「音楽は人生に欠かせないもの」存続の危機に瀕した九州交響楽団　地元金融機関・頭取が再生模索　就任半年で2500万円増収に

The Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, affectionately known as "Kyukyo," is Kyushu's only professional orchestra, currently facing a crisis of survival after six consecutive fiscal years of losses. In an effort to save the orchestra, the music-loving head of a local bank stepped up and launched reforms. Founded in 1953 The Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, based in Fukuoka City, is Kyushu's only professional orchestra. Affectionately known as "Kyukyo," it has brought courage and inspiration to the people of Kyushu for over 70 years since its founding in 1953. But now, these sounds are in danger of disappearing. Attendance declines in Sakai amid COVID-19 outbreak The trigger was the COVID-19 pandemic. Performances were canceled one after another, leading to a decline in attendance. Since fiscal 2019, the orchestra has suffered losses for six consecutive fiscal years, and by fiscal 2024, the deficit had grown to 75 million yen. While other symphony orchestras across Japan continue to struggle with similar challenges, one man has stepped up to reform Kyushu Symphony Orchestra. Fukuoka Bank President Appointed Chairman of Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Chairman Hisashi Goto "The deficit was quite large, as expected. We were approaching the point where we only had one year left." Hisashi Goto is President of Fukuoka Financial Group and President of Fukuoka Bank. Driven by the belief that "Kyushu Symphony Orchestra must not be lost," he assumed the position of Chairman of Kyushu Symphony Orchestra last July. It is unusual for a current head of a financial institution to become the chairman of a professional orchestra. Goto immediately began utilizing his perspective as a banker to tackle reforms. Hisashi Goto, Chairman of the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra "At a bank, we help various companies grow, but we've always focused on revitalizing financially struggling companies. In that sense, Kyushu Symphony Orchestra's current reform program is also a form of business revitalization." "Let's expand our activities a little further outside the prefecture." The first goal was to "expand the scope of Kyushu Symphony Orchestra's activities." Hisashi Goto, Chairman of the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra "Kyushu Symphony Orchestra's activities have been somewhat concentrated in Fukuoka, so we're working to expand our activities a little further outside the prefecture. As the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, we're increasing our activities in Kyushu." Still active as a member of Fukuoka Bank's light music club Goto's love of music is what drives him. He was in the brass band in junior high and devoted himself to drums in high school. He continues to play as a member of Fukuoka Bank's light music club, and says music is an essential part of his life. Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Chairman Hisashi Goto "Music is fun, after all, so I want everyone to go home feeling happy and to think that today was a fun day." "We need to openly communicate to everyone how difficult the current situation is." January 7th, the new year had begun. Kyushu Symphony Orchestra was rehearsing for its annual New Year's Concert. "We need to openly communicate to everyone how difficult the current situation is." Goto explained his management reform plan directly to the orchestra members. Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Hornist Yuko Sasaki's Thoughts "It would be a lie to say we're not anxious about the current situation, but it's precisely because of this situation that all of our orchestra members are determined to deliver music with sincerity and awareness." Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Cellist Naoki Yamamoto "We have many wonderful young members. This orchestra has a bright future, and it's only getting better. We absolutely cannot let it end here, and we want to continue this ever-improving Kyushu Symphony Orchestra together with our audience." Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Chairman Hisashi Goto "I believe that the strength of an organization lies in everyone first understanding and recognizing the current situation, and then working together to determine what we can do and what we can do in our respective positions. That's the mindset we spoke with." "New Year's Concert" Venue: Sold Out And so the "New Year's Concert" finally arrived. The venue was packed. Audience Member (85) "It was a unique and incredibly enjoyable concert. It was wonderful." Audience Member (10-year-old, 4th grade elementary school student) "It was fun to see so many different instruments and listen to so much music. I'd like to come again." Audience Member (25-year-old office worker) "I think there are many people my age who don't know about Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, so I think that after coming once, they'll want to come again." Audience Member (26-year-old teacher) "I think it's a shame that they're closing down due to financial difficulties, and I hope they continue to exist." The goal is to turn a profit by fiscal year 2026 Since Goto became president, Kyushu Symphony O...