Kazuki Yamada
(c) Marco Borggreve

Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada, 47, has been awarded the Art Encouragement Prize (2025) in the field of music by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The Art Encouragement Prizes are presented annually by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to individuals who have achieved outstanding results or opened up new horizons in various fields of the arts, both domestically and internationally.

Kazuki Yamada received the Minister’s Prize « for his overwhelming presence and unique programming in Japan, in addition to his activities overseas, where he is based. His musical achievements and remarkable momentum were highly evaluated, notably his performances of Mendelssohn with four orchestras in Osaka and The Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo, as well as his subscription concert with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in November. »

Yamada said: « In my youth, I imagined that the mysteries of ‘conducting’ would gradually unravel as I grew older. The reality, however, has been quite the opposite; the mystery has only deepened. As the only performer who does not produce a sound, the unique nature of a conductor may be destined to perpetually contemplate a ‘question without an answer.’ Yet, I believe there is profound happiness in the very act of continuing to pursue that question. That happiness continues to grow, thanks to the orchestras, the many musicians I collaborate with, and the dedicated staff members. I do not view this award as mine alone, but as one shared with all my colleagues. I hope to carry this honor as a source of inspiration for my future musical activities.”