Kobe International
Flute Competition

神戸国際フルートコンクール

Established in 1985 and held every four years, the Kobe International Flute Competition (KIFC) is committed to providing young promising flutists from around the world the opportunity to launch an international career while enhancing international cultural exchanges and friendships through music. In addition, the KIFC aims to promote cultural enrichment of our community in Kobe through music. The KIFC is one of the rare competitions in the world dedicated solely to flute, becoming the first Japanese member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions in 1987.

In 1985, the KIFC started as a cultural event on the occasion of the Universiade, a sports extravaganza held in Kobe for students from international universities. Since then, the KIFC has grown continuously without interruption, even after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake hit the city of Kobe in 1995. Today, the KIFC is highly valued as a competition that produces many flutists currently at the forefront of international stages.

More than three decades have passed since its establishment, the KIFC has reached a transitional period. At the 9th KIFC in 2017, the competition was held with great support from Kobe citizens and admirers of music all over the world, even though the KIFC was in danger of suspending its opening.

To pass this competition down to the next generation, the KIFC—a competition loved by more than ever before—would like to further contribute to the promotion of music culture, international friendship, and Kobe’s prosperity by aiming high and coping with changing times.