Japanese Conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama has Died, Aged 84

Akiyama, who was Conductor Laureate of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, has passed away from pneumonia

For over half a century, Kazuyoshi Akiyama primarily served as Music Director and Conductor Laureate of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO). 

Throughout his career, he also served as Music Director of the American, Vancouver, and Syracuse Symphony Orchestras. 

Akiyama made his debut with the TSO in 1964, and over the years helped shape the orchestra’s tradition and history for nearly six decades. His tenure also saw the orchestra through difficult times including financial collapse and reconstruction. In all, he conducted the orchestra in over 1,350 performances and led many acclaimed Japanese premieres of works by Schoenberg, Lachenmann, Adams, Henze, and more. 

Additionally, he was involved in the establishment of the Tokyo Symphony Chorus, which he collaborated with on many occasions throughout his career. 

After sustaining a fall in his home at the start of this year, Akiyama announced his retirement from musical activities on January 23, 2025, to focus on treatment. His final performance with the TSO was the “MUZA New Year’s Eve Concert 2024.”

He was the recipient of many honors including the Suntory Music Award, Kyoto Music Award, Mainichi Arts Award, Arts Encouragement Prize of the Minister of Education, and the Suntory Music Award. In 2001, Akiyama was awarded Japan’s prestigious Medal with Purple Ribbon. 

“Maestro Kazuyoshi Akiyama, who nurtured the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra as its Principal Conductor and Music Director, and continued to guide us with deep affection as Conductor Laureate until the New Year’s Eve Concert last year, has departed,” said TSO’s Chairman of the Board, Tetsuya Okazaki in a tribute. “I am at a loss for words at this sudden farewell. As someone who has admired him on stage for half a century, I am simply stunned by the sadness that I will no longer be able to hear Mr. Akiyama’s warm music. I have nothing but gratitude. I offer my deepest condolences.”

“Mr. Akiyama, with his wide-ranging repertoire, and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra have together given numerous performances that will remain in music history, including Japanese premieres,” added Yoshitaka Hirooka, TSO’s Executive Director and General Manager. “We are shocked by this sudden news and still unable to accept the reality. Mr. Akiyama treated the orchestra members like family and established the warm tone that is fundamental to our orchestra. We express our deep gratitude to him and pray for his peaceful journey.”

Our condolences to Mr. Akiyama’s family, friends, and colleagues.