Hikaru Hayashi (林 光 Hayashi Hikaru?, born October 22, 1931 in Tokyo) is a contemporary Japanese composer, pianist and conductor. He is the cousin of flautist Ririko Hayashi.Hayashi entered Tokyo University of the Arts as a composition student but did not complete his studies. Studying under Hisatada Otaka, he produced many compositions including orchestral works. In particular, he is noted for his choral suite Scenes from Hiroshima (1958–2001).In exploring the possibilities of Japanese language opera, Hayashi has composed more than 30 operas. He is artistic director and resident composer of the Opera Theatre Konnyakuza. His oeuvre also includes symphonic works, works for band, chamber music, choral works, songs and more than 100 film scores. Hayashi is the author of more than 20 books including Nihon opera no yume (日本オペラの夢 The Dream of Japanese Opera).[1]In 1998 Hayashi won the 30th Suntory Music Award.
