Takashi Shimizu was born in Yokosuka, Japan. He began playing the violin at the age of 6, 3 years later he won the All Japan Student Violin Competition. The same year he made his television debut, playing with the NHK Symphony Orchestra for the wedding celebration of H.I.M. Prince Hitachi. At the age of 17, he gained public attention after winning 3 prizes at National Competitions after which he received a scholarship to study with Jascha Heifetz at the University of Southern California. He also studied with Michèle Auclair and Yfrah Neaman. After winning top prizes at International Competitions such as Jacques Thibaud, Carl Flesch, Granada and the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Takashi played in chamber music with Argerich, Menuhin, For Ts'ong, Gitlis,Gililov et al. He played in a piano trio with Martha Argerich and Misha Misky. Last season he played with orchestras in Japan, Romania, Ukraine, Korea and Italy. Takashi is a member of the faculty of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. This summer he will give master classes at Holland Music Sessions.