Kensei Yamaguchi, a prize-winning Japanese pianist, has won the prestigious Monte Carlo Piano Masters award, in a competition of 16 internationally recognized pianists from eight countries.

Prince Rainier III of Monaco awarded $30,000 in prize money to Yamaguchi in a ceremony held in Monte Carlo on Saturday for his rendition of Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto No. 5.

Yamaguchi, 31, a native of Tokyo who currently resides in Berlin, graduated from Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo before going to Germany to pursue graduate studies.

Entry to the Monte Carlo Piano Masters contest is limited to pianists who have won an international award. Yamaguchi won Italy's Senigallia International Piano Contest in 1999.