On this bleak early winter evening, the news of Mr Toshio Akiyama’s passing arrived. Beyond the initial shock, I am filled with profound regret and sadness. Only ten days ago, during an online meeting of the Asia and Pacific Band Directors’ Association (APBDA), we spoke of our hope to hold the 2029 convention in Japan to celebrate Mr Akiyama’s 100th birthday. Now, that hope will never be realised.
Throughout his illustrious life, Mr Akiyama not only revitalised wind music in Japan but also shared Japan’s successful experiences unreservedly with countries across Asia. Since the 1980s, under his guidance, Taiwan established its own band association and begun actively participating in international events. We hosted the APBDA convention multiple times and even hosted the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) in 2011—achievements that were only possible through his assistance. To all wind musicians in Taiwan, Master Akiyama is revered as the “Father of Wind Music in Taiwan.”
In the spring of 2000, during a gathering in Taipei for Master Akiyama’s 70th birthday, I wrote an acrostic poem (where the first character of each line forms his name: 秋山紀夫) to celebrate his life. More than twenty years later, these words still resonate deeply:
秋月皓皓照人間
Autumn’s bright moon shines upon the world山岳巍巍景仰賢
Mountains stand majestic, honoring the wise紀元管樂自君始
A new era of band music began with you夫子諄諄誨長綿
Steadfast teacher, whose patient guidance never ends.
I will forever cherish my mentor’s kindness and follow his teachings. May Mr Akiyama rest in peace.
16 December 2025
Yeh Shu-han
Honorary President, Asia-Pacific Band Directors’ Association (APBDA)
