Haruhisa Handa to end 15-year partnership with Opera Australia

Japanese billionaire Haruhisa Handa will step down as patron-in-chief of Opera Australia when the agreement with his Tokyo-based International Foundation for Arts and Culture (IFAC) expires on December 31, 2026. The 15-year philanthropic relationship involved more than $15 million in contributions and was instrumental in establishing the annual outdoor opera productions on Sydney Harbour.

The separation reportedly stems from disagreements regarding financial commitments and the balance between traditional opera and musical theater. While the formal partnership is concluding, Handa’s name will still appear in 2027 as the major sponsor of a regional opera festival. Opera Australia expressed gratitude for Handa and IFAC’s long-standing commitment and vision during the transition.