
About Us
In a new form that is different from the conventional oversea-tour performances of Japanese orchestras, we will establish a new base in Asia, expand our perspective from Japan to Asia as a whole, and develop multifaceted activities.
Our aim is to embrace diverse sense of values and cultures, engage in cultural and human exchange through music, and improve musical culture throughout Asia. By absorbing the good parts of each country and working hard together, we are convinced that we can make a big contribution to the development of the music culture in Japan.
Nowadays the interests of the musicians, classical music fans, and wealthy people from Asian countries are heading to Europe, so we would like to turn their attentions to Japan. It is expected that the standards of musicians in Asian countries as a whole will improve by increasing the numbers of multinational members in Japanese orchestras and multinational applicants of the music universities.
We will also look into the possibility of attracting visitors from abroad to the concerts in Japan, aiming to establish a more active place for international exchange.
By drawing attentions of domestic and international audience to the field of music, we aim to revitalize the music world itself and to establish a large artistic and cultural sphere that covers the whole of Asia.
Schedule
Tokyo Symphony Orchestra Asia Project ‘Thailand – Malaysia Tour’ has been confirmed.
In Bangkok, the orchestra will perform a classical programme conducted by Naoto Otomo with Tomoharu Ushida on piano, followed the next day by an animation and theatre music performance featuring works by Joe Hisaishi, who is also very popular there. Musical actress Seiko Niizuma, who spent eight years in Bangkok and considers Thailand her second home, will sing and narrate.
A classical programme will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, extending the scope of our activities after Thailand.
And in September 2025, the Orchestra will join forces with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), which recently announced the appointment of Junichi Hirokami as Music Director, as a joint orchestra for the MPO’s subscription concerts. Together with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the MPO will bring the world of classical music to Malaysia’s pride and joy at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall.

13, Sep. 2025 (Sat.) 20:00
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra&Tokyo Symphony Orchestra<A Cosmic Symphony>Petronas Philharmonic Hall
Artist
・Conductor=Junichi Hirokami
・Organ=Mari Ohki
・Violin=Peter Denis、Issey Kobayashi
・Female Chorus=UCSI Chorale
Program
・Barber: Toccata Festiva for Organ and Orchestra
・J.S.Bach: Concerto for Two Violins in D minor
・Holst: The Planets


December 22nd 19:00
Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra & Tokyo Symphony Orchestra Friendship Concert with Seiko NiizumaMuza Kawasaki Symphony Hall
Artist
・Conductor=Naoto Otomo
・Vocal=Seiko Niizuma
・Joint Orchestra of Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
Program
【Part 1】
・Y. Akutagawa: Music for Symphony Orchestra, 2ndmov.
・Rama IX / Pramoj: Alexandra
・Saint-Saens: Symphony No. 3 with Organ – Part II
・【Part II】
・The Sound of Music Medley*.
・Anderson: Christmas Festival
・My Heart Will Go On*.
・On My Own* etc.
7/23 on sale

May 3rd 16:30
AMADEUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND TOKYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA/WINTER IS COMING
Artist
・Conductor: Henrik Hochschild
・Flute: Emma Hochschild
Program
・Nielsen:Suite for Strings Op.1
・Siberius:Pelléas et Mélisande Op.46
・Reinecke:Flute Concert Op.283
・Grieg:Peer Gyunt
・Sibelius:Scenes historiques II, Op. 66
cooperation


May 28th 19:00
TSO Special Concert in Bangkok/Thailand Culture Center(Bangkok)
Artist
・Naoto Otomo, Conductor
・Tomoharu Ushida, Piano
Program
・Chopin: Piano Concerto No.1 in e minor
・Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
Support


May 29th 19:00
TSO Special Concert in Bangkok
~Animation and Theatre Music with Orchestra~
/Thailand Culture Center(Bangkok)
Artist
・Shimpei Sasaki, Conductor
・Seiko Niizuma♥, Narration & vocal
・Tomoharu Ushida♠, Piano
Program
・Kiki’s Delivery Service “A Town With An Ocean View”♠
・Spirited Away Suite “One Summer’s Day”♠
・My Neighbor Totoro♥
・The Sound of Music Medley♥
・My Heart will Go On♥
・Howl’s Moving Castle etc.
Support


June 1st 15:00
TSO Special Concert in kuala lumpurPetronas Philharmonic Hall
Artist
・Naoto Otomo, Conductor
・Tomoharu Ushida, Piano
Program
・Chopin: Piano Concerto No.1 in e minor
・Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
Support
Initiatives in FY2025
Report
May 28, 2025
TSO Special Concert in Bangkok
“The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra Returns to Bangkok” (Bangkok Post, May 8th). This article alone conveys Bangkok residents’ high expectations for the TOKYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA(TSO)’s performance.
It demonstrates the significant impact of the TSO’s March 2024 performance on music fans in Bangkok.
As before, the Thailand Cultural Center was fully packed with anticipation.
The concert open with the Royal Anthem as a Thai tradition, Tomoharu Ushida appears as the soloist for Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Ushida won the Japan Chopin Association Award in this April and is gaining increasing attention. Despite being in his 20s, Ushida’s performance reflects the depth of his musical career, which began with his CD debut at age 12. After the intermission, TSO played Mussorgsky’s (Ravel arrangement) “Pictures at an Exhibition” suite, one of the challenging pieces for the orchestra. Naoto Ohtomo’s conducting brought out the orchestra’s diverse sound, filling the venue with impressive music.
The audience responded with loud cheers, and the first day’s concert concluded with two encore pieces in a frenzy.
Report
May 29, 2025
TSO Special Concert in Bangkok
The other program in Bangkok of this tour featured anime and theater music. TSO welcomed Seiko Niizuma, who spent her school days in Bangkok, as the vocalist and narrator. The program is the music from Ghibli films, composed by Joe Hisaishi, music from “The Sound of Music,” and her favorite song, “My Heart Will Go On.” Anime and theater music are also very popular in Thailand. Tickets for this performance featuring an orchestra from Tokyo performing Hisaishi’s works sold out quickly.
With Shinpei Sasaki conducting, famous scenes from Ghibli movies came to life. Ushida, who had given a brilliant performance of Chopin the day before, played the piano. He played Hisaishi’s melodies so beautifully. Seiko Niizuma captivated the audience with her greetings in Thai and was met with loud cheers. Since the Japanese language is popular in Thailand, TSO played the orchestral story “My Neighbor Totoro” accompanied by Japanese narration with Niizuma. Of course, Niizuma’s singing voice was unforgettable. Calling Bangkok as her second home, Niizuma captivated the audience with her rich expressiveness and beautiful, resonant voice, leaving a lasting impression on the people of Bangkok.
Through these performances, we believe that we were able to share the depth and allure of orchestral music with the people of Bangkok.
Report
June 1, 2025
TSO Special Concert in kuala lumpur
TSO made its debut in Malaysia at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, located beneath the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. This hall is the home base for the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and boasts a rich acoustics. TSO performed the same classical program as in Bangkok on May 28, under the baton of Naoto Ohtomo and with pianist Tomoharu Ushida, showcasing their distinctive sound. The performance was met with warm applause comparable to that in Bangkok. The concert in Kuala Lumpur The concert in Kuala Lumpur marked the 80th performance for the TSO in 58 cities overseas, and it was a resounding success. And it had already announced that TSO will perform as a joint orchestra at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s regular concert in September, which is sure to be a topic of conversation among music fans in Kuala Lumpur.
The performance in Malaysia, the third country visited as part of the Asia Project, fully demonstrated the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra’s presence. Please look forward to the future developments of the Asia Project.
Report
May 29-31, 2025
“Human exchange through music” is also one of the important themes of the Asia Project. During this visit, we were able to have broad exchanges from elementary students to university students at four locations.
On the 29th, Shiro Hatae, a saxophonist participating in the tour, hosted a master class at Silpakorn University, TSO’s partner institution. The saxophone is a very popular instrument in Thailand, partly because the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej played it. The master class, originally intended for a small group, successfully concluded with a large ensemble lesson.
At the Lobby of the Thailand Cultural Center before the concert, Thai Youth Orchestra Member and TSO member corroboratory presented welcome concert with pleasant atmosphere.
On the 30th, four members of the TSO held a workshop for the Thai Youth Orchestra’s August concert, “Dvořák: Symphony No. 8.” The smiles on the faces of the youth members who participated conveyed their genuine love of music, and their earnest approach to the points taught made it clear that they are passionate about music.
On the 31st, as part of the Festival Orchestra Kuala Lumpur 2025 organized by Kuala Lumpur City, twelve musicians from the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra conducted a masterclass for the “Kuala Lumpur Youth Orchestra”. True to Malaysia’s multi-ethnic nature, children from various backgrounds, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian, participated, some traveling four hours one way. Their earnest dedication and cooperative attitude in creating music together rekindled our own passion for music.
The Asia Project will continue to cherish such human exchanges with future musicians.
Initiatives in FY2024

Feb. 15th 2025
THAI JAPANEASE STRING ORCHESTRA/The Siam Society Auditorium
Report
Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) concertmaster Issei Kobayashi and 3 members of the TSO formed a string orchestra with students from the Silpakorn University Faculty of Music and another music school in Bangkok. The concert included works by Bach and composers from Thailand and Japan.
Through the two days of intensive rehearsals led by Professor Tasana of Silpakorn University and TSO concertmaster Kobayashi, the musicians were able to communicate through music and the concert ended with a wonderful sense of unity. The concert was so successful that the original seating capacity was exceeded. Additional seats were offered.
This must be a valuable experience for the young musicians. The TSO members were also impressed by their serious approach to music.

Feb. 14th 2025
Workshop for Immanuel Orchestra/at Immanuel Lutheran Church
Report
On the evening of 14th, four TSO musician visited the Immanuel Orchestra, a children’s orchestra that started in 2000 at a church in Klong Toi Slum, Bangkok’s largest slum, and held a workshop.
The four musicians practised with a small church full of children and gave them lessons on how to put expressions to the music and so on. It was impressive to see how hard the little children worked to play when the music started. And we felt possibility to music enrich their future.

Feb. 17th 2025
Outreach concert at THAI JAPANESE ASSOCIATION SCHOOL SRIRACHA
Report
The woodwind quintet of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) visited the Sriracha Japanese School in the port city of Sriracha, about 90 km south of Bangkok, and gave two concerts for grades 1 to 9 (Japanese junior high school students).
The children listened attentively to the music of well-known classical woodwind quintet composers such as Ibert and Farkas, as well as popular music from anime. Not only the music but also very interested in the introduction of instruments. The members wanted to visit the school again because of the very energetic children and their own popularity, who would come to the school to get autographs at lunchtime!

Feb. 18th 2025
Outreach concert at THAI JAPANESE ASSOCIATION SCHOOL
Report
The TSO woodwind quintet visited a Japanese school in Bangkok. Two outreach concerts were held, one at the junior high school and one at the primary schools. Continuing from last year, we enjoyed music with the children. This year, we performed ‘Believe’ with children chorus. Their energetic singing echoed in the huge gymnasium, which is not often seen in Japan.

Feb. 18th 2025
Opening act of the main stage at the National Day reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy/The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok
Report
After visiting a Japanese school, in the evening they performed at the National Day organized by the Embassy of Japan, at the The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Here, in addition to classical pieces, we performed the locally familiar Japanese songs ‘SUKIYAKI’ and ‘Kimi wo nosete’ to celebrate opening act of the main stage.

Feb. 19th 2025
Outreach concert for Lumpini primary school at Embassy of Japan in Thailand Multipurpose Hall
Report
The final concert of the TSO’s Woodwind Quintet’s in this visit was an outreach concert for the fourth graders of the Bangkok Metropolitan Lumpini Primary School near the Japanese Embassy. This was the first concert we had ever given for Thai children. With the help of Japanese Embassy staff, all talks translated into Thai during the concert.
The children were also able to try their hand at playing the instruments and we felt that we were able to get closer to the children. The concert time was little bit long for the children because of the translation, but they seemed to enjoy the concert to the full.
The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra will continue to hold concerts like this where they can interact with local children.
(Some photos courtesy of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand Facebook page)


July 30th
RBSO&TSO Friendship Concert/King’s College International School Great Hall (Bangkok)
Artist
– Keitaro Harada, Conductor
– Mayuko Kamio, Violin
– Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra & Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
Program
– J.Strauss II:Operetta“Die Fledermaus” Overture
– Waxman: Carmen Fantasy
– Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen
– Shostakovich: Festive Overture
– Tchaikovsky: Fantasy Overture Romeo and Juliet
– Ginastera: Ballet Suite “Estansia”
Report
RBSO (Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra) and TSO (Tokyo Symphony Orchestra) held a Friendship Concert on July 30th at the Great Hall of King’s College International School Bangkok. This concert was organized by both orchestras to celebrate the 72nd birthday of King Rama X of Thailand. Under the baton of Keitaro Harada, the joint orchestra performed pieces such as Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy (Violin: Mayuko Kamio) and Ginastera’s Estancia, ending with a lively atmosphere as the audience clapped their hands and the musicians stamped their feet.

May 27th - June 2nd
Silapakorn Summer Music School/ SCB Training Centre (Pattaya), Silpakorn University Hall (Bangkok)
– TSO musicians are sent to a music camp organised by Silpakorn University; the TSO is responsible for teaching and performing for auditioned students from different parts of the country.
Report
In partnership with Silpakorn University, five members of TSO were sent to the Silpakorn Summer Music School (SSMS) in Pattaya, Thailand.
Under the direction of Mr Hikotaro Yazaki, who has been involved with this music school for many years as its music director, 50 young people in their teens and twenties from Thailand and Malaysia etc, participated in the four-day music camp, including Mr. Tatsuki Sasanuma (Vc), Ms. Chizu Hisamatsu (Cb), Mr. Nobuo Ohno (Fg, alumnus of TSO) and Mr. Hironori Nakamura (Va, assistant principal of the NHK Symphony Orchestra). After a four-day music camp, they took part in a concert in Bangkok on 1 June (at the Pattaya SCB Training Centre) and in Bangkok on 2 June (at the Silpakorn University Auditorium).
One student who has attended every year said, ‘This year was especially enjoyable because the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra members came. The orchestra members also said that they ‘gained a lot from the honesty of the children and the interaction with the friendly local people’. The orchestra members also said that they ‘gained a lot from the children’s honesty and the interaction with the friendly local people.
The project made us feel the importance of being involved in this kind of music education as a professional orchestra.
Initiatives in FY2023


March 22nd
Special Concert by Tokyo Symphony Orchestrathe Cultural Center of Thailand (Bangkok)
Artist
– Naoto Otomo, Conductor
– Mone Hattori, Violin
Program
– Royal anthem of Thailand
– Sibelius: Violin Concerto
– Brahms: Symphony No.1
Support
Siam Music Yamaha Co., Ltd.
Zignature Marketing and Technology Co., Ltd.
Report
The first Bangkok concert of the Asia Project was held at the Thai Cultural Centre. It was said that tickets for classical concerts in Thailand rarely sell out, but thanks to publicity on social networking sites and other media, tickets were sold out and attracted a lot of local media attention, with Naoto Otomo (conductor), Mone Hattori (vn) and Hirooka, managing director, responding to the press before the performance began.
In Thailand, the concert began with Royal anthem of Thailand. The Sibelius Violin Concerto that followed captivated the audience with its passionate performance, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Ms Hattori also responded with two solo encores. And in the Brahms Symphony No. 1, the orchestra members felt a great response in conveying the group’s artistry and passion for music to the Thai audience, making it a deeply moving and memorable night for the orchestra. We will continue our activities to increase the number of classical music fans in Asia and to raise the level of music through exchanges.
<A drink after work>
March in Bangkok is the hottest month of the year with little rainfall. On this day, the temperature was over 30℃ and air conditioning was essential. In this situation, members of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra greeted the musicians after their performance with “Singha Beer”, a typical Thai beer! Even at night, the temperature is still hot and the heat of the concert is cooled with a glass of chilled Singha Beer. The guests enjoyed the fleeting exchanges between those who had formed a partnership.
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TSO President Tetsuya Okazaki chatting with Harald Link, President of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.
<Strong support from the Embassy of Japan>
The Asia Project’s activities in Thailand have been strongly supported by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, including the use of the embassy hall for the partnership signing ceremony in February, the string ensemble’s performance at the National Day reception the following day, and a promotional stand. Ambassador Masato Otaka, who had just taken up his new post, also attended the concert. The Ambassador, who has a friendly personality, was kind enough to take our photograph in the lobby, and at the reception after the concert we were all moved to tears by the performance. We look forward to working with him in the future.
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Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, giving his speech.

February 9th
Joint string ensemble concert/ AUA Language Center Hall
– with the members of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra
Report
On February 9 2024, five members of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra joined members of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) for a string ensemble concert at the AUA Language Centre in Ratchadamri, near Lumphini Park.
TSO musicians were a little nervous at the beginning of the rehearsal, but as they faced the music together and shared their ideas, they became more comfortable with each other, foreshadowing the great things we will create together in the future.

February 8th
String quartet concert by the members of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra/ Thai Japanese Association School
Report
TSO string quintet visited a Japanese school in Bangkok and held two concerts in the morning and afternoon for 5th, 6th, and 9th graders. The concert began with Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” followed by a demonstration of the sounds and harmonic roles of the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students enjoyed a wide range of songs, from classic masterpieces such as Dvorak’s “America” to today’s popular songs. At the end, TSO string quintet performed a school song of Bangkok Japanese School together with all students accompanied by its teacher. Students was enthusiastically listening to the concert, and we received such a pleasant comment, “I wanted to listen more!” and “Will you come again?”

February 7th
Performed chamber music (9 people) at the National Day reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy/The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok
Artist
– Performed chamber music (9 people)
Report
On February 7, 2024, nine members of the TSO String Ensemble performed at the Emperor’s Birthday Reception organized by the Embassy of Japan at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok.
The ensemble performed four pieces, including Grieg’s Holberg Suite “Prelude”, and “Pleiades” which is well-known in Thailand.
We also introduced TSO’s the Asia Project and the concert at the Thai Cultural Centre coming on March 22, 2024, which attracted a lot of interest.

February 6th
Partnership signing ceremonyMultipurpose Hall, Embassy of Japan in Thailand
– Partnership signing ceremony with Silpakorn University, Thailand
Report
On February 6, 2024, a partnership signing ceremony was held in Bangkok, Thailand, between the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra(TSO), the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) and the Silpakorn University Faculty of Music. After historical film of the TSO, Ambassador Kazuya Nashida gave a speech, followed by message from TSO Managing Director Yoshitaka Hirooka on the purpose and significance of this project.
After the signing, the audience was treated by the performance of TSO string ensemble, which included the violin of Managing Director Hirooka himself and was also joined by Professor Damrih Banawitayakit of Silpakorn University and RBSO Concert Master Bing Han.
Partnership
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Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation
under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya In 1982, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was established with the aim to become the leading orchestra in Thailand. At that time, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation was under the Royal Patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. After His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua ascended the throne, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra was granted Royal permission to be renamed as the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, also known as RBSO. His Majesty later granted Royal permission to the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation to be under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on April 15, 2018.
In 2019, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation was granted Royal permission to be renamed as the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. The RBSO has become Thailand’s most travelled overseas cultural ambassador with concerts in Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Japan. History was made in November 2010 when the BSO took to the stage of what is one of the most famous concert venues in the world, the Musikverein in Vienna, to perform a Tribute Concert of music by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. -
Faculty of Music,
Silpakorn UniversityFounded in 1998, the Faculty of Music was the initiative of Prof. Emeritus Dr. Trungjai Buranasomphop, former President of Silpakorn University. It was established in collaboration with Thailand’s leading music scholars and performers as the 10th faculty of the university. Its first director was Prof. Dr.Manrat Srikaranonda, National Artist in 1992.
Faculty of Music, Silpakorn University stands as a leading institute in music, with the ability to provide best practice in music learning and study environment. Our multidisciplinary academic programs and industry-driven curriculum provide opportunities for students to examine music challenges from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and equip them with skills needed for a changing world.
The Silpakorn University Faculty of Music’s curriculum is great for those looking to improve their skills in music and business management. Every instructor is decorated with expertise, knowledge, and years of experience in their respective fields. This curriculum is available at every level, from the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts program in Entertainment Industry, to the Master’s and Doctoral level programs in Music Research and Development. These programs aim at developing skilled, professional musicians with extra skills in business management. From the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts program: Classical Music, Creative Music and Media, Jazz Studies, Commercial Music, Musical Theater, Music Ed-trepreneur, Music and Entertainment Business, Idol and Influencer Development and Management. Master of Music: Music Research and Development. Doctor of Arts: Doctor of Philosophy, Music Research and Development.
Four Outstanding Extra Curriculum Activities
1. Silpakorn Summer Music School Orchestral Program (SSMS) is a two-week summer course for young orchestral musicians with high musical skills from all over Thailand will be able to study and improve together, receiving valuable tips and recommendations from qualified professionals from Thailand and all over the world.
2. The Feroci Philharmonic Wind Orchestra was established in 2013 in remembrance of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University. This brings traditional Thai musical instruments and traditional orchestral instruments onto the same stage.
3. The Thailand Jazz Competition has been raising the standard of Thai jazz musicians to an international level for over a decade. The competition is divided into 3 categories: Jazz ensemble, secondary school level jazz big band and a vocal jazz competition.
4. The Silpakorn University Jazz Camp is an academic opportunity with a focus on music in society that brings together talented young musicians and expert lecturers and guests from Silpakorn and beyond.
Faculty of Music Silpakorn University believes that music is a creative force for society. By preparing Silpakorn students to be the best in both musical and academic skills, they will eventually play an important role in improving and strengthening our society.
Subsidy
Japan Arts Council(Independent Administrative Institution)
FY2023 Subsidy of Designated Donation System