephew and successor.

Currently, he is highly acclaimed for his craftsmanship, which blends traditional methods with innovative techniques. He is also taking on new challenges, such as launching a brand focused on guitars made exclusively with Japanese timber.

Jiro Onishi, a lecturer in the Guitar/Mandolin major, commented on this lecture:

'It is an extremely valuable opportunity for students to learn directly from a luthier who understands both traditional methods and innovative techniques, and who has witnessed the Japanese guitar scene up close. Classical guitars use many types of wood, and those differences create individual tonal characteristics. Understanding the "source of sound" will be a great learning experience for students.'

On the day, a side-by-side performance of guitars by Mr. Kimijima and Masaki Sakurai is planned. The session will demonstrate how wood, structure, and acoustic theory shape 'sound.' Mr. Onishi stated, 'I want students to feel the artistic value inherent in the instrument itself through direct dialogue with the luthier. This knowledge will surely be useful when they choose their own instruments in the future or when they guide their own students in selecting instruments.'

Deepening understanding of 'how sound is born,' in addition to performance techniques, is expected to greatly expand students' musical expression. The lecture offers rich content on insights from the production floor, wood expertise, and philosophies of sound making, suitable for coverage in cultural, educational, and professional publications.

Special Lecture Content

Reality of the Guitar Making Process

An introduction to the entire process of completing a single guitar, incorporating the luthier's own experiences and philosophy.

'Tonal Individuality' Determined by Wood

Explanations, with demonstrations, of how the structure and quality of wood affect sound.

Sound Creation Theory

How acoustic theory and artisan sensibility combine to shape the 'voice' of a single instrument.

Guitar Major's Initiatives for This Year

To foster students' proactive planning and practical skills, the following activities are planned:

- June 7 (Sun): Off-campus event 'Guitar Ensemble Performance' - August 29 (Sat) - 30 (Sun): 'Osaka Guitar Summer' Masterclass Participation - December 10 (Thu): Millennium Hall Recital

Special Lecture Overview

Date: July 2, 2026 (Thursday), 15:15–16:45 Target: Guitar/Mandolin majors (internal attendance only) Lecturer: Mr. Satoshi Kimijima (Kohno Guitar Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

Lecturer Profile: Inspired by his grandfather, Ken Kohno, he joined Kohno Guitar Manufacturing. He honed his craft under Masaki Sakurai. Following Ken Kohno's motto, 'I have tried everything I have thought of,' he repeats experiments and prototyping to understand guitar sound creation. His self-made instruments were recognized by Sakurai, and in 2021, he began his career as an independent luthier. Inheriting the research and experience of Ken Kohno and Masaki Sakurai, he is dedicated not only to maintaining the quality of guitars but also to embracing new technologies and developing new models.

About Osaka College of Music

Celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2025, Osaka College of Music is the only single-subject music university in the Kansai region. Under the slogan 'Work through music' and 'Building strong musical people from here,' the university has established new majors beyond traditional classical musician training, focusing on creators, producers, and music engineers. With 14 university majors and 12 junior college courses (as of April 2026), it is a comprehensive music university responding promptly to the needs of the era.