Ken'ichi Masakado

Graduated from Musashino Academia Musicae (Musicology). In 1998, he was selected for the 9th Asahi Composition Award (wind band music). April 2003-December 2005, Music Director of Kitakyushu City Fire Department Band. From January 2006 to March 2017, he was music director of the Oita Prefectural Police Band. In 2008, he produced the ceremonial music for the National Athletic Meet and other events, and conducted the ceremonial music corps.
He has composed many works for wind band and wind instruments, including the march "Emblems" (a test piece for the 1999 All Japan Brass Band Competition). His works have been performed not only in Japan but also in the United States and other countries. In addition to composing and arranging, he also serves as a judge for competitions, conducts research, and writes.

2021: "Shining Soul 4" won 2nd place in the Concert March category at the 6th International March Composition Competition in Allumiere, Italy.
2021: "Sonata Mecanica" and "Pilgrimage: Spring" won the Gold Award in the Composition (Professional) category at the Trinity International Music Competition.
2023: "Shining Soul 3" won 1st place overall at the 7th International March Composition Competition in Allumiere, Italy.
2026: "Sinfonietta Rosarium" won the Platinum Award (scoring 95 out of 100 points) at the Trinity International Music Competition.

The interview article on Wind Band Press is here (it has a multilingual plugin so anyone can read it)
https://windbandpress.net/11655