Classical music on the radio in Japan

The classical music genre in Japan is a unique blend of traditional Japanese influences and Western classical music. The art form first arrived in Japan during the Meiji period, when the government sought to modernize the country by adopting Western culture. One of the most popular artists in the genre is Ryuichi Sakamoto, a prolific composer and pianist known for his work on film scores like The Last Emperor and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. Other notable classical musicians in Japan include Yo-Yo Ma, Seiji Ozawa, and Hiromi Uehara. In terms of radio stations, FM Tokyo's "Classical Music Greeting" program is one of the most popular in Japan's classical music scene. Hosted by Taskashi Ogawa, the show features a wide range of classical music pieces from both Japanese and Western composers. Another well-regarded station is FM Yokohama's "Morning Classics," which plays classical music every weekday morning from 7:30 to 9:00. Overall, classical music in Japan continues to flourish, with a dedicated fan base and a range of talented artists and radio programs.