Motoshi Kosako – Musician, Composer, & Holistic Practitioner

A rare fusion of virtuosity, improvisation, and holistic mastery, Motoshi Kosako is more than a world-class harpist—he is an artist whose music and philosophy invite listeners into a space of transformation. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, he bridges worlds—East and West, classical and jazz, structure and flow—creating an experience that is both technically profound and soulfully resonant.

A Unique Musical Journey

Born in Matsuyama, Japan, Motoshi’s path to becoming one of the most innovative jazz harpists in the world was anything but conventional. Educated at Aiko Educational Institution, where the integration of mind, body, and spirit was foundational, he carried this holistic perspective into his studies at Tokyo University, Japan’s top academic institution. With a degree in Health Science and Nursing, he was recruited as a psychiatric public health nurse, poised for a stable career. But instead of following a structured path, he walked away to pursue a life of creative exploration.

From Jazz Guitar to Harp Innovation:

A self-taught musician, Motoshi’s early years were spent mastering rock, jazz, and classical guitar, performing professionally across Japan. His search for deeper artistic expression eventually led him to the harp—a rare instrument in the world of jazz and improvisation. Through years of dedicated practice, he developed a groundbreaking style that merges the technical depth of classical music with the rhythmic and harmonic fluidity of jazz.

His accolades include:

-Principal Harpist of the Stockton Symphony Orchestra (2005-2010)

-Second Place Winner, Lyon & Healy International Jazz & Pop -Harp Competition (2007)

-“Best of Sacramento” Award – “Best Jazz Hound in Tie & Tail” (2007)

-Performances at World Harp Congress, American Harp Society, and international festivals from Brazil to Australia.

-17 Albums of mostly original compositions - Find them here ~ Motoshi Kosako Music

The Way (Do) – Music as a Path of Mastery:

Motoshi’s artistic philosophy is deeply shaped by his training in Bushido, Judo, and the concept of "Do" (The Way). Under the mentorship of Hatsuyuki Hamada, a 7th Dan Kodokan Judo instructor who went on to coach of Japan’s Olympic Women’s Judo Team, he developed a profound understanding of discipline, adaptability, and alignment—not just in movement, but in life.

After choosing to step away from a structured career in his 30's to embrace a more holistic lifestyle—a decision influenced by his own health challenges—he returned to Judo with renewed purpose. He went on to earn his 2nd-degree black belt at the Kodokan in Japan, deepening his understanding of mastery as a lifelong practice. Whether through music, martial arts, or philosophy, his approach is one of intentional growth, resilience, and harmony.

Holistic Living & The Path of Practice:

Beyond music, Motoshi is a dedicated holistic practitioner, integrating meditation, permaculture, and sustainable living into his daily life. He and his wife, Terra, have transformed their 15-acre property into a sustainable farm, embodying the belief that art and life are inseparable. His work explores how creative mastery is best sustained through balance, discipline, and deep connection with nature.

Work with Motoshi Kosako:

Motoshi is available for:

~ Solo & Ensemble Performances – Jazz, classical, improvisational collaborations, and experimental soundscapes.

~ Workshops & Lectures – Exploring the intersection of art, movement, meditation, and holistic living.

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~Mentorship & Coaching – Helping integrate technical mastery with well-being.

JOIN - The Path of Practice Membership Motoshi, with his wife, Terra offers more than just music—he offers a philosophy, a way of being, a practice that nourishes rather than depletes. Whether through performance, teaching, or speaking, his work inspires others to cultivate a path of mastery that is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful.