Professor Hisashi Hiramatsu (photo by Masayuki Arakawa (GENROQ))
It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing away of professor Hiramatsu on the early morning of March 13, 2021 at the age of 86. He was a trumpeter, music teacher, Deputy Principal, President of AJBA, and founder of the Wind Music Club at Kyoto Tachibana Girls’ High School in 1961. Already then he had vision of changing the traditional military marching style to more feminine, cute and merry, something which would radiate youthfulness, which would comfort you and make your life happy. And due to his persistence to follow his vision we can today enjoy the performances of “The Most Entertaining Band of the World”: Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band. As a Special Advisor he guided the band even in his last years and his gentle counsel will surely be missed.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Memorial messages by Yuzuru Kumagai (GBA) (click here and here), Tachibana Family Band (click here), Hiroyuki Tanaka (former Band Director) (click here) (all in Japanese).
In one of his last public appearances professor Hiramatsu is in the video below accepting the Grand Prize of the 3rd Kunitachi Award on November 1, 2020 at his alma mater, Kunitachi College of Music. The speeches in the video are translated to English by Tetsuya T -san, click here.
Click picture to watch video
For his first death anniversary in March 2022 GBA published a memorial video:
Click picture to watch video
In the other memorial video below Professor Hiramatsu is with Kansai Honor Green Band at Rose Parade 2010 (video by GBA). This was his first Rose Parade visit, and while there he celebrated his 75th birthday:
Click picture to watch video
Flute solo to the memory of Professor Hiramatsu (video by KT UNOFFICIAL FAN BLOG):
Click picture to watch video
As an admirer from France of what this remarkable man created, I would like to renew my condolences to his family and friends upon the anniversary of his passing.
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Well said Alan and Peter; wow, a year has gone by already. His legacy will live on and on through the kids and their talent displayed in every performance. I’ve said it before and it continues, we are grateful and indebted to this Mr. Hiramatsu, I salute you sir.
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Rest in peace maestro. Your legacy will live on with each Tachibana class. You will be missed.
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Entry from school diary about the memorial service and concert held in memory of Professor Hisashi Hiramatsu on 6 June 2021.
https://www.tachibana-hs.jp/wind-club/2021/06/12/12733
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I am very sad he died. Im glad I got to see him on YouTube at both rose parades and benefit concerts. He leaves a wonderful legacy.
I watch the girls perform on YouTube daily and always look for new ones ❤❤❤❤. I wish our American kids could have the same character, kindness and discipline as the Kyoto Tachibana girls do.
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Rest in Peace. Thank you for inspiring so many young people in your journey through life. I love watching the band you help create, thank you so much!
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I remember seeing him in the 2018 Rose Parade as he marched along side the Kyoto Tachibana Band. It must have given him great joy to participate with his band in probably the greatest performance ever by the band. What a beautiful legacy he has left behind for all to remember him. We should all be so lucky. In my opinion, they are the greatest of all marching/dancing bands. Good job, sensei Hiramatsu.
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No… I do not, Probably each in their own personal way. It’s not my business nor anyone’s how this loss will affect another person, student, family or friend. His sphere of influnce was felt in many countries and in many ways. it was indeed a great loss… the effects or ramafications of which will be many, and yet to be seen. How his memory will be honored, is only the concern to those planning such an honor. This is very much part of the culture and ways of the Japanese, which in turn….we must honor and try to understand.
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I remembered first seeing the photo of Professor Hiramatsu in this website and thinking ‘what a mild and gentle looking person he is’. Well, this mild and gentle looking person had the drive, the charisma, the leadership and the wisdom to formulate, organize and motivate a bunch of teenagers into the best marching – no, it should be dancing band in the whole world bar none.
Professor Hiramatsu, I salute you and a full bow
My condolences to your family and all the students and staff,
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I am very sorry to hear that Professor Hisashi Hiramatsu has passed away. Without his inspiration, knowledge and input, we would not have been able to enjoy the quality and pleasure that the Band’s performances bring us. My deepest condolences to his family and the Tachibana Band.
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Dear Professor, thank you for all your work and dedication. As late KT-fanboy, I can’t figure all your accomplishments. But just about Tachibana band you founded, young students will pass with pride and honor from generation to generation. This is the making of a legend, but you were already a true living legend.
Thanks again for all, and Rest In Peace.
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The following video is a talk by Professor Hiramatsu when he was awarded the Grand Prize winner of the 3rd Kunitachi Award, last year. He tells his life story, including KT’s US Visit to the Rose Parade:
Rest in peace Professor!
本当にありがとうございました。
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Touching.
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May I request the English translation of Mr. Hiramatsu talk. Thank You.
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I am saddened to learn of the passing of professor Harimatsu. I think that if there is life after passing then he will be in heaven. I send my condolences to his family, friends and the students who will miss his knowledge and coaching. May you Rest In Peace sir, I and many others salute you for your vision and the Kyoto Tachibana SHS band you gave the world. Thank You.
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As an elderly ex serviceman who has marched behind military bands you taught me a new appreciation and perception that a marching band can bring great entertainment and enjoyment. I was amazed i came across Kyoto Tachibana on video in the Rose Parade. Since that time i regularly go back to clips to see the smiles, energy and the skill of their craft and the dedication that comes with it.
Im sure all those over the years in the band will be missing you but feel good at the pleasure and time they spent with you
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Rest in peace, sir. When I watched the 2018 Rose Parade, I wanted to learn more about the dancing band from Japan. I have. The miracle you created now fills my every day life! I have learned much from the KT band you so proudly directed for so many years. The style of “marching” you created, or should I say dancing, is the envy of marching bands all over the world. So much so that many bands are copying that style. But, you sir, have the honor of being the first. Your legacy of dedication, discipline, pride, and love of perfection will live forever. You took it upon yourself to do the job you did, and you did it with honor and glory. I stand and salute you, Professor Hiramatsu.
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Our deepest condolences to the Hiramatsu family and to all the KT staff and Band Members past and present for the passing away of a great teacher. It is with great sadness for us to learn his departure. However, looking at the legacy he left behind, the Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band, he will be alive and present in us as we see his loved band play and dance. May this inspire the present and future KT member to keep on playing their instruments and keep on dancing. Your efforts and performances had made many people happy. Again, we express our deep respect to Prof. Hisashi Hiramatsu for all his efforts and devotion to Music. For giving to us the Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band.
— from KT fans of the Philippines.
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The impact of KT worldwide is a fitting testament to Hiramatsu-san’s inspiration and vision. May his legacy to the world continue to spread joy to the world for many more years.
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Rest In Peace Professor, You vision continues to make the world a better place Joy through Music.
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Roger that lyeohtc. Every time I saw professor Hiramatsu in any video or picture, I thanked him for his vision, determination, prowess, in creating and nurturing such a wonderful body of work that we all have fallen in love with. We owe him a special debt of gratitude. My hope is that body of work known as Kyoto Tachibana High School Band will continue reflecting his vision upon this earth till the end of time. Leaders, please continue his great work, as I know you have and will. Thank you sir, arigato gozaimasu.
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All in tears. So respected so loved. This now makes me miss my Mom and Dad. Wishing for love and comfort for Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Marching Band past and present members and staff.
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Kristy,
So nicely put my friend, he will be missed by so many, to those that worked beside him, to the students that played under his baton….and of course the “Familly Band” God’s Speed my friend, finally no more pain….be at peace.
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Paul, do you know how the present and former students are handling this great loss?
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No… I do not, Probably each in their own personal way. It’s not my business nor anyone’s how this loss will affect another person, student, family or friend. His sphere of influnce was felt in many countries and in many ways. it was indeed a great loss… the effects or ramafications of which will be many, and yet to be seen. How his memory will be honored, is only the concern to those planning such an honor. This is very much part of the culture and ways of the Japanese, which in turn….we must honor and try to understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No… I do not, Probably each in their own personal way. It’s not my business nor anyone’s how this loss will affect another person, student, family or friend. His sphere of influnce was felt in many countries and in many ways. it was indeed a great loss… the effects or ramafications of which will be many, and yet to be seen. How his memory will be honored, is only the concern to those planning such an honor. This is very much part of the culture and ways of the Japanese, which in turn….we must honor and try to understand.
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He was really a teacher in all and every aspect that word involves, creative, modified the way the students bands were conceived at beggining of the second half of the XX century, He contributed to share more joy and happiness to the whole word through his young lady students, Bravo teacher, all my respect for you and my deepest condelences for the family.
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Thank you, Professor, for creating what has become a marvel that has brightened and enriched my life.
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It is with deep sadness that I read the news about our much loved and much respected respected professor Hiramatsu. The man who’s love and passion for music has taught so many talented musicians and brought endless joy to millions of people around the world who have watched them preform. May he rest in eternal peace and with our sorrow at his passing and may his family know of the love and respect given to a most amazing and compassionate man. RIP professor Hiramatsu. London, England.UK
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Deepest sympathies on the loss of this giant of a music teacher, Professor Hiramstsu, whose vision created what is truly one of the finest, most accomplished, and beautiful sounding marching bands in the world, with full orchestral dynamics and incredible choreography. May his family and students treasure his memory. He will be greatly missed…
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My Heart aches for this great loss to Kyoto Tachibana and is also filled with great joy for the vision he had to showcase music is such a wonderful way and to continue increasing the level of talents and skills yearly. Condolences to all the Family and Friends. His Legacy will continue on!!! A Canadian Fan!!
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I discovered Tachibana shs Band in 2017… “The invention” of this teacher with the transmissible broad smile, was awesome! I think from up there he will continue to watch over these young people he has trained tremendously! Sincere Condolences to Tachibana: Redouble your efforts in memory of Professor Hisashi Hiramatsu.
J’ai découvert Tachibana shs Band en 2017… “L’invention” de ce professeur au large sourire transmissible, fut génial ! Je pense que de là-haut, il continuera à veiller sur ces jeunes qu’il a formidablement formées ! Sincères Condoléances à Tachibana : redoublez d’efforts en mémoire du Professeur Hisashi Hiramatsu.
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from Frederic Martin in Dallas, Texas, USA … Like Tachibana fans everywhere, I am saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Hiramatsu. I recall how I was filled with admiration and amazement watching him march with the band for the entire five-and-a-half mile Tournament Of Roses parade in 2018–WOW! His unique concept for the Tachibana band is pure genius! and is unmatched by any other band in the world. Professor Hiramatsu brought much happiness and inspiration to people everywhere and that is as fine a legacy as any man could hope for. I wish I could have met him to pay my respects. You are all blessed to have known him. He will always be remembered.
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Rest in peace Professor. I never met him, but I could see through the video’s that everyone held him in high esteem. There are many on this planet who would have been proud to have left a lasting legacy with the highest of standards as he has with the Tachibana Senior High School Band. You can sleep well Professor for a job well done.
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Rest in peace Professor. I never met him, but I could see through the video’s that everyone held him in high esteem. There are many on this planet who would have been proud to have left a lasting legacy with the highest of standards as he has with the Tachibana Senior High School Band. You can sleep well Professor for a job well done.
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Rest in Peace Professor!!! You will be greatly missed, your creation has always brought huge smile to me, and warmth to my soul since I had the privililedge of the band in the 80’s,
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My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in Peace, Professor Hiramitsu. Thank you for giving us KT SHS Band.
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