In Memoriam ’24] Playing with a Chihuahua in a Shopping Arcade…An Unexpected Expression of Seiji Ozawa, the “World’s Ozawa” as Seiji Ozawa was seen by this magazine

He would pick up his beloved chihuahua and rub it with his cheeks.

But in his later years, Mr. Ozawa was constantly battling illness.’ Around 2005, his health began to deteriorate. This magazine encountered Mr. Ozawa in January 2006, when he was diagnosed with shingles, chronic maxillary sinusitis, and keratitis, and cancelled his scheduled overseas performances to rest at home.

On a sunny afternoon in late March 2006, Ozawa and his daughter Seira were strolling along a shopping street near their home. Mr. Ozawa, wearing a cap and sunglasses, was accompanied by his dog, a Chihuahua. Waiting for his order in front of a Japanese confectionery shop, Ozawa stopped the moving Chihuahua with his foot or picked it up and gave it a nuzzle. Suddenly, he would look up at the sky, beat a rhythm with his right hand, and hum something to himself. No one noticed the “World Famous Ozawa” in such a playful mood.

Three months later, in June, Ozawa resumed his conducting activities. However, he continued to be plagued by esophageal cancer and back pain, and he frequently took time off and returned to conducting.

Since Mr. Ozawa was the general director of the Mito Chamber Orchestra, he often appeared at their concerts. The owner of a restaurant in Mito told NHK the following.

He was a man with deep pockets and could get along with anyone. He liked strong drinks. When I went to listen to the orchestra, I could see that the members were focused, but when we were at the restaurant, Ozawa-san took good care of the members and everyone seemed relaxed.”

Unlike his uncanny power when he waved the plectrum, Ozawa-san in his true colors seemed to be a very friendly person.

I pray for his soul rest in peace.