The Japan Century Symphony Orchestra was established
in 1989 as the orchestra of Osaka Prefecture, named the Century Orchestra Osaka. It gained independence from the prefecture in 2011 and was renamed to its current name. Based on City of Toyonaka in Osaka Prefecture, it celebrated
its 35th anniversary in December 2024.
From April 2025, HISAISHI Joe takes the position as
its Music Director, and late AKIYAMA Kazuyoshi as its Honorary Music Advisor. The orchestra actively engages in Symphony Subscription Concerts held at The Symphony Hall, and from 2026-27 season, it starts “Toyonaka Symphonic Series” which takes over “Toyonaka Masterpiece Series” co-presented with and at the Toyonaka Municipal Cultural and Arts Center. Educational programs for the next generation, such as the Orchestra Experience Concert “Touch the Orchestra,” concerts for schools of disabled students, and the operation of a youth orchestra, are conducted. Furthermore,
the orchestra actively collaborates with the local community through regional partnership initiatives like the “Toyonaka Town Classic” in Toyonaka City and the “Luciol Street Corner Concert” in Shiga Prefecture’s Moriyama City.
Live recordings from the Haydn Marathon, such as “Haydn Symphony Collection Vol.1,” and more recordings along this collection, under the baton of IIMORI Norichika, have been selected as special editions by “Record Geijutsu” Magazine, and the orchestra has received the Osaka Prefectural Cultural Festival Encouragement Award twice (2015 and 2018), reflecting its high acclaim. In addition to the above, It enjoys great acclaim on the national tour titled “Commemorating HISAISHI Joe’s appointment as Music Director” in October, 2025.
Under its slogan of “Conservatism and Innovation — music that connects the future,” the orchestra founded on four principles – “broadcasting the ability of the region through excellent performances,” “providing solace and deep emotion solace through orchestral performances,” “discovering outstanding talents and contributing to the development of the next generation,” and “actively contributing to international mutual understanding and peace” – the orchestra operates with the aspiration to continuous evolving to bridge the region and future through music with its Music Director, HISAISHI Joe.
