Susumu YOSHIDA was born in Tokyo on 23 December 1947. After a degree in political economy at Keio University (Tokyo), he studied with Tomojiro Ikenouchi, honorary professor at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He settled in France in 1972, studying in Paris with Jean-Claude Henry and Roger Boutry at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique where he was awarded first prize in counterpoint and second prize in harmony.

In 1976 he continued his studies in the composition classes of Olivier Messiaen, Betsy Jolas and Ivo Malec where he was also awarded first prize. Many of his works have been commissions from the French State, the Paris National Opera, Radio France, Saar Radio and the Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Performed regularly throughout Europe and Japan by leading orchestras and ensembles, they are published by Editions Durand and Gérard Billaudot, éditeur. Resident composer at the Scène Nationale de Quimper (2007-2008) and at the Conservatoire d’Aix-en-Provence (2009-2010).