Midori was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1971 and learned to play the violin from her mother, Setsu Goto. In 1982, when Zubin Mehta first heard her play, he was so impressed that he invited her to be a surprise guest soloist for the New York Philharmonic's annual New Year's Eve concert. That night, she received a standing ovation, which helped her to decide to make music her lifetime career.

Her violin is a 1734 Guarnerius del Gesu "ex-Huberman," which is on a lifetime loan to her from the Hayashibara Foundation.

Ten years ago, Midori started her non-profit organization, Midori & Friends, which brings free music instruction programs throughout the school year to thousands of children who need them. Midori has also founded a similar organization in Japan, sponsoring programs for school children, teenagers, and children in hospitals.

She recently created a unique series of concerts called "Total Experience," based on the Japanese idea of kizuna, or "human interconnectedness." These appearances were in small towns all over Japan, and involved experimentation with thematic concepts and proactive audience participation.

Midori's commitment to education extends beyond her foundation to her work with young violinists in master classes all over the world. This is in addition to lessons with students at the Manhattan School of Music, where Midori became a member of the violin faculty in 2001.

Midori's unique talents and lively personality have brought her wide recognition in the media. Her television appearances have ranged from the 1992 Winter Olympic Games telecast and several CNN programs to CBS Sunday Morning, A&E's Breakfast with the Arts, Sesame Street and The Tonight Show.

Midori lives in New York City with her two dogs, Franzie (after Franz Joseph Haydn) and Willa (after Willa Cather, one of Midori's favorite writers). In 2000, she graduated from New York University, with a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies, graduating with the highest honors, magna cum laude. She is now working on her Masters degree. In her spare time, Midori likes hanging out with her younger brother, reading, and attending the theater.