Isao Tomita, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Tokyo
  • Last updated on

Isao Tomita among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Isao Tomita »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a reliable source, Isao Tomita is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the composer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 15/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Tomita for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 93-year-old composer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Tomita so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the composer have already been named ‘Japanese Of The Year’ by some major Japanese newspapers and even ‘Tokyo Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Tokyo (Isao Tomita's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the composer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#TomitaPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 14 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Isao has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Isao Tomita?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Isao Tomita?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Isao Tomita: Recent News

 

page served in 0.049s (1,2)