Music director Mamoru Takahara is personally responsible for organizing all of the ensemble's activities. He has completed 12 consecutive Japanese concert tours and three South Asian tours with the Ensemble since its formation in 1979. In 1988, he gave an unprecedented performance at the ancient Toshodaiji Temple in Nara. In subsequent years, he has taken the orchestra to other major historical landmarks in Japan, including the Izumo Shrine and Meiji Shrine. These unique musical events exemplify Mr. Takahara's lively imagination and dedication to his work. Year after year, he surprises and delights the public by conducting amateur orchestras and planning concerts in unconventional venues, some of which have included Tokyo Station, Ishikawa prefecture's Noh theater, and Haneda Airport. 

Mr. Takahara made his American debut in 1976 conducting the Philharmonia Virtuosi of New York, where he remained as guest conductor until 1979. He first came to the United States in 1972, when he was invited by Leonard Bernstein to study at the New York Philharmonic. Mr. Takahara has also studied with Otmar Suitner in Salzburg, Austria. Starting out his musical career as a trumpeter, Mr. Takahara won first place in the Youth Competition of Western Japan at age 15. He studied both trumpet and conducting at Kunitachi Music College in Tokyo. In addition to conducting, Mr. Takahara has taught music history and brass ensemble. 

Mr. Takahara makes frequent guest appearances in his native Japan, conducting some of the country's major orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic. He has recorded with Technics, Warner-Pioneer, Toshiba-EMI, and Kitty. He also serves as sound technology consultant to Panasonic.