[Obituary] Former Japan Philharmonic Concertmaster Hiroshi Okawauchi

Hiroshi Okawa, concertmaster of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra from 1974 to 2006, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 82.

As concertmaster from 1974, Mr. Okawauchi led the orchestra's performance activities as the face of the orchestra, even through difficult times for the orchestra. Even after he retired, he continued to perform actively and contributed to nurturing the next generation of musicians at Nihon University College of Art and other institutions. In recent years, he frequently attended the Japan Philharmonic's regular concerts, and after the performances he would stop by the dressing rooms to chat with the musicians and musicians, providing them with guidance.

Upon hearing of his passing, we would like to express our deepest condolences and once again express our deepest gratitude for his many years of contributions to the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.