Born in 1939 in Tokushima Prefecture on the Pacific coast.
In his early life he used to bathe in the sea, go back home, lie flat on his back on tatami and the bluish moonlight was shining into the room. He used to hear the restless sea waves pounding the coast. "I felt like my mind and body, filled with sound and light, was healed", he reminisces.
Graduated from Musashino Academia Musicae (vocal music course) where he studied the vocal music, the piano, the classic and modern ballet, he came in contact by chance with the world of flamenco.

Two years after the liberalization of foreign voyage, in 1966 leaves Yokohama port determined not to return to Japan until he became full-fledged flamenco dancer. Makes an oversea journey to Spain by Transsiberian Railway. Putting down new roots in Madrid, he started training at «Amor de Dios»", a legendary flamenco studio.

1967

Registered as a member of National Ballet of Spain, makes a tour to U.S.S.R. on a Hispano-Soviet cultural mission. Goes on a nationwide tour with María Rosa's Company all over Spain.

1968

Is recognized by the singer Rafael Farina and debuts in a long-running performance of Farina's Company in Madrid as the first dancer. Works with the singer Paquera de Jeréz.

1969

Works with the dancer María Martín for a long term.

1970

Organizes and directs some workshops of flamenco in Madrid. His appearance on a Television Espanola's program "Estudio Abierto" familiarizes his name nationwide. Works in the tablaos «Los Gallos» of Seville, «La Taberna Gitana» of Málaga, etc. Inaugurates the tablao «El Embrujo» with Isabel Pantoja.

1971

Is the first and the only Japanese dancer to appear in the memorial ceremony in honor of the late Manolo Caracol celebrated in Utrera. Guest dancer at various prestigious tablaos in Cádiz, Seville and Málaga such as «Los Gallos», «La Cochera», «La Taberna Gitana» or «El Tablao».

1973

Studies Hispanic Literature at the University of Seville. Directs a workshop in Paris. Performed in the welcoming ceremony for the Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and the Crown Princess Michiko held by Royal Family of Spain at Alcazar of Seville.

1974

Works at tablaos in Madrid, Las Palmas and Seville. The Japanese film director Hideo Gosha covers and reports on his life in Seville on Fuji Television program.

1975

Guest choreographer at a Spanish dance company in Paris. Works at the tablao «Villa Rosa» of Madrid.

1976

Returns to Japan. Tours around the country with Noche de Flamenco (Flamenco Night). Holds workshops on flamenco in Paris and Madrid. Choreographer for the Manolita and Rafael Aguilar's Company.

1977

Performs Noche de Flamenco (Flamenco Night) in Tokyo and later in Kanazawa. Holds a workshop in Tokio.

1978

Guest dancer at the 1st Flamenco Festival in Japan. Performs Recital Flamenco (Flamenco Recital) in Tokio with Cristina Hoyos as guest artist.

1979

Guest dancer at the 2nd Flamenco Festival in Japan.

1980

Performs Soy Flamenco (I Am Flamenco). Founds his own studio in Tokyo. Represents La Mujer de Cádiz (The Woman from Cadiz) in October.

1981

Makes a guest appearance on TBS program "The Orchestra has come". Performs Gran Tarde (Great Afternoon).

1982

Gives the first series of spectacles at his own studio. Replays La Mujer de Cádiz.

1983

The second series of specacles at his studio. Performs Viaje al Mundo Flamenco (Journey to the World of Flamenco).

1984

Makes an overseas performance in Manila, the Philippines. Performs Leyenda (Legend) in Tokyo. Replays La Mujer de Cádiz. Performs Aixa.

1985

Represents Noches de Flamenco (Flamenco Nights) with María Luisa Sevilla. Performs Shin-i no homura (Flame of Wrath) in Autumn.

1986

Awarded the Art Festival Prize of the Agency for Cultural Affairs for Shin-i no homura, which also wins the 18th Dance Critics Society of Japan Prize. Tours nationwide with Shoji Kojima y su Mundo Flamenco (Shoji Kojima and his World of Flamenco) in which Ángela Granados makes a guest appearance.

1987

Performs El verano de Andalucía (The Summer of Andalusia).

1988

Replays Shin-i no homura. In Autumn performs Alma de Federico: Amor y Muerte (Soul of Federico: Love and Death).

1989

Performs Primavera (Spring) with Loly Flores. Participates in Ambulant Art Festival of the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

1990

Performs Gitanos: Ley y Amor (Gypsies: Love and Law). Guest dancer in the International Art Festival de Kanagawa. Participates in a tribute concert for Manuel Cano with his performance La Campana de Granada (The Bell of Granada).

1991

Receives Suzuko Kawakami Spanish Dance Prize for Gitanos: Ley y Amor. In February takes part in the the 1st International Symposium of Hitachi City "Shoji Kojima dances in the universe". In August participates in the 2nd Open-Air Art Festival in Manazuru. In September participates in Art Festival of the Agency for Cultural Affairs with Alegría (Joy).

1992

Makes a dance performance inEl Sombrero de Tres Picos with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Naoto Otomo. Represents the first work of the "neo-flamenco trilogy", Sueños Lejanos: Viajero en Busca de la Verdad (Dreaming Far and Away: Pilgrim in Quest of Truth), a commemorative performance for the Spain Year in Japan.

1993

In November performs Neo-flamenco: Le Rêve de Lu Sheng. The next month replays it at the head office of UNESCO in Paris.

1994

Performs Neo-flamenco: Memoria. Takes part in Carmen of Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

1995

In April performs Réquiem. In November replays Neo-flamenco: Memoria subsidized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

1996

In February takes part in the 6th International Symposium "The Life and Beauty in the Space Age" held in Hitachi City. In August participates again in Open-Air Art Festival in Manazuru.

1997

In March takes part in Contemporary Poetry Festival ’97 with the poet Makoto Ooka. In November performs La Vida: la energía y su misterio (The Life: the Energy and its Mistery).

1998

Guest dancer in "Tango in Winter", a commemorative performance for the opening of New National Theatre, Tokyo in February. In November performs Homenaje a García Lorca (Homage to García Lorca).

1999

Awarded the 30th Dance Critics Society of Japan Prize and Dance Art Prize for Homenaje a García Lorca. In November receives Cultural Prize of Tokushima Prefecture. The same month performs Luna (Moon).

2000

Minister of Education Award of Art for Luna. In November performs 1929. Distinguished in December with the Cruz de Oficial de la Reina Isabel (Order of the Queen Isabella in the Grade of Officer), insignia honored by the King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

2001

Invited, in May, to the Festival «Ciutat Vella» of Barcelona where he receives a thnderous ovasion. In June performs Sonidos Negros (Black Sounds). The first flamenco dancer to perform in the remembrance ceremony for Federico Garcia Lorca which is held in every August in Granada. In November performs Fantasía Atlántida.

2002

Awarded the 33th Dance Critics Society of Japan Prize for Sonidos Negros and Fantasía Atlántida, a paean to Manuel de Falla. In May costars with Cristina Hoyos in Encuentro (Encounter), graced with the presence of the Empress and the Prince Takamado along with the ambassadors from 22 countries. In November represents Cuadro Flamenco.

2003

In March performs Sueños (Dreams) in Beijing as part of the memorial event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations, organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. In May performs Plegaria (Prayer). Nominated for the Asahi Performing Arts Awards. Performs at the 14th Guitar Festival of Barcelona. In November represents Un Momento y la Eternidad. Distinguished by His Majesty the Emperor with Medal with Purple Ribbon.

2004

In May 2004 he was a guest dancer in the National Auditorium of South Korea. Performs Adentro (Inside) in June. In August takes part in Himiko: Fantasy of Ancient Times, a hybrid performance of flamenco, ballet and contemporary dance to commemorate the renewal of Tokyo National Museum.

2005

Represents Romance in May. Costars with Yoko Komatsubara in the Flamenco Festival held at Sai-no-Kuni Saitama Arts Theater in September. In December performs El Cant dels Ocells: A Pau Casals (Song of the Birds: for Pau Casals) at Le Theatre Ginza, Tokio. In the same month visited Germany and Portugal to star in Mai: Heike-monogatari (Dances: the Tale of the Heike) performed at the Museum of Musical Instruments of the University of Leipzig (Germany), the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon (Portugal), and Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon which is a Cultural Heritage of all Humanity. It is a governmental project that celebrates EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchange.

2006

In December performs FEDERICO at Haiyuza Theater.

2007

In November performs Poetas en Guerra: Del Amor y la Muerte (Poets in War: from Love and Death) with Javier Latorre as director-choreographer, graced with the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan along with the ambassadors from dozens of contries.

2008

Awarded in April the 39th Dance Critics Society of Japan Prize for his «love and peace trilogy»: El Cant dels Ocells, Federico and Poetas en Guerra.
In May performs Allende Las Fronteras (Cross-borders), which is nominated for the Asahi Performing Arts Awards.
On August 19th and 20th gives a performance Velada del Cante (A Singing Soirée) at his own studio.
On October 24th guest artist for Maria Kawarai's first performance Flamenco in Nagasaki Kofukuji at the Kofuku Temple of Nagasaki.
On November 10th invited to the banquet at the Imperial Palace to welcome His Majesty the King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Her Majesty the Queen Sofía. Invited on the next day to the party held by the King and the Queen to return salutes.

2009

On March 10th honored by King Juan Carlos I of Spain with Encomienda de la Orden del Merito Civil (Order of Civil Merit in the Grade of Commander).
From 27th to 29th of the same month gives a performance at his studio.
On June 14th dedicates his dance to Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism, at Kongōbuji, the Head Temple of Kōyasan, on the eve of the birthday of the monk under the title of Holy Life: a hommage to Kūkai.
From Aug. 26th to Sep. 3th guest dancer for Desnudo vol.3 Shoji Kojima: a Gift of Soul , a production of ARTE Y SOLERA.
On November 3th distinguished with "Person of Cultural Merit 2009" by Japanese Government.
From November 27th to 29th performs La Celestina with Javier Latorre as director-choreographer.
On December 6th celebrates Pasión Flamenca in Mugi, his hometown in Tokushima Prefecture, and receives the People's Honour Award of Mugi.

2010

On January 14th invited to Utakai Hajime, the annual New Year poetic contest held in the Imperial Palace of Japan.
On September 21 helds a duo recital MANO A MANO (Hand in Hand): Shoji Kojima (dance) & Hisaho Asaka (song) Celebrating Together Seventy Years of Age.
On September 23th performs Flamenco Evening With a Full Moon and the Sound of the Sea on the Kojima-no-hama beach in Mugi, Tokushima.
On November 27th holds a charity dinner show Shoji Kojima: An Evening of Flamenco at Awa Kanko Hotel, Tokushima, hosted by The Tokushima Chamber of Commerce & Industry Women's Club.

2011

On February 5th gives a joint performance with Mayumi Kagita and Hiroki Sato's Company to close the first day of HOMENAJE: for Eternal Love, an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of Japan Flamenco Association held at Shinjuku Bunka Center.
On February 27th is invited to the 15th Festival of Jerez with La Celestina at the Teatro Villamarta of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
On March 26th Shikoku Broadcasting airs a documentary TV program "Samurai Flamenco: Jerez Tour of Shoji Kojima".
From November 12th to 14th makes a guest appearance in III Sistine Kabuki Goemon (text & direction: Kazuo Mizuguchi / production: Shochiku), held at Sistine Hall of Otsuka Museum of Art (Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture).
On November 30th presents Requiem, a charity gala to support for reconstruction of the earthquake-affected areas in eastern Japan, at Le Theatre Ginza.
From December 2nd to 4th restages La Celestina at Le Theatre Ginza.

2012

On March 11th performs as a guest dancer in ¡Viva Flamenco!, a project of Tokushima Public Interest Corporation for Cultural Promotion to show support for northeastern Japan (held at Tokushima Civic Cultural Center).
On March 24th and 25th gives a recital Viento de Jerez (Wind from Jerez) at his own studio.
From May 23rd to 26th participates as a special guest in the Festival Ciutat Flamenco of Barcelona. On 23rd is a guest dance in the concert Una Leyenda del Tiempo (A Leyend of Time). On 26th gives an experimental spectacle in collaboration with Frederic Amat. These two performances were held at the Mercat de les Flores.
On August 27th receives the XXXII Nimura Dance Prize.
On September 28th is invited to the XVII Bienal de Sevilla with La Celestina at the Teatro Maestranza de Sevilla.
On October 27th participates in Cumbre Flamenca en Japón (Flamenco Summit in Japan) held at Instituto Cervantes of Tokyo.
On October 28th gives a recital Requiem II at his own studio in collaboration with Chicuelo and El Londro.
On October 30th gives a charity recital Todo sobre el flamenco (All about flamenco) to suppor for reconstruction of the earthquake-affected areas in eastern Japan, held at Tokushima Civic Center Hall with Chicuelo and El Londro.
On November 1st gives the same recital at Kurashiki City.
On November 18th participates in Flamenco in Mugi, as a part of the XXVII National Culture Festival of Mugi held at Mugi Marine Center.
On November 23rd participates with Tamara López and Cristian Lozano in the World Dance Festival, held at Asty Tokushima as a part of National Culture Festival of Mugi.

2013

On April 8th is awarded the Grand Prize «Tokushima's Image Enhancement» of Tokushima Prefecture.
On June 11th participates as a guest artist in the opening ceremony to celebrate Japan year in Spain held at Teatro Real of Madrid.
On June 16th appears for the first time on stage of World Theatre Festival Shizuoka under Mt. Fuji with Between Life and Death: a tribute to the soul of Federico.
On November 29th produces and performs the world premiere of FATUM!: LA FUERZA DEL DESTINO at Gran Teatro de Córdoba to celebrate the quatercentenary of Spain-Japan exchanges and the bicentenary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth.

2014

On February 21st marks the opening of the 18th Festival de Jerez with FATUM!: LA FUERZA DEL DESTINO at Teatro Villamarta in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
From June 4th to 6th is the guest dancer for Desnudo vol.13 Shoji Kojima: a Gift of Soul, a production of ARTE Y SOLERA.
On July 31th Embassy of Japan in Spain recognizes the Company of Flamenco Kojima Latorre's contributions to the quatercentenary of Spain-Japan exchanges event.
On September 29th accepts the certification of "Amigo de la Marca España (Friend of Spain Bland)" accreditted by Spanish Government and attends the accreditation ceremony held at Instituto Cervantes of Tokyo.
On November 9th presents Anhelo de la vida (Longing for life) at Awagin Hall (Tokushima Arts Foundation for Culture), performed as part of 16th Cultural Festival of Tokushima Prefecture.
On November 14th and 15th makes a guest appearance on Puntos y Líneas (Points and line), a production of AMI Flamenco Estudio and Tornillo.
From November 18th to 21st hosts a workshop at the instance of Alan Lucien Øyen, director of the Norwegian company winter guests, in the Festival les Boréales at Centre Choréographique National de Caen (CCNCBN), France. On the last day has a public rehearsal of Simulacra with Daniel Proietto following the choreography of Øyen.

2015

On April 4th participates in III Cumbre Flamenca de Japón at Instituto Cervantes of Tokyo.
On May 6th, performs Between welkin and sea at Kondō of Danjō Garan of Kongōbuji, the headquarters of Kōyasan shingon Buddhism, to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of the foundation of the monastery in Kōyasan.

2016

On March 2nd participates in XX Festival de Jerez with A este chino no le canto at Teatro Villamara of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
On March 3rd is honored by Jerez de la Frontera City, Spain, for his devotion to promotion of flamenco over the years, and is designated goodwill ambassador of Jerez to Japan.
From October 13th to 15th performs with Daniel Proietto in Simulacrum, under the direction of Alan Lucien Øyen, in Oslo Opera House, Norway.
On November 23th performs in Hasekura Tsunenaga Sanka(A Hymn to Tsunenaga Hasekura) as part of Japan-Spain Cultural Exchange Festival 2016 held in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.

2017

From April 18th to 20th participates in CounterCurrent Festival with Simulacrum at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, University of Houston, United States of America.
On November 7th and 8th participates in the 3rd Biennale of Flamenco Art with Simulacrum at Théâtre National de la Danse Chaillot, Paris, France.

2018

On February 27th participates in the 22nd Festival of Jerez as a special collaborator and guest artist of Flamenconautas with Vamo' Allá at Teatro Villamarta.
On May 3rd and 4th participates in the World Theatre Festival Shizuoka with Simulacrum at Shizuoka Arts Theatre.
From May 23rd to 27th plays the role of Destiny in the flamenco musical Macbeth: the man who killed his sleep, written, directed and choreographed by Haruka Ueda, at THEATRE 1010 of Tokio.
On August 24th participates in the 51st Fiesta de la Bulería "Jerez con Japón" held in Alameda Vieja, Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain.
From October 11th to 13th performs again Eco at Teatro Valle-Inclán of Madrid (premiered in Barcelona in 2012). The versatile artist Frederic Amat executes live painting during the performance.
On November 6th receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star from Japanese government.
On November 12th and 13th participates with Simulacrum in GIFT Festival (Georgian Internacional Festival of Arts) in Tbilisi.
On December 2nd choreographs Viva, Flamenco! for his pupils of Tokushima, staged at Tokushima Civic Cultural Center.

2019

On October 18th and 19th participates with Simulacrum in TROQUE, at Fleck Dance Theatre (Harbourfront Centre) of Toront, Canada.
On November 9th participates in the gala Javier Latorre, 50 Años en Danza at the Gran Teatro of Córdoba, Spain.

2020

On February 25th participates in the 24th Festival de Jerez performing the world premiere of Lorca x Bach at the Teatro Villamarta de Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

2022

From May 23rd to 29th offers online the special talk Welcoming flamenco dancer Shoji Kojima organized by the El Sur Foundation. The interviewer is Kyoko Shikaze. In the second part dances soleá.
From August 17th to 19th performs in Desnudo Flamenco Live vol.18 Shoji Kojima: a Gift of Soul, a production of ARTE Y SOLERA, at the MUSICASA hall in Tokyo.