Born in 1955 in Osaka, Shin-ichi Fukuda started playing the classical guitar at the age of eleven under Tatsuya Saitoh (1942–2006). In 1977 he moved to Paris and continued his music training at the École Normale de la Musique, under Alberto Ponce, continuing his studies at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena with a scholarship, under Oscar Ghiglia from 1980 to 1984.

After obtaining diplomas in Paris and Siena, Fukuda was awarded many important competition prizes, including First Prize in the 23rd Paris International Guitar Competition, organised by Radio France. Since then, for more than 30 years, he has pursued a brilliant concert carrier as a leading guitarist, performing solo recitals, concertos with orchestra, and chamber music in major cities around the world. Fukuda is also a highly gifted and enthusiastic teacher and has trained many pupils who have gone on to gain the highest honours—these include the young Japanese guitarists, Kaori Muraji, Daisuke Suzuki and Yasuji Ohagi, among others

He is a guest professor at Shanghai Conservatory (China), Osaka College of Music, Elisabeth University, Hiroshima, and the Showa Music University.