Tokichi Setoguchi


Tokichi Setoguchi was a Japanese composer, music educator, conductor and clarinetist.

Biography

Setoguchi was born on 28 June 1868, in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, in what is now the city of Tarumizu. In 1882, Setoguchi enlisted as a clarinetist in the military band of the Imperial Japanese Navy in Yokosuka. Later, he became an orchestra conductor. During a concert tour in 1907 through 16 European countries, he enjoyed great success, and became known as the Japanese Sousa. In 1910 he accompanied Prince Yoshihito on his journey to London for the coronation celebrations of King George V of the United Kingdom. He retired in 1917.
After his active service he was a professor of music at various universities and music conservatories.
He died in Azabu, Tokyo on 8 November 1941 of a cerebral hemorrhage.
As a composer he wrote a number of songs and military marches. In addition, he reformed Japanese military music between World War I and World War II.

Compositions

Works for wind orchestra (military band)