Bernstein Cuts Short Japan Tour : Music: The composer-conductor is suffering from exhaustion. His doctor said he had not fully recovered from several ailments earlier this year.

Composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein, suffering from exhaustion, today cut short a concert tour in Japan with the London Symphony Orchestra and was escorted from Tokyo to New York by his physician, a spokesman said.

Bernstein’s physician ordered the 71-year-old conductor, who has suffered from severe influenza, pleurisy and pneumonia since early this year, to return home for complete rest, manager Harry Kraut said in a statement from Japan.

“Leonard Bernstein is suffering from exhaustion as a result of trying to fulfill his professional obligations while not having fully recovered from several ailments he suffered this spring,” Dr. Kevin Cahill said in the statement.

“Complete rest for an extended period is required if this remarkable man is to regain his usual high energy level,” Cahill said.

The conductor, in a statement issued on his own stationery, said he “deeply regretted” cutting short the tour.

“I am most grateful for the loving understanding and concern shown by Japanese friends as well as all my colleagues about the present state of my health, which requires me to return home,” Bernstein said.

Kraut’s statement said it was unclear whether Bernstein would be able to conduct next month at Tanglewood, Mass., or with the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra Tour in Europe.

Bernstein, who took over the baton of the New York Philharmonic in 1959 and was dubbed “Leaping Lennie” because he jumped up and down on the podium while conducting, was expected to arrive in New York late today.

Concerts in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto, scheduled between July 14 and 22, were canceled. Bernstein had been in Japan since June 22 as part of the new Pacific Music Festival, a spokesman said.