notice: Hiroko Nakamura passed away at the age of 72 on July 26, 2016.

It is with sadness that we inform you that Pianist Hiroko Nakamura (whose name in her private life was Hiroko Fukuda) passed away in her home on July 26, 2016 at 10:25 p.m. The cause was colon cancer. She was 72 years old. In 2015, Hiroko Nakamura publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer, and thereafter she underwent medical treatment as she continued her musical activity.

A funeral service attended only by close relatives was held on July 28.

From the time of her debut, Hiroko Nakamura was one of Japan’s representative pianists. She continued to captivate listeners throughout her career, in more than 3,800 performances including concerts with orchestras from inside and outside Japan and recitals throughout the world. In addition to her outstanding activities as a pianist, Hiroko Nakamura served on competition juries, wrote several books, and was actively engaged in volunteer programs. The contribution that she made to culture and the arts throughout her life is immeasurable.

We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers.