Mariko Muranaka

Cello

Mariko performs worldwide and is recognised as the first Japanese solo musician ever to appear on Cirque du Soleil stages.

Larsen Strings for Cello

About Mariko Muranaka

Mariko Muranaka is a Japanese cellist, composer and arranger known for her powerful performances, precise playing and distinctive artistic perspective. Performing on both acoustic and electric cello, she has established an international reputation through major tours, recordings and live productions across classical, cinematic, rock and contemporary genres.

Mariko performs worldwide and is recognised as the first Japanese solo musician ever to appear on Cirque du Soleil stages. Alongside her work as a cellist, she also tours as a violinist and creates her own projects as both composer and performer.

Mariko began studying violin, piano and shamisen at the age of just four, before taking up the cello at eight. She later focused on cello studies and was accepted into Tokyo University of the Arts, one of Japan’s leading music institutions.

During her studies, she worked extensively in classical concerts, musicals, television productions and recording sessions, while also forming the ensemble VanillaMood with fellow students. The group appeared regularly on Japanese national television and released four CD/DVD productions through avex.

In 2012, Mariko released her original solo album Feelin’ the Sky, with the title track selected as an ending theme for Nippon Broadcast’s Nippon Shoku Kikou. The same year, she became the first Japanese ambassador for the German string instrument brand Paesold.

Mariko has appeared as featured soloist on numerous international tours and productions, including Hans Zimmer Live, The World of Hans Zimmer, Andrea Bocelli’s 30th Anniversary Tour, Two Steps From Hell, Madonna’s Madame X Tour, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour and Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity. In 2023 and 2026, she toured Europe with Hans Zimmer as electric cello soloist, performing in sold-out arenas. She also appeared with Two Steps From Hell at the Wacken Open Air festival before an audience of 50,000 people.

In Spring 2024, Mariko performed as acoustic cello soloist on The World of Hans Zimmer: A New Dimension tour across Europe, appearing in 35 concerts in 14 countries. She later continued with the Hans Zimmer Live tours in Dubai and the United States. In Fall 2025 and early 2026, she returned to her role as lead cellist for Hans Zimmer Live: The Next Level European Tour.

Mariko Muranakas career also includes performances with artists and productions such as Adele, Andrea Bocelli, Madonna, Amber Liu and Thomas Rhett, as well as appearances at the Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and NFL Draft events. She has collaborated with numerous orchestras, bands and large-scale productions, combining acoustic and electric cello techniques in performances that span multiple musical genres.

In 2013, Mariko was selected by Cirque du Soleil for Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour, becoming the first Japanese musician chosen for the production. The tour travelled across four continents, 27 countries and 141 cities, reaching more than 3.7 million people worldwide. Following this, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté recommended her for Zumanity in Las Vegas, where she has continued to appear regularly.

Alongside her live performances, Mariko continues to compose, record and release her own music while collaborating with artists across a wide range of musical styles and productions for television, film, games and live shows. Mariko Muranaka performs on Larsen Magnacore Medium. Photo-credits: Mai Sato.