Kosaku Yamada

山田耕筰

["Conductor", "Composer", "Father of Japanese Symphonic Music"]

Born Jun 09, 1886

Tokyo, Japan

Passed Away Dec 29, 1965 Tokyo, Japan

Lifespan 79 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Our mission is to plant the great symphonic orchestra deep into the soil of Asia."

Archival Overview

Japanese composer and conductor who composed Japan's first symphony and first western-style opera, Kurofune (The Black Ships), and founded the Japan Philharmonic.

Biographical Record

Kosaku Yamada (1886–1965) studied in Berlin under Max Bruch at the Berlin University of the Arts. In 1912, he completed 'Symphony in F Major: Triumph and Peace', the first full orchestral symphony composed by a Japanese musician.

In 1917, Yamada conducted the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall. In 1940, he premiered 'Kurofune' ('The Black Ships'), the first major Japanese opera. He composed over 1,500 works, including beloved children's songs like 'Akatonbo' ('Red Dragonfly'), earning the Order of Culture in 1956.

Key Life Milestones

1912

First Japanese Symphony

Completed 'Triumph and Peace', the first full Western orchestral symphony in Asian history.

1940

Premiere of Opera 'Kurofune'

Premiered 'The Black Ships' depicting the arrival of Commodore Perry and tragic cross-cultural romance.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Aoyama Cemetery
Tokyo, Japan

                         GPS: 35.6661, 139.7239                    

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