Minoru Endoh was born in 1932. In 1949, he came to Tokyo to study music. He wrote "Good Evening Dear Moon", his first hit, and became a well-known composer in Japan. In 1965, he founded and became president of a record company called "Minoruphone". He wrote many hit songs such as "Waltz under the Light of Star", "A Drought" and "Fellow Traveler". One of his biggest hits was "Spring in Northern Country", a smash hit not only in Japan but also in East Asian countries. "Spring in Northern Country" is said to be appreciated by almost half a billion people.
In 1994, he found Minoru Endoh Music Foundation and is its chairman. He was appointed Chairman of JASRAC, Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in 1995.
In 1990, the Japanese Government awarded Minoru Endoh the "Purple Ribbon Medal". In 1996, he was awarded the "Broadcasting Culture Award" by NHK.
Minoru Endoh is the Honorary Chairman and an honorary judge of the 3rd Asia Song Festival Phillipines '98.
I would like to congratulate on the occasion of the 3rd Asia Song Festival Philippines '98, being held as one of the official events in the significant year to celebrate the centenary of the Philippine Independence. I would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino people for their warm understanding and appreciation in music. Likewise, our special thanks to Mr. Daniel S. Tan, chairman of KATHA, Organization of Filipino Composers, and his staff for their efforts that made this Festival possible.
Furthermore, we extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Mina T. Gabor, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Mr. Salvador P. Laurel, Chairman, The National Centennial Commission, for supporting the Festival and including the Festival in its centenary calendar of events.
I have always believe that East Asian countries will make progress as one cultural bloc. Holding a song festival together among us will be the most effective means to realize the idea, through which we'll overcome the language barrier, get to know and support each other better.
We have been holding the Asia Song Festivals in cooperation with respective organizations in Asian countries based on that idea.
I sincerely hope beautiful and lyrical songs be produced through this festival by all participating countries to win global popularity, making East Asia the base for transmitting songs to the world.
"I WISH TO FILL THE WORLD FULL WITH FLOWERS OF SONGS." Is my soulful message for you all.
