The NHK Symphony Orchestra (NHK交響楽団, Enueichikei Kōkyō Gakudan?) in Tokyo, Japan began as the New Symphony Orchestra on October 5, 1926 and was the country's first professional symphony orchestra. Later, it changed its name to Japan Symphony Orchestra and in 1951, after receiving financial support from NHK, it took its current name. It is considered to be the leading orchestra in Japan.