Yuka Asahara

Yuka Asahara was born in Tokyo. She began playing oboe at 10 years old. After studying instrumental music at Tokyo University of the Arts, she completed a master's course in music at the same university. So far, she has studied oboe under Itsuko Sanada, Akiko Ikeda, Hitoshi Wakui, Yoshiaki Obata, and Seiki Aoyama. Her awards include 2nd place in the 12th International Oboe Competition, Tokyo (highest place), as well as many others. As a soloist she has played with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Chiba Symphony Orchestra, Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra, and the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra. Since working as a contracted principal player in the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and performing with the Chiba Symphony Orchestra, she is now part of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra as principle second. In addition to her orchestral work, she is also an incredibly active in chamber music and as a soloist. She is a core member of the Japan National Orchestra, led by Kyohei Sorita.