[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.
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[Conductor] Japanese conductors. Recommended Japanese conductors (41–50)
From “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity”: [Humanity]Yamamoto Naozumi
![From “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity”: [Humanity]Yamamoto Naozumi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BrFgsiE595g/sddefault.jpg)
Composer and conductor Naotsugu Yamamoto was born into a musical family: his father was also a composer and conductor, one of his younger brothers a percussionist, and another a bassoonist.
He devoted himself to popularizing classical music and became well known in Japan as the planner, music director, and main host of the TBS television program “The Orchestra Has Come,” which aired for ten years starting in 1973.
He later co-founded the New Japan Philharmonic with Seiji Ozawa.
He was an extraordinary figure, being the first Japanese person to conduct the Boston Pops.
He and Seiji Ozawa were fellow students and contemporaries under the Japanese conductor Hideo Saito.
[Conductor] Japanese conductors. Recommended Japanese conductors (51–60)
Overture to AlcobacaToda Akira
Mr.
Akira Toda has been active as a euphonium player and later as a conductor, composer/arranger, and clinician, working both in Japan and abroad.
By inviting renowned American composer James Swearingen—who is extremely popular among wind band enthusiasts—he has had a significant impact on wind band education in Japan.
Ave verum corpus in D major, K. 618Yahiro Kazumi
Kazumi Yahiro is a conductor who studied vocal music with Kenkichi Yatabe, Lia von Hosselt, and Takeshi Isobe; piano with Yukie Oda; and conducting with Akio Watanabe.
He specializes in the interpretation and conducting of Mendelssohn’s choral works, and to date has conducted and coached numerous professional, amateur, and university choirs.
Rhapsody for Orchestra / NHK Symphony OrchestraToyama Yuzo
This is composer and conductor Yuzo Toyama, who made his debut with the NHK Symphony Orchestra in 1956.
Born in 1931, he studied composition at the Tokyo Music School and is known for works inspired by Japanese folk songs, such as Rhapsody for Orchestra and Yugen.
He received numerous awards, including the 12th Otaka Prize and the 14th Suntory Music Award.
He is also highly regarded in the field of opera conducting, delivering an outstanding, commanding performance at the premiere of Akira Miyoshi’s opera Hasekura Tsunenaga: Distant Sails.
His commitment to conveying social messages through music is compelling, and he comes highly recommended for those interested in classical music.
SF Symphony Fantasy No. 1Ishimaru Hiroshi
Conductor Hiroshi Ishimaru founded the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra in 1953, serving as its first principal conductor, and had a major impact on Fukuoka’s musical culture.
Selected as a conductor of special promise, Mr.
Ishimaru is said to have taken lessons with the NHK Symphony Orchestra in 1954, when Herbert von Karajan made his first visit to Japan.
In conclusion
What did you think? Japanese conductors not only lead domestic orchestras; many also perform with renowned foreign orchestras, appear on music programs, and even form their own ensembles by gathering outstanding players—making a significant impact on Japan’s music scene.
While conversations about classical conductors often focus on those from abroad, as you can see, Japanese conductors are also achieving remarkable success! I believe we’re entering an era in which Japanese people can share Japanese classical music with the world, so let’s take pride in our Japanese conductors.
If you come across the name of a Japanese conductor, why not go and experience a concert in person?