YoshiharaAsiaBernstein’s reach in Asia was shaped by the US Cold War cultural diplomacy as well as the development of the recording industry that helped foster his reputation as a foremost American composer and conductor. His fame and popularity continued to grow in the context of the changing dynamics of US–Asian relations, including Japan’s rise as an economic superpower, American influence in South Korea following the Korean War, and the opening of China’s doors to the West with the end of the Cultural Revolution. Each of Bernstein’s seven tours in Asia, starting in 1961 and ending a few months before his death in 1990, was characterized by global geopolitics and economy as well as his relationship with corporate partners and sponsors. Bernstein also developed close relationships with Asian musicians whom he mentored and collaborated with, most notably Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa.