Hidemi Okubo is a highly experienced piano technician and a leading figure in Kawai’s international artist relations. He currently serves as Deputy Director of the Shigeru Kawai Piano R&D Laboratory within Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.’s Piano Division, while also serving as Director of the Global Artist Relations Division. Since joining Kawai in 1993, Okubo has devoted more than three decades to the art and science of piano tuning and technical preparation. In 2000, Okubo was selected for Kawai’s overseas piano technician training program and undertook advanced training in Europe, primarily in Germany and Italy. Following his appointment to the Shigeru Kawai Piano R&D Laboratory in 2002, he began working extensively with internationally renowned pianists and at major international piano competitions. Since around 2004, he has served as a main piano technician at major international piano competitions. At the 10th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in 2018, he served as the main piano technician and supported Can Çakmur, who selected the Kawai SK-EX, in his First Prize-winning performance. At the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition in 2021, Okubo served as a main piano technician and supported Alexander Gadjiev, who was awarded Second Prize, and JJ Jun Li Bui, who received Sixth Prize. At the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition in 2025, he again served as a main piano technician, supporting Zitong Wang, who was awarded Third Prize, as well as Vincent Ong and Piotr Alexewicz, who both received Fifth Prize. Through his extensive experience at the world’s leading piano competitions and his close collaboration with internationally renowned pianists, Okubo has developed a unique understanding of the relationship between the pianist, the instrument, and musical expression. In his current role in Global Artist Relations, he continues to build and strengthen relationships between Kawai and leading artists around the world.