Love for Western Classical Music Grows in Asia - Japan’s Timeless Love Affair with German Classical Music Endures
Japan’s deep connection with German and Austrian classical music has grown stronger over the decades. The tradition dates back to the late 19th century, when Western influences first took root during the Meiji era. Today, performances by German orchestras, like the Berlin Philharmonic, still draw passionate crowds in cities like Tokyo.
The relationship between Japan and German classical music began in the late 1800s. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the country opened to Western ideas, including music education. By the century’s end, Tokyo had founded its first state music academy, modelled closely on German teaching methods.
Japan remains a vital destination for German orchestras, where audiences listen in complete silence before bursting into applause. The country’s long-standing appreciation for European classical music shows no signs of fading. With Japanese performers in leading roles abroad and German ensembles touring regularly, the exchange continues to thrive on both sides.
