Michiko Kataoka studied mandolin under Kinuko Hiruma in Tokyo and aimed to be a mandolin soloist.
She won the 1st prize at the 1st All Japan Mandolin Solo-competition in 1968.
In 1969 she has set up the Kataoka Mandolin Institute in Koenji, Tokyo and had her debut recital in Tokyo.
In 1978 she formed “Trio Nuovo”, consists of 2 mandolins and a guitar and the trio had many concerts in Japan and Germany and released CD “SAKURA”.
She was invited to mandolin festivals and training courses as a player and an instructor in Japan, Europe and U.S.A.
In addition to performing as a soloist and a member of ensembles, she is teaching at the Institute and manages pretty home concerts at which players in other field than mandolin perform to learn something from them at her studio.
She is an executive board member of the Japan Mandolin Union.