Editors Note:

Through this Celebrity Interview, readers will gain insight into the start of the KORG FISA SUPREMA project – how the concept evolved from initial discussions and ideas into a cutting-edge technological instrument, designed with intuitive features and advanced options to accommodate accordionists of all skill levels. This Celebrity Interview also includes links to previously published accordion history of Fati Fehmiju and Luigi Bruti. https://www.fatifehmiju.com/ and https://accordions.com/interviews/bruti/bruti2.htm

Link to Chapter 2, Link to Chapter 3

CHAPTER 1: The Team Behind the Vision

Q.  Why did KORG decide to develop a digital accordion and enter the accordion world?

Fati Fehmiju: One of KORG’s co-founders, Mr. Tadashi Osanai, was an accordion player. Creating a digital accordion was his long-time dream. He attempted it several times during his career, but due to technological limitations at the time, he wasn’t able to realize it.

After his passing, to my knowledge, it seems there may have been an internal project aimed at developing an accordion. However, that project was ultimately not brought to completion.

This current project holds deep meaning for us. Thanks to the vision and support of our former president, Mr. Seiki Kato – who sadly passed away in the spring of 2025 – we were able to move forward. President Kato strongly wished to realize this dream in memory of Mr. Osanai.

We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to bring this instrument to life during our time. Moving forward, we’re committed to supporting and growing the accordion world. For us, the accordion is not just an instrument—it’s a culture and a great passion.

Q.  How did you first become involved with the KORG FISA SUPREMA development project?

Luigi Bruti: It all started at NAMM 2020, the music trade show in Los Angeles – just before the world was about to change with the pandemic. I was there for the presentation of some new digital pianos by DEXIBELL, the brand I still represent today.

During the event, our Sales Director, Fulvio Pesenti – formerly of Korg Italy – was visited by Mr. Seiki Kato, President of Korg Japan. The two had known each other for years, and a casual coffee break turned into something more when Mr. Kato asked if Luigi Bruti was still working at DEXIBELL. He remembered me from my past as both a performing accordionist and the developer of a successful earlier digital accordion.

Shortly after, we were introduced, and Mr. Kato immediately asked me if I’d be interested in developing a next-generation digital accordion for Korg. That conversation planted the seed for what would become an exciting joint venture between DEXIBELL and KORG – Italy and Japan – leading to the creation of a dedicated accordion development team.

Three years later, that vision became a reality with the launch of the KORG FISA SUPREMA.

Fati Fehmiju: My journey began in 2019 when I joined the company. During the interview process, I performed on both the accordion and violin. Later on, I was invited to participate in an accordion sampling session at the company. During that session, several members of the administration approached me, saying, “You have to create an accordion – our co-founder, Osanai Tadashi, was an accordion player, and developing a digital accordion was his dream.“

As Luigi mentioned, following NAMM 2020, a member of the administration came to me and said, “Together with Italy, we’re going to launch the FISA Project. You’ll lead the Japanese side, and Luigi will lead the Italian side. We’ll be having an online meeting soon.”

Shortly after our first meeting – by then, the pandemic had already begun to impact our lives – we naturally began working together on this beautiful instrument. Thanks to the accordion, even at a distance, we were able to build strong connections and a meaningful partnership. Through that collaboration, the project became a reality.

Q.  Were you involved in the initial design team selection?

Luigi Bruti: Yes, I selected the Italian team, choosing people with the most experience in designing this type of musical instrument. I was also hoping we could find a counterpart in Japan with expertise in the accordion. It’s not usually easy, as it can be quite difficult to find people with a deep knowledge of the instrument – but we were fortunate to meet Fati from Korg Japan, who is both an accordionist and a true enthusiast of the instrument.

Fati Fehmiju: From the Japanese side, I took on a central role in development and coordination. While I led much of the day-to-day design, I was supported by a range of colleagues and departments, especially during key phases such as compliance, quality control, and administrative processes.

In total, there were 11 of us involved in the project. I was fortunate to have Luigi as my counterpart in Italy. From the very beginning, it felt as though we had been working together for over 40 years. It was our shared passion for the accordion that helped us build such a strong connection. I’m also deeply grateful to all the team members for their support and advice throughout The Journey.

As a young developer, I learned so much from Luigi and his wealth of experience during the development process. Our collaboration often felt like that of a teacher and student – yet we each had our own direction and motivation, which made the partnership dynamic and inspiring.

One of the greatest aspects of this project was the freedom I had. I was truly lucky in that sense. The entire FISA Team was completely focused and motivated to create the best digital accordion ever – together.

Link to Chapter 2, Link to Chapter 3