Announcement of change of chairman

Farewell Message　

　I have recently retired as Chairman. During my 18 years as Executive Director, I was able to see the growth of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, despite the turbulent times, thanks to the warm support I received from everyone. I would like to express my sincere gratitude.

　I assumed the role of Executive Director, tasked with rebuilding the orchestra, and set out with the goals of "strengthening the orchestra's financial base" and "relentlessly improving its performance." However, many challenges awaited me. First, we had to overcome our excessive debt. It took 10 years. We faced one difficult challenge after another, including the Lehman Shock, the Great East Japan Earthquake, the transition to a new public interest corporation, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to the desperate efforts of our orchestra members and the warm support of the public, we were able to achieve what seemed like a miraculous recovery. The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra is blessed and filled with gratitude. Our financial situation has strengthened, and our management has finally stabilized. As for the improvement in performance quality, we have received praise for the remarkable leap in performance quality, thanks to the efforts of our regular conductors, including Alexander Lazarev, Pietari Inkinen, Karchun Wong, Kenichiro Kobayashi, Junichi Hirokami, and Kazuki Yamada, who regularly appear at our regular concerts.

　Social activities that respond to social demands have also shown great growth. In particular, the "Music for Disaster Areas" initiative, which brings music to victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and supports their "spiritual recovery," has already been held over 360 times. Receiving the Goto Shinpei Award lit a fire in these modest activities, which has now grown into a flame and expanded into collaborative agreements with Iwate and Fukushima prefectures on music culture and recovery activities.

　During my time with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, I have witnessed and heard many instances where live performances have captured people's hearts and even opened closed ones. I am truly grateful to have been guided by the strength and magnitude of the "power of music" to have been able to reach this day.

　We welcome Mr. Kunio Ishizuka, who has made a significant impact in the business world, as our new Chairman. We will support Mr. Ishizuka, who has outstanding skills, and aim to help the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra achieve even greater success. We ask for your continued patronage and support.

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
Chairman Toshikuni Hirai

Inaugural address

　I have been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Mr. Toshikuni Hirai. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your continued love of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and its performances, and your generous support.

　Former Chairman Hirai demonstrated his outstanding leadership and management skills during these turbulent 18 years, guiding the Japan Philharmonic to even greater heights. Furthermore, the organization's social contribution activities, exemplified by its "Music for Disaster-Stricken Areas" initiative, have now evolved into a special mission for the organization.

　Managing an orchestra is no easy task, and I feel a sense of responsibility as chairman. However, I hope to learn a lot from the achievements and enthusiasm of my predecessor, Mr. Hirai, and will continue to work hard.

　Since its founding in 1956, the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra has continued to work to bring the wonders of music to as many people as possible. In 2026, we will reach the major milestone of our 70th anniversary. There would be no greater joy than if we could aim for even greater artistic heights and move forward to new challenges.　

　We will continue to work hard together with the band members, so we ask for your continued warm support.

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra　
Chairman: Kunio Ishizuka

Kunio Ishizuka　

Former President/Chairman of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings
Born in 1949, Mr. Isetan joined Mitsukoshi after graduating from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo in 1972. He was appointed Representative Director, President and CEO in 2005 and Representative Director, President and CEO of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings in 2008. He served as Representative Director, Chairman and CEO from 2012 before retiring in 2020. During his tenure, he held important positions such as Vice Chairman of the Japan Business Federation and Chairman of the Japan Housing Association. He currently serves as an outside director for Welcia Holdings and Itochu Corporation.