In order to concentrate on the treatment and recovery from the severe spinal cord damage caused by a fall at his home on January 1, 2025, maestro and his team announced the retirement on January 23. We are in deep sorrow hearing this news as we wished his early recovery.

Maestro first appeared on our podium in 1968 and since December 1986, he was Principal Guest Conductor, and between a period of April 1988 to March 1998, he was our Music Advisor and Principal Conductor. 　During these years, maestro had expanded our repertoire, started our regular Tokyo and Masterpiece Concerts.

Our last collaboration with maestro was Masterpiece Concert in last September.

Our deepest condolence to Maestro Akiyama and may his soul rest in peace.

Sapporo Symphony Orchestra