[Conductor] A Japanese conductor. Recommended Japanese conductors.
Do you know any Japanese conductors? Centered in Europe, classical music has been loved by people from many countries and widely popularized by numerous performers and the conductors who lead them.
There are many renowned conductors like Karajan, and a conductor’s interpretation can change the atmosphere of the same piece so much that it often determines which concert audiences choose to attend—making conductors truly essential.
While foreign conductors’ names may roll off the tongue, how many Japanese conductors can you name? Foreign conductors are outstanding, but Japanese conductors are no less impressive.
In this article, we’ll introduce Japanese conductors active in Japan and abroad—from principal conductors and music directors, to familiar faces in orchestral concerts of video game and anime music, to popular wind band conductors, and those who have founded Japan-based ensembles to showcase the appeal of Japan’s classical music scene.
- Masterpiece Performances: Introducing Japan’s World-Renowned Pianists and Their Iconic Performances
- Ranking of popular classical pieces
- Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
- [2026] Japan’s Leading Famous Drummers — From Veterans to Rising Stars
- Classical music by Japanese composers. Recommended classical music.
- 【2026】A Collection of Beloved Japanese Classics Worldwide【JAPAN MUSIC】
- From Fast Picking to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists
- YOSHIKI's famous and popular songs
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- [Japanese-style Piano Pieces] A selection of recommended works with a pleasantly Japanese flavor
- [Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
- Cute masterpieces of J‑Pop: recommended popular songs
- [J-POP] For those who want to listen to everything! A compilation of medleys by popular artists
[Conductor] Japanese conductors. Recommended Japanese conductors (31–40)
The Legend of Zelda Orchestra ConcertTakemoto Taizō
Taizo Takemoto is a Japanese conductor active across a wide range of genres.
After winning second prize at the 1977 Karajan Competition Japan and honing his skills with the Berlin Philharmonic, he has earned high acclaim with Japan’s leading orchestras.
Beyond classical music, Takemoto showcases his talents in fields such as film and video game music.
He also works to broaden the appeal of orchestral music by hosting “Original Cinema Sounds” and presenting concerts dedicated to film scores.
He has collaborated with numerous renowned artists from Japan and abroad, including Yngwie Malmsteen and Hideaki Tokunaga.
He is a recommended conductor for those who want to enjoy a wide spectrum of music, from classical to contemporary.
Waltz of the Flowers (from The Nutcracker)Iimori Norichika
One of Japan’s leading conductors, Norichika Iimori serves as principal conductor and music director for a wide range of orchestras.
He has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, receiving honors such as the New Artist Award at the 2006 Arts Festival.
Together with a German orchestra, he released the first complete set of Beethoven’s symphonies on CD by a Japanese conductor, and his performances have been selected among the NHK Symphony Orchestra’s Top 10 Concerts of the year—proof of his exceptional artistry.
He is also an accomplished cook, and his activities extend beyond the concert hall: he coached the conducting scenes for “Nodame Cantabile” and appeared as an orchestra conductor in the film “Departures.” He is highly recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone who wants to follow leading figures in Japan’s music world.
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 “Fate” (Beethoven), 4th Movement / Hiroshima Symphony OrchestraShimono Tatsuya
Tatsuya Shimono, a native of Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the leading conductors in Japan’s classical music scene.
He launched his career by winning the Tokyo International Music Competition for Conducting in 2000, followed by victory at the Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors in 2001, earning high acclaim both domestically and internationally.
A conductor of proven ability, he has performed not only with Japan’s major orchestras—such as the NHK Symphony Orchestra and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra—but also with top ensembles overseas.
He is renowned for his meticulous score study and research, and his commitment to precise, thoughtful communication with orchestras is a hallmark of his artistry.
In October 2023, he assumed the position of Principal Conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and even greater achievements are anticipated.
Akira Ifukube / From Japanese Suite for Orchestra: Bon Odori, Tanabata, Nebuta / Chiba Prefecture Youth OrchestraInoue Michiyoshi
Michiaki Inoue is one of Japan’s conductors active both at home and abroad.
In 1971, he won the Guido Cantelli Conducting Competition organized by La Scala in Milan, instantly attracting widespread attention.
He has served as music director for numerous leading orchestras, including the New Japan Philharmonic and the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, captivating audiences with innovative programming and rich musicality.
Renowned for his interpretations of Mahler and Shostakovich symphonies, he successfully led the Japan-Russia Friendship Complete Shostakovich Symphonies Project in 2007, a feat that earned high acclaim.
Inoue’s passionate conducting moves many people, and his performances are highly recommended for those who wish to discover new charms in classical music.
Symphonic Poem “Flower of the Mandala”Yuasa Takuo
Takao Yuasa is a conductor who graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with a major in composition and theory, and from the conducting department of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
He made his debut in 1976, conducting the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Vienna.
He is currently a professor at the Performing Arts Center of Tokyo University of the Arts, where he is dedicated to training the next generation.
[Conductor] Japanese conductors. Recommended Japanese conductors (41–50)
From Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 “Jupiter” [First Movement]Wakasugi Hiroshi
![From Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 “Jupiter” [First Movement]Wakasugi Hiroshi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nFm3gQ2xjTs/sddefault.jpg)
Hiroshi Wakasugi entered the Tokyo University of the Arts, studying vocal music under Ryosuke Hatanaka and conducting under Eiichi Ito.
Through a recommendation from Eiichi Ito, he also studied with Hideo Saito, Seiji Ozawa’s mentor.
After an active career in Japan and abroad, he served as a permanent conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra from 1995 until his passing on July 21, 2009.
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D majorTakubo Yūichi
While continuing his work as a music teacher, Yuichi Takubo also conducted an amateur orchestra.
At the age of 30, after losing his mother, he resigned from teaching and became a professional conductor so as not to live with regrets in his once-in-a-lifetime journey.
In 1994, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Japanese winner of the 4th Dinu Niculescu International Conducting Competition, and simultaneously received the Jury’s Special Prize—the Romanian Contemporary Music Performance Award—as well as the Audience Prize.
The depth of his conviction undoubtedly reaches people—that is his ideal music.