[Obituary] Minoru Tanabe, former Chairman of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

Mr. Minoru Tanabe, former Chairman of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, passed away on March 23, 2026, at the age of 91.
We respectfully inform you of this.

Mr. Tanabe joined the orchestra in 1964 and supported it for many years as principal double bassist.
During the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra dispute, he played a crucial role in supporting the orchestra's foundation, serving as the chairman of the independent management organization to ensure the orchestra's survival. Subsequently, he dedicated himself to management, working diligently as Executive Director and Chairman to strengthen and develop the orchestra's operational base, providing strong support for the Japan Philharmonic's progress.

Meanwhile, his passion as a musician and double bassist remained unchanged throughout his life, and he gave numerous recitals, including collaborations with Michie Koyama in 2001 and Ikuyo Nakamichi in 2016.
In August 2025, he also published "Minoru Tanabe's Story of the Japan Philharmonic," a book chronicling his own life and the turbulent history of the Japan Philharmonic, thus passing on his journey and thoughts to future generations.

Your unwavering dedication to music and its members, and your sincere watchful eye on the orchestra's future, are deeply etched in our hearts.
His profound insight and upright character earned him the deep trust and respect of many involved. It is truly regrettable, as he was looking forward to the 70th anniversary special concert in June.

We express our deepest gratitude for your achievements during your lifetime, and we cherish your memory and offer our heartfelt prayers for your soul.

The funeral service will be held privately with close family members, in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family.

Reiwa 8/3/25
Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)

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Minoru Tanabe　

■ Biography ■

Honorary Advisor, Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)

Born in Tokyo on August 31, 1934 (age 91 at death).
Graduated from Chuo University, Faculty of Commerce, in March 1958.
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, specializing in double bass, in March 1963.
　(Studied under Seiichi Imamura, Shogo Katagiri, and Zvi Harel)
　Joined the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in the same year.
July 1964: Joined the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (as a double bassist)
In October 1974, he was appointed chairman of the orchestra's management committee.
January 1985: Appointed Executive Director of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation.
March 2006: Appointed as Chairman
In June 2009, he retired as chairman of the board and assumed the position of director (advisor).
June 2014: Resigned from the Board of Directors of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Appointed as advisor in July 2014.
September 2016 Appointed as Honorary Advisor

■External Officers and Committee Members■

Chairman of the Management Committee, Akio Watanabe Public Trust Music Foundation (2015-2023)
Vice Chairman (April 2004.4 - June 2014.6), Advisor (June 2014.6 - ) of the Japan Orchestra Federation.
Board Member, Japan Music Appreciation Promotion Foundation (June 2004.6 - )
Selection Committee Member for Board of Trustees, JESC Music and Culture Promotion Foundation

■Awards■　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

December 2014: Received the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award for Fiscal Year 2014.