It was announced that Kazuyoshi Akiyama, a conductor who contributed greatly to the development of the Japanese music world, passed away on January 26. He was 84 years old.
He studied conducting under Hideo Saito, a leading figure in Western music education and graduated from Toho Gakuen School of Music in 1963. He made his conducting debut with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in 1964 and served as its Music Director and Permanent Conductor for 40 years. He has conducted major orchestras in Japan and abroad, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He has also devoted himself to the development of regional orchestras, such as the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra and the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra. He also received many honors, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon, the Order of the Rising Sun, and the designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.
We sincerely pray for the repose of his soul.

[Obituary] Announcement of the passing of conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama