Akio Watanabe Music Foundation was established in 1992 to contribute to the development of musical life in Japan, with respect and following the great achievements made by the late Akio Watanabe, the prominent conductor in Japan.

【Special Award to Mr. Miyazawa】

Toshio Miyazawa, who unfortunately passed away in January 2025, served as a principal double bass player of the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra before becoming the General Manager of the orchestra in 1986 to rebuild the orchestra. Since then, he has been appointed General Manager of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra in 2004, has made the orchestra, the first orchestra in Japan to become a public interest incorporated foundation. He also placed his best efforts towards orchestra to perform overseas. In 2018, he became the Managing Director of the Shizuoka Symphony Orchestra, and contributed greatly to the merger with the Hamamatsu Philharmonic Orchestra and the establishment of the orchestra into a public interest foundation (establishment of the Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Symphony Orchestra). As an orchestra player, he has made great contributions to the development of the orchestras in Japan from various positions over the years, including serving as the General Manager of the Japan Performing Arts Federation and the director of music festivals and public halls in various regions.（Reprinted from the announcement article） 

We express our sincere respect and gratitude for the achievements of the deceased during his lifetime.

 ■Kindly refer to Japan Philharmonic Orchestra website for Akio Watanabe Music Foundation.