Kozo Tate’s international career started in 1976 as he moved to Europe to study with Alberto Ponce and as an honour student in the Musica en Compostela under the tutelage of Jose Tomas as well as with Oscar Ghiglia and Narciso Yepes.

The previous year he was awarded with the first prize at the 18th International Guitar Competition organized by the Japan Federation of Guitarists, the Ministry of Education Award as well as the Cup which was awarded by the Spanish Ambassador.

After he returned to Japan in 1978, he has been performing worldwide and in collaboration with prestigious artists and orchestras such as flutist Alain Marion, niko player Jien Hua, Yves Storms, the American Club Orchestra, the Tokyo City Philharmonic.

Throughout the years, apart from his appearances in festivals such as Saigon International Guitar Festival, Comarca el Condado, Guitar across Styles, Alma International Guitar Festival, his international career allowed him to perform in New Zealand, Vietnam, Russia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain.