The Bach Archive Foundation, which researches and manages the work of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, has appointed a Japanese to head its public relations department, the first non-German to assume the post, foundation officials said Wednesday.
Akio Takano, 45, will serve a five-year term starting Oct. 1 at the foundation in Leipzig in eastern Germany.
Takano, from the city of Toyama, has worked at the foundation's PR department since 2001, promoting its summer Bach Festival and other events.