Idemitsu Kosan Long-running program "The Music Concert Without a Title" Aired extended commercial
On April 2, Idemitsu Kosan aired two 90-second extended commercials before and after TV Asahi's classical music program "The Music Concert Without a Title" (every Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM).
The program began broadcasting in 1964 as "Golden Pops Concert." Idemitsu Kosan has been the sole sponsor of the program from October of that year to the present. The host at that time was the late composer Toshiro Mayuzumi, and the program title changed to "The Concert Without a Title" in 1966. The program creates compelling content featuring diverse guests and collaborations across genres, from classical masterpieces to popular songs. It also provides many people with the opportunity to experience live music through its open-recording format.
Past hosts include the late Rokusuke Ei, who served briefly as a substitute, Tetsuya Takeda, and the late Kentaro Haneda. The title also underwent minor changes. In 2008, conductor Yutaka Sado became host and the program reverted to its original title. In 2015, violinist Ryu Goto became the fifth host, the youngest in the program's history. In 2009, it was recognized by Guinness World Records as the "World's Longest-Running Classical Music Program," and in March 2017, it reached its 2,500th broadcast.
For the April 2nd episode featuring new host actor/singer Mikio Ishimaru, the company produced two 90-second extended commercials exclusively for that broadcast, airing them before and after the program. These commercials were conceived as a letter to viewers who have cherished the program over the years, expressing the company's sentiments and tracing the show's journey from its inception to that day (episode 2504).
The first commercial featured heartfelt narration over fixed-angle footage of the stage from preparation to showtime. The second commercial showed the empty venue with past special titles appearing, suggesting the program will continue beyond its 2504th episode. These commercials will not be released on the company's official website or elsewhere; the final viewing opportunity will be the BS Asahi rerun (April 9, 11:00 PM).
■ Narration for the First Half Commercial (Full Text)
Over 50 years ago
In this country entering a period of rapid economic growth
a music program began
In 1964, "The Concert Without a Title"
Its theme was "An Orchestra for Everyone to Enjoy"
Driven by the desire to bring rich music to the world
fueled by that very aspiration
this concert series was created
After surpassing 100 performances, we discovered the joy of delivering music
After 500 performances, we became completely absorbed in sharing music
After 1,000 concerts, we reaffirmed our resolve to deliver music
Even after 2,000 performances, our passion for music remains undiminished
And finally, it became the world's longest-running classical music program
Today's "Music Without Titles" is its 2504th episode.
My desire to bring rich music to the world
This aspiration continues unceasingly.
Today, as always, the curtain rises on the concert.
Bring energy to Japan.
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