In 1956, Watanabe founded the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and continued as its resident conductor until 1968.
From 1956 to 1960, he served as concertmaster of the newly founded Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in Tokyo.
With the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, he served as principal conductor (1988–1990), chief conductor (1990–1994, 1997–2004), and music director (2004–2007).
Japan | London Symphony Orchestra | New York Philharmonic | Philadelphia Orchestra | orchestra | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | Los Angeles Philharmonic | Cleveland Orchestra | Empire of Japan | London Philharmonic Orchestra | Boston Symphony Orchestra | BBC Symphony Orchestra | Prime Minister of Japan | National Symphony Orchestra | Electric Light Orchestra | Berlin Philharmonic | Japan national football team | Emperor of Japan | Voice acting in Japan | Sea of Japan | National Symphony Orchestra (United States) | Melbourne Symphony Orchestra | Boston Pops Orchestra | Sydney Symphony Orchestra | Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | Minnesota Orchestra | Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra | Dallas Symphony Orchestra | Vienna Philharmonic |