Tomomi Johnston began learning the clarinet and saxophone at the age of ten in Japan. During her school years, she was an active member of her school’s concert band, taking part in regular rehearsals and performances. She later graduated from the Faculty of Education at Oita University, where she focused on music education and studied teaching methods in the Japanese school system.

After moving to New Zealand, Tomomi completed a Diploma in Music Performance (LTCL) and continued her classical saxophone studies at the University of Auckland. Her chamber music groups, TrioNique (2017) and Hari Trio (2018), were both finalists in the Auckland Chamber Music Society Prize Competition. She went on to complete an Honours degree with First Class Honours at the University of Waikato and later earned a Master of Music from the University of Auckland.

In 2019, she returned to Japan to give a solo concert and lead workshops and lectures at local schools. In 2025, she visited Japan again, performing at the Embassy of Romania alongside a traditional Romanian instrumentalist.

Tomomi continues to develop her career as a performer, working with leading ensembles such as the Auckland Philharmonia, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, and Manukau Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed at the CANZ Nelson Composers Workshop. With her trio TrioNique (piano, flute, and saxophone), she has toured widely, offering both concerts and educational outreach programmes.

Dedicated to supporting young musicians in Aotearoa, Tomomi mentors students through the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s education programme. She has led workshops across the country, including saxophone and woodwind workshops in Auckland and Whangārei, and school visits in the South Island as part of TrioNique’s outreach tour.

From 2020 to 2025, Tomomi served as President of the New Zealand Saxophone Society, organising workshops, concerts, and events. One highlight was hosting a special performance by world-renowned saxophonist Mr Nobuya Sugawa.