Helmut Roloff, a German pianist, professor and mentor to many prominent Japanese pianists, died of illness at his home in Berlin on Sept. 29, Japanese music industry officials said Tuesday. He was 88.

In 1990, Roloff received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, from the Japanese government for his contributions to Japanese music, including teaching Takahiro Sonoda, Toyoaki Matsuura and other pianists.