Keizo Saji関連写真
Keizo Saji関連写真
(Bottom) Suntory Hall
Keizo Saji
- Biography
1919-1999. Industrialist. Saji was born in Osaka as the second son of Nobuharu Torii, who founded Suntory’s predecessor, Kotobukiya, but was adopted by his mother’s relatives. He joined the navy, then got a job in Kotobukiya after the war and became its president in 1961. In 1963 he changed the company name to Suntory, entered the beer business, and turned the company into a manufacturer of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages that represents Japan through aggressive sales and publicity activities. On the other hand, he advocated the importance of social and cultural activities by business from early on and became a pioneer in promoting corporate philanthropy by developing the Suntory Museum of Art and Suntory Hall.
- Association with Minato City
Enriching people’s lives through the art museum and concert hall
In 1961, Saji, who wanted to provide a place where people could closely enjoy traditional art, built the Suntory Museum of Art in the Otemachi Palace Building. He moved the museum to the 11th floor of the Akasaka Suntory Building, in Roppongi, in 1975. The museum has always attracted attention because of its innovative program exhibitions with themes of “Everyday Beauty.” It has been temporarily closed since 2004, but is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2007. In 1986, Saji opened the Suntory Hall in the Roppongi Arc Hills as Tokyo’s first concert-only hall. He sought the advice of the famous conductor Herbert von Karajan for its design, and its splendid acoustics and aspiring plan continue to captivate many people.
References
Nihon Jinmei Daijiten (Japanese Biographical Dictionary) (Kodansha)
Omoroiyanaika: Saji Keizo to Suntory Bunka (That’s Interesting: Keizo Saji and Suntory Culture) (Osamu Katayama / Home-sha)
In 1961, Saji, who wanted to provide a place where people could closely enjoy traditional art, built the Suntory Museum of Art in the Otemachi Palace Building. He moved the museum to the 11th floor of the Akasaka Suntory Building, in Roppongi, in 1975. The museum has always attracted attention because of its innovative program exhibitions with themes of “Everyday Beauty.” It has been temporarily closed since 2004, but is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2007. In 1986, Saji opened the Suntory Hall in the Roppongi Arc Hills as Tokyo’s first concert-only hall. He sought the advice of the famous conductor Herbert von Karajan for its design, and its splendid acoustics and aspiring plan continue to captivate many people.
References
Nihon Jinmei Daijiten (Japanese Biographical Dictionary) (Kodansha)
Omoroiyanaika: Saji Keizo to Suntory Bunka (That’s Interesting: Keizo Saji and Suntory Culture) (Osamu Katayama / Home-sha)
- Walking Points
Suntory Hall (1-13-1, Akasaka)
- Literary Works
Henkotsu Nankotu: Watashi no rirekisho (Henkotsu Nankotsu: My Resume) (Nikkei Business-jin Bunko)
Shin Yoshu Tengoku; Sekai no sake no tabi (New Heaven of Western Liquor: Sake Around the World) (Bunshun Bunko)
Shin Yoshu Tengoku; Sekai no sake no tabi (New Heaven of Western Liquor: Sake Around the World) (Bunshun Bunko)
- Related Publications
Omoroiyanaika: Saji Keizo to Suntory Bunka (That’s Interesting: Keizo Saji and Suntory Culture) (Osamu Katayama / Home-sha)
Saji Keizo no fukutsu keiei (Keizo Saji’s Unyielding Management) (Toshiaki Kaminogo / Kodansha)
Yatte minahare Mito kunnahare (Try It, Watch Me) (Hitomi Yamaguchi and Takeshi Kaiko / Shincho Bunko)
Saji Keizo no fukutsu keiei (Keizo Saji’s Unyielding Management) (Toshiaki Kaminogo / Kodansha)
Yatte minahare Mito kunnahare (Try It, Watch Me) (Hitomi Yamaguchi and Takeshi Kaiko / Shincho Bunko)