Departures of note

Shin Sato was a Japanese composer and conductor, born in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. He studied composition under Kan'ichi Shimosa and Tomojirō Ikenouchi at Tokyo University of the Arts, graduating in 1961 and completing the advanced course in 1963. He later served as a professor at the university's music faculty until his retirement in 2006, and was named honorary professor.

Sato is best remembered for 'Daichi Sanshō' (Hymn to the Earth), the closing movement of his 1962 cantata 'Tsuchi no Uta' (Song of the Earth) for mixed chorus and orchestra. The piece became a beloved staple of school graduation ceremonies across Japan. His other well-known choral works include the suites 'Zaō' and 'Tabi'.

Beyond choral music, Sato composed four symphonies, several operas, piano and violin concertos, and orchestral works. He received numerous honors, including first prize and the special composition award at the Japan Music Competition (1961), the Art Festival Award, and the Grand Prix in the music category of the Prix Italia (1975). He also served as a judge for the All-Japan Choral Competition and was an honorary member of the Japan Society for Contemporary Music.