One thing is for sure: Composer Joe Hisaishi is bursting with confidence about his latest project. Best known for composing music for Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award-winning "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)" (2001), Hisaishi was recently appointed musical director of a new popular music venture by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Established in 1972 by Seiji Ozawa and musicians supporting the then up-and-coming conductor, the orchestra continues to specialize in classical music, but this July it begins a foray into popular music.
"We will surpass the Boston Pops Orchestra within three years," Hisaishi said Tuesday at a news conference.