Gunnar Jinmei Linder began studying shakuhachi in Japan in 1985 with Yamaguchi Goro (designated Living National Treasure). He obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree as a soloist from Tokyo University of the Arts 1997, and was awarded shihan and the name Jinmei from Yamaguchi in 1998. Linder performed and taught professionally in Japan for twenty years before returning to his native Sweden. He now performs and teaches regularly throughout Europe.
Linder holds a PhD in Japanology and is working as Associate Professor (Docent) in Japanese Studies at Stockholm University where he is actively conducting research, for example: Notes on Kinko-ryu Shakuhachi Honkyoku (2011); Deconstructing Tradition in Japanese Music (PhD diss., 2012); Jiuta Sokyoku Lyrics and Explanations (with Christopher Yohmei Blasdel, 2024). In cooperation with Kiku Day, he is presently working on an anthology on the shakuhachi. He has also made numerous recordings, and teaches at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm when a shakuhachi teacher is required.
In 2016 Linder was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, and in 2025 he received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his academic and artistic activities and promotion of Japanese culture.