Born in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Mai Nakase graduated from Tokyo College of Music and completed her master's degree at Graduation School of Tokyo College of Music. She moved to London in 2021, studying with Noriko Ogawa and Ronan O'Hora at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She completed her Masters of Performance with Distinction and hold the Guildhall Artist Diploma. 

Mai has won a varied range of competitions, including the First prize at the Osaka International Music Competition. She was awarded 2nd prize in Piano Duo (Senior Group) as well as audience prize in the 3rd Sviatoslav Richter International Piano Competition in 2022. She was awarded the Gold Hands at the Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition in 2023.