Maestro Hirofumi Yoshida Honored with Award and Visits Roland DG

10/29/2024　Corporate Activities

Maestro Hirofumi Yoshida, who conducted “Madame Butterfly” at the XXIII International Festival Operetta at Kaunas Castle 2024, an event held in Lithuania on July 5 and 6 sponsored by Roland DG and DG DIMENSE, received an award from Masahito Moriyama, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology at the time, on September 25. This recognition was granted for his significant achievements in promoting opera and fostering international cultural exchange through music, contributing to the advancement of Japan’s arts and culture. On October 11, Yoshida visited our Head Office in Hamamatsu, where we celebrated his award and reflected on his activities in Lithuania.
Details of the festival and sponsorship
Yoshida’s pre-festival interview
Highlights of the festival

Recognized for contributions to opera promotion and international exchange

The award ceremony was held on September 25 at the office of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Minister Moriyama presented the certificate, stating, “You have made outstanding achievements in the field of opera for many years and contributed greatly to the promotion of Japan’s artistic culture through international exchange via music. I hereby commend you for your contributions.”

In a conversation with Moriyama, Yoshida expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you very much. I am truly honored.” Moriyama also praised Yoshida’s accomplishments, particularly his performances in war-torn Ukraine, delivering music during challenging circumstances, in addition to his achievements in other countries.

When asked by reporters for his thoughts, Yoshida shared, “I am genuinely happy that my 20-plus years of specializing in opera abroad have been recognized. Moving forward, I want to continue working to advance Japanese musicians and content globally, both as a musician and as a Japanese person.” Regarding his connection with Ukraine, Yoshida remarked, “I would like to act as a bridge to further promote cultural exchange through music.”

During our interview, Yoshida reflected on his activities in Lithuania, saying, “I am glad I did it. I would like to try offering free opera performances to the public in Japan as well.”

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  Yoshida (left) receiving the certificate from Minister Moriyama (right)

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  Yoshida (left) having a discussion with the Minister (right)

Visiting Roland DG and reflecting on activities in Lithuania

On October 11, Yoshida visited our Head Office. We celebrated his award while reflecting on the festival in Lithuania with our President Tanabe and Executive Officer Shigenoya, who also attended the opera. After explaining our company’s business and history to Yoshida, we toured the floors of our new Head Office, showcasing its unique features. The gallery introducing DG DIMENSE, our Lithuanian joint venture, included a special exhibit related to the festival, displaying photos from the booth we sponsored and autographed goods from the performers. Yoshida exchanged impressions with us about the opera while viewing these items.

When discussing our company, President Tanabe said, “We want to spread excitement from Japan to the world.” Showing his agreement with our mission, Yoshida responded, “Digital technology allows us to harness creativity.”

At the end of the visit, we presented Yoshida with a custom notebook printed using our UV printers, which President Tanabe described as “an expression of how we see the Maestro.” Yoshida was surprised to see his name and photo on the notebook, saying, “The colors are beautiful. This is the kind of excitement that digital can create.”

We look forward to Maestro Yoshida’s continued success in the future.

(From left) Shigenoya, Yoshida, and Tanabe

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  Introducing DIMENSE’s three-dimensional embossing artwork

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  Showcasing a new work using DIMENSE’s embossing on a concrete mold

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  Introducing an electric guitar printed with a design using UV printers

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  Yoshida experienced personalizing a ruler with his name using a photo impact printer.

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  Touring our Head Office, which offers a flexible working environment

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  Yoshida received a notebook featuring his portrait, printed with our UV printers.