OSAKA -- A memorial service for Takashi Asahina, who was the world's oldest active conductor and a founder of the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, was held Thursday at a concert hall in Kita Ward. He was 93.
Asahina served as musical director and executive conductor of the orchestra until he died Dec. 30 of natural causes. The memorial service was organized by a society that runs the orchestra.
Asahina's eldest son, Chitaru, 58, who is also a conductor, led the orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. Asahina chose the piece to be performed at his own memorial service.
"My father would be very happy if this ceremony was performed in a joyous mood, as he would have hated for it to be somber," Chitaru told mourners on behalf of his family. "We wish he could make his debut as a conductor in the other world."
Mourners included conductor Hiroyuki Iwaki and violinist Hisako Tsuji.
Asahina, a native of Tokyo, launched his conducting career in 1936. In 1947, he helped found the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, which became the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra in 1960, and remained active throughout his life.
Asahina was twice invited to perform with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra in 1996.
He received the government's Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1969, was awarded the Person of Cultural Merit prize in 1989 and received the Order of Culture in 1994. He was honored with the Japan Academy of Arts Award in 1976.