Keiichi Okabe (岡部 啓一, Okabe Keiichi; born May 26, 1969) is a Japanese composer and arranger, best known for composing…Keiichi Okabe (岡部 啓一, Okabe Keiichi; born May 26, 1969) is a Japanese composer and arranger, best known for composing music for the Tekken and Drakengard series. He started his career at Namco in 1994, where he primarily composed for arcade games. Outside of video games, he has composed for anime series such as Working!! and Yuki Yuna is a Hero, along with arranging tracks for J-pop artists. He established the music production studio Monaca in 2004, which composes for various types of media.
Dance Dance Revolution (ダンスダンスレボリューション, Dansu Dansu Reboryūshon) (abbreviated DDR; also called DanRevo, Dance Revo, or…Dance Dance Revolution (ダンスダンスレボリューション, Dansu Dansu Reboryūshon) (abbreviated DDR; also called DanRevo, Dance Revo, or DanceRevo; stylized as DanceDanceRevolution since SuperNOVA) is a music video game series produced by Konami. Introduced in Japan in 1998 as part of the Bemani series, and released in North America and Europe in 1999, Dance Dance Revolution is the pioneering series of the rhythm and dance genre in video games. Players stand on a "dance platform" or stage and hit colored arrows laid out in a cross with their feet to musical and visual cues. Players are judged by how well they time their dance to the patterns presented to them and are allowed to choose more music to play to if they receive a passing score. Dance Dance Revolution has been met with critical acclaim for its originality and stamina in the video game market, as well as popularizing the use of videogames as a medium for fitness and exercise. There have been dozens of arcade-based releases across several countries and hundreds of home video game console releases, promoting a music library of original songs produced by Konami's in-house artists and an eclectic set of licensed music from many different genres. The game is also known for its passionate fanbase, as well as its growing competitive tournament scene. The DDR series has also inspired similar games such as Pump it Up by Andamiro and In the Groove by Roxor Games. The series' current arcade version is Dance Dance Revolution World, released on June 12, 2024.
Kōtarō Nakagawa (中川 幸太郎, Nakagawa Kōtarō; born February 7, 1969) is a Japanese composer and arranger. He is noted for…Kōtarō Nakagawa (中川 幸太郎, Nakagawa Kōtarō; born February 7, 1969) is a Japanese composer and arranger. He is noted for composing the soundtracks for several anime series, including the Gorō Taniguchi-directed productions s-CRY-ed, Planetes, Gun Sword, and Code Geass. He provided the music for many of the Kamen Rider and Super Sentai tokusatsu shows and films.
Kazuhito Iwaike (Japanese: 岩池 一仁, Hepburn: Iwaike Kazuhito; born on October 11, 1968), known exclusively by his stage…Kazuhito Iwaike (Japanese: 岩池 一仁, Hepburn: Iwaike Kazuhito; born on October 11, 1968), known exclusively by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.
Kenji Ito (伊藤 賢治, Itō Kenji; born July 5, 1968), also known by the nickname Itoken (イトケン), is a Japanese video game…Kenji Ito (伊藤 賢治, Itō Kenji; born July 5, 1968), also known by the nickname Itoken (イトケン), is a Japanese video game composer and musician. He is best known for his work on the Mana and SaGa series, though he has worked on over 30 video games throughout his career as well as composed or arranged music for over 15 other albums, concerts, and plays. He learned to play several instruments at a young age, and joined Square directly out of college as a composer in 1990 at the advice of a professor. He worked there for over a decade, composing many of his best-known scores. In 2001, he left Square to become a freelance composer, but has since continued to collaborate with the company. Since leaving Square, Ito has composed soundtracks to over a dozen games, and has branched out into composition and production of music for plays and albums for other performers. Ito's work has been performed in a concert dedicated to his pieces as well as general video game music events, and he has played the piano in additional concerts. Pieces of his from the SaGa and Mana series have been arranged as piano solos and published in sheet music books.
Tomoki Kikuya (菊谷 知樹, Kikuya Tomoki; born 21 February 1968) is a Japanese composer, arranger and guitarist. Kikuya is…Tomoki Kikuya (菊谷 知樹, Kikuya Tomoki; born 21 February 1968) is a Japanese composer, arranger and guitarist. Kikuya is best known for composing original soundtracks for anime series, including most notably Nisekoi, Eromanga Sensei, Bocchi the Rock!, Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs, A Sister's All You Need and Higehiro. He is represented by the music production company Popholic.
Taku Iwasaki (岩崎 琢, Iwasaki Taku; born 21 January 1968) is a Japanese composer and arranger. His hometown is Tokyo…Taku Iwasaki (岩崎 琢, Iwasaki Taku; born 21 January 1968) is a Japanese composer and arranger. His hometown is Tokyo, Japan. He is a graduate of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.
Shigeomi Hasumi (蓮実重臣, Hasumi Shigeomi) (7 December 1967 – 18 June 2017) was a Japanese composer, arranger and…Shigeomi Hasumi (蓮実重臣, Hasumi Shigeomi) (7 December 1967 – 18 June 2017) was a Japanese composer, arranger and musician. He also used the alias Glenn Miyashiro. He graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Mongolian Studies. He was the grandson of Shigeyasu Hasumi, a historian of Japanese art. His father, Shigehiko Hasumi, a French literature scholar, literary and film critic, was a professor at the University of Tokyo and the 26th President (1997-2001). His mother was Chantal Van Melkebeke, a French-speaking Belgian.
Daisuke Asakura (浅倉 大介, Asakura Daisuke; born November 4, 1967) is a Japanese musician, songwriter and producer who is…Daisuke Asakura (浅倉 大介, Asakura Daisuke; born November 4, 1967) is a Japanese musician, songwriter and producer who is known for his compositional work and skill at keyboards.
Yoko Shimomura (Japanese: 下村 陽子, Hepburn: Shimomura Yōko; born October 19, 1967) is a Japanese composer and pianist…Yoko Shimomura (Japanese: 下村 陽子, Hepburn: Shimomura Yōko; born October 19, 1967) is a Japanese composer and pianist known for her work in video games. She graduated from the Osaka College of Music in 1988 and began working at the video game studio Capcom the same year. Shimomura wrote music for several games there, including Final Fight, Street Fighter II, and The King of Dragons. She left Capcom and joined Square (now Square Enix) in 1993, with her first project there being Live A Live. There she would compose the music for games such as Super Mario RPG, Legend of Mana, and Parasite Eve. Shimomura received the BAFTA Fellowship award in 2025. Shimomura would later become better known for writing the music for the Kingdom Hearts series. She left Square to become a freelancer in 2002, continuing to work with them on later games such as The 3rd Birthday and Final Fantasy XV. Other well-known games she worked on include the Mario & Luigi series, Radiant Historia, and Xenoblade Chronicles. Her works have been performed in multiple video game music concerts, with her music also published as arranged albums and piano scores. Shimomura is a member of the music label Brave Wave Productions.
Mikio Endō (遠藤 幹雄, Endō Mikio; born 6 August 1967) is a Japanese composer, arranger and producer. He composes…Mikio Endō (遠藤 幹雄, Endō Mikio; born 6 August 1967) is a Japanese composer, arranger and producer. He composes soundtracks for television and commercials.
Kohmi Hirose (広瀬 香美, Hirose Kōmi; born April 12, 1966) is a Japanese pop singer and songwriter. Since the release of…Kohmi Hirose (広瀬 香美, Hirose Kōmi; born April 12, 1966) is a Japanese pop singer and songwriter. Since the release of her million-selling single "Romance no Kamisama" in 1993, Hirose has recorded music for winter-sporting goods company Alpen's advertising campaigns. This has prompted the Japanese public to bestow upon her the nickname of "Winter Queen" (冬の女王, Fuyu no Joō).
Kenichi Ōkuma (Japanese: 大熊謙一, Hepburn: Ōkuma Kenichi; 7 March 1966 – 22 July 2022), also known as Kenichi Okuma…Kenichi Ōkuma (Japanese: 大熊謙一, Hepburn: Ōkuma Kenichi; 7 March 1966 – 22 July 2022), also known as Kenichi Okuma, Kenichi Ohkuma, Kenichi Ookuma, or Ken-ichi Ookuma, was a Japanese video game music composer, sound designer and musician. On July 22nd 2022, he died of esophageal cancer.
Kenji Ueda (上田ケンジ Ueda Kenji, nickname ウエケン UEKEN) is a Japanese rock musician and producer. He is known for his solo…Kenji Ueda (上田ケンジ Ueda Kenji, nickname ウエケン UEKEN) is a Japanese rock musician and producer. He is known for his solo work, as well as his work with Kenzi & the Trips and the Pillows.
Yuki Kajiura (梶浦 由記, Kajiura Yuki; born August 6, 1965) is a Japanese composer, arranger and music producer. She has…Yuki Kajiura (梶浦 由記, Kajiura Yuki; born August 6, 1965) is a Japanese composer, arranger and music producer. She has provided the music for several popular anime series, such as Sword Art Online, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, The Garden of Sinners, Pandora Hearts, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. As a composer, Kajiura is known for her musical motifs and leitmotifs, as well as for her fusion of contemporary classical music and electronic music.
Eri Kawai (河井 英里, Kawai Eri; May 8, 1965 – August 4, 2008) was a Japanese singer from Tokyo, Japan. She graduated from…Eri Kawai (河井 英里, Kawai Eri; May 8, 1965 – August 4, 2008) was a Japanese singer from Tokyo, Japan. She graduated from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and both composed and sang not only classic but also pop and world music. She was also friends with well-known video game composer Yasunori Mitsuda and had collaborated with him on some of his works. She died on August 4, 2008, at age 43 after being hospitalized as the result of liver cancer.
Soichi Terada (Japanese: 寺田 創一, Hepburn: Terada Sōichi; born March 19, 1965) is a Japanese electronic music composer…Soichi Terada (Japanese: 寺田 創一, Hepburn: Terada Sōichi; born March 19, 1965) is a Japanese electronic music composer, best known for his work in the Ape Escape video game series. He started producing music in 1989 as well as remixing singers such as Nami Shimada. He and fellow producer Shinichiro Yokota formed Far East Recording in 1990, releasing various albums and singles. After releasing the album Sumo Jungle in 1996, he composed the soundtrack for Ape Escape in 1999. In 2014, "The Far East Transcripts" EP was released, sparking interest in Terada's work. A year after, the album Sounds from the Far East was released, which led to him touring and creating more music.
Michihiko Ohta (太田 美知彦, Ōta Michihiko; November 23, 1964) is a Japanese singer, composer, and arranger who has worked…Michihiko Ohta (太田 美知彦, Ōta Michihiko; November 23, 1964) is a Japanese singer, composer, and arranger who has worked for several anime series such as Bubblegum Crash, Captain Tsubasa J, and Digimon.
Seiji Kameda (亀田 誠治, Kameda Seiji; born June 3, 1964) is a Japanese music producer, arranger and bass guitarist. He has…Seiji Kameda (亀田 誠治, Kameda Seiji; born June 3, 1964) is a Japanese music producer, arranger and bass guitarist. He has worked extensively with Ringo Sheena, serving as her producer and touring bassist for many years, including his tenure with their band Tokyo Jihen.
Yoko Kanno (菅野 よう子, Kanno Yōko; born 18 March 1963) is a Japanese composer, arranger and music producer of soundtracks…Yoko Kanno (菅野 よう子, Kanno Yōko; born 18 March 1963) is a Japanese composer, arranger and music producer of soundtracks for anime series, video games, television dramas and movies. She has written scores for Cowboy Bebop, Terror in Resonance, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Wolf's Rain, Turn A Gundam and Darker than Black. Kanno is a keyboardist and the frontwoman for Seatbelts, who perform many of her compositions.
Jun Nagao (Japanese: 長生 淳; born March 1, 1964) is a Japanese composer. Nagao began his career arranging for orchestras…Jun Nagao (Japanese: 長生 淳; born March 1, 1964) is a Japanese composer. Nagao began his career arranging for orchestras and wind ensembles. Today he is known for his many original compositions including several works for video games and films. He won the 2000 Toru Takemitsu Composition Award for his work entitled L'été-L'oubli rouge.
Yoshiki Fukuyama (福山 芳樹, Fukuyama Yoshiki; born September 14, 1963) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter. In…Yoshiki Fukuyama (福山 芳樹, Fukuyama Yoshiki; born September 14, 1963) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter. In the anime Macross 7 he was the singing voice and guitar of the show's main character, Basara Nekki. He joined the band JAM Project in 2003.
Hiroki Kikuta (菊田 裕樹, Kikuta Hiroki; born August 29, 1962, as Yūki Kikuta) is a Japanese composer and game designer.…Hiroki Kikuta (菊田 裕樹, Kikuta Hiroki; born August 29, 1962, as Yūki Kikuta) is a Japanese composer and game designer. His major works are Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana, Soukaigi, and Koudelka, for which he also acted as producer and concept designer. He has composed music for seven other games, and worked as a concept designer in addition to composer for the unreleased MMORPG Chou Bukyo Taisen. He became interested in music at an early age, but earned a degree in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Cultural Anthropology from Kansai University. He spent the next few years working first as a manga illustrator, then as a composer for anime series, before coming to work for Square in 1991. After composing the soundtracks for his first three best-known works, he formed his own video game production company, Sacnoth, for which he was the president and CEO. After producing and composing Koudelka in 1999, he left to become a freelance composer. Since his departure he has formed his own record label, Norstrilia, through which he produces albums of his own compositions and collaborations with other artists, as well as his previous scores. His music has been performed in concerts such as the Symphonic Fantasies concerts in Cologne, Germany in September 2009, and selections of his works have been published as piano arrangements in sheet music books.
Keiichi Tomita (冨田 恵一, Tomita Keiichi; born January 1, 1962) is a Japanese music producer, composer, and arranger.…Keiichi Tomita (冨田 恵一, Tomita Keiichi; born January 1, 1962) is a Japanese music producer, composer, and arranger. Known in Japan as a "pop maestro" and "master of sound," Tomita has produced several tracks that have achieved popularity in Japan, including Misia’s song "Everything" and Mika Nakashima’s debut single "Stars." He has collaborated with a diverse array of musicians, including Kirinji, Bird, Maaya Sakamoto, Ringo Sheena, and Kaela Kimura.
Takahiro Matsumoto (松本 孝弘, Matsumoto Takahiro; born March 27, 1961, in Toyonaka, Osaka) is a Japanese musician…Takahiro Matsumoto (松本 孝弘, Matsumoto Takahiro; born March 27, 1961, in Toyonaka, Osaka) is a Japanese musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the guitarist and main composer of the rock duo B'z, the best-selling music act in their native Japan by certifications. He also has a successful solo career where, in addition to winning several Japan Gold Disc Awards, he won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Take Your Pick (2010), which he made in collaboration with Larry Carlton. Matsumoto is only the fifth guitarist in the world to have his own Gibson signature model guitar.
Michiru Ōshima (大島 ミチル, Oshima Michiru; born March 16, 1961) is a Japanese composer and arranger. She works on music in…Michiru Ōshima (大島 ミチル, Oshima Michiru; born March 16, 1961) is a Japanese composer and arranger. She works on music in wide range of areas, such as anime, films, television series, video games, and concerts. She has written scores for over 100 films, over 200 television titles, video games, various types of events, concerts, theaters, among others. Ōshima is one of the most prolific living composers for film, anime, and video games. She has released over 300 CDs including film soundtracks and artist CDs. Her works include composition for Godzilla vs. Megaguirus, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. films and scores for numerous anime television series, including Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa, Nabari no Ou, Queen Emeraldas, Xam'd: Lost Memories, Arc the Lad, and Weathering Continent. In addition to the soundtracks on Kaiju films and anime music, she has composed music for several video games such as Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf for Super NES, Ico for PlayStation 2, Legend of Legaia for PlayStation and its PlayStation 2 sequel Legaia 2: Duel Saga, Arc the Lad III, Deemo, Midnight Play by the company Tivola based on the art illustrations of Květa Pacovská, and an orchestral arrangement of a Zelda medley for the Wii and GameCube game The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. She was also the composer for a Japanese stage musical adaptation of the classic Hollywood film Roman Holiday. Her latest work includes the composition of several music tracks for the highly acclaimed Chinese espionage thriller film The Message and a 2017 Chinese mystery thriller film The Devotion of Suspect X. She is a member of both the Japan Academy Film Prize Association and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Hironobu Kageyama (Japanese: 影山 ヒロノブ, Hepburn: Kageyama Hironobu; real name written 景山 浩宣, born February 18, 1961) is a…Hironobu Kageyama (Japanese: 影山 ヒロノブ, Hepburn: Kageyama Hironobu; real name written 景山 浩宣, born February 18, 1961) is a Japanese musician, singer and composer. He is best known for his work on anime, video game and tokusatsu soundtracks. Kageyama first rose to prominence as a teenager in the 1970s as lead singer of the rock band Lazy. Following their breakup in 1981, Kageyama began a solo career. He struggled until finding major success in the mid-1980s, when he started singing theme songs for anime and tokusatsu television shows. The music to such programs is called anison in Japan, and Kageyama became immensely popular, earning the nickname "Prince of the Anison World" (アニソン界のプリンス, Anison-kai no Purinsu). Kageyama's best known works include the title tracks for Dengeki Sentai Changeman and Hikari Sentai Maskman, "Saint Shinwa ~Soldier Dream~" for Saint Seiya, and "Cha-La Head-Cha-La" for Dragon Ball Z. Lazy reunited in 1997, and Kageyama briefly worked with Masaaki Endoh as the duo Metal Brothers before they formed the anison supergroup JAM Project in 2000 with several other vocalists.
Yukiyasu Yanagi (born 9 November 1960), better known by his stage name YANAGIMAN is a Japanese musician, composer…Yukiyasu Yanagi (born 9 November 1960), better known by his stage name YANAGIMAN is a Japanese musician, composer, songwriter, arranger and record producer from Kagoshima. He composed, wrote, arranged and produced music for various famous artists including Ketsumeishi, Funky Monkey Babys, Miriya Katou, Elephant Kashimashi and Usher, who is an American popular singer-songwriter. He leads the music band "1933 Ukulele All Stars" and is the bandmaster. He is a visiting professor at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music and an adviser to the Matsumi High School since 2022. His blood type is B and lives in Tokyo since 1995.
Hajime Mizoguchi (溝口 肇, Mizoguchi Hajime; born April 23, 1960 in Tokyo) is a Japanese cellist and composer. Mizoguchi…Hajime Mizoguchi (溝口 肇, Mizoguchi Hajime; born April 23, 1960 in Tokyo) is a Japanese cellist and composer. Mizoguchi started playing piano at the age of 3, and the cello at the age of 11. From 1978–1985 he attended the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music where he majored in violoncello. In 1986, he released his first album, Half Inch Dessert, being listed as a composer, arranger, and performer. From then on, he has released over 20 albums including motion picture soundtracks.
Yukihiro Fujimura (藤村幸宏, Yukihiro Fujimura; born March 3, 1960, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan), is a Japanese guitarist…Yukihiro Fujimura (藤村幸宏, Yukihiro Fujimura; born March 3, 1960, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan), is a Japanese guitarist, singer-songwriter, arranger and producer. Usually referred to by his stage name Chachamaru, little is known about his early years and personal life. Besides being a member and collaborator with various bands and musical acts in the 1980s and 1990s, he is most known as being the lead guitarist and associate music producer for Gackt.
Hoppy Kamiyama (ホッピー 神山, Hoppī Kamiyama; born 1960) is a Japanese keyboardist and music producer who has worked with…Hoppy Kamiyama (ホッピー 神山, Hoppī Kamiyama; born 1960) is a Japanese keyboardist and music producer who has worked with artists such as eX-Girl, The Pugs, Bradford Reed, Bill Laswell, Jan Linton, Marc Ribot, Hugh Hopper/Elton Dean and Damo Suzuki.
Tomohiko Kira (吉良 知彦) (December 6, 1959 – July 3, 2016) was a Japanese guitarist who led the band ZABADAK. He also…Tomohiko Kira (吉良 知彦) (December 6, 1959 – July 3, 2016) was a Japanese guitarist who led the band ZABADAK. He also composed the original music for the 1988 cult horror film Evil Dead Trap, and performed guitar on soundtracks of the role-playing video games Xenogears (1998) and Chrono Cross (1999), playing the opening and ending themes on the latter. He later recorded an album with the singer of the ending theme from Chrono Cross, Noriko Mitose. He also composed the opening theme for the TV anime Spice and Wolf (2008) and provided backing vocals in the chorus. His hobbies included collecting insects and the outdoors. He owned a collection of butterflies and beetles. He died on July 3, 2016, 3 months after playing at a 30th anniversary concert.
Toshihiko Sahashi (佐橋 俊彦, Sahashi Toshihiko; born November 12, 1959 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese composer. He…Toshihiko Sahashi (佐橋 俊彦, Sahashi Toshihiko; born November 12, 1959 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese composer. He graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1986. Sahashi has composed music for various anime series (including OVAs, films, and drama CDs), video games, films, dramas, and musicals. His works include the original soundtracks for Zipang, Ghost Sweeper Mikami, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Gunslinger Girl, Black Blood Brothers, Ultraman Gaia, Ultraman Mebius, Seijuu Sentai Gingaman, Kamen Rider Kuuga, Kamen Rider Agito, Kamen Rider Hibiki, Kamen Rider Den-O, Full Metal Panic!, Hunter × Hunter, Simoun, Reborn! and composed all three Saint Seiya anime series. Together with the London Symphony Orchestra, two symphonic albums have been released, each arranging his compositions from Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. For the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise's 30th anniversary, he again collaborated with the London Symphony Orchestra for another symphonic music album. The style of his composition is richly symphonic and classical (occasionally jazz). The use of sophisticated compositional techniques, as well as complicated harmony writing such as fugue can often be heard in his work, demonstrating his solid training in the western classical music. He also uses keyboard instruments to deliver more sentimental soundtracks to good effect.
Akino Arai (新居 昭乃, Arai Akino; born August 21, 1959, in Tokyo) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and lyricist for…Akino Arai (新居 昭乃, Arai Akino; born August 21, 1959, in Tokyo) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and lyricist for various anime theme songs and shows, including Record of Lodoss War, Please Save My Earth, Macross Plus, Outlaw Star, Kaze no Stigma, Maoyu, and Aria The Origination.
Keisuke Shinohara (Japanese: 篠原 敬介, Hepburn: Shinohara Keisuke; 12 June 1959 – 17 August 2011) was a Japanese…Keisuke Shinohara (Japanese: 篠原 敬介, Hepburn: Shinohara Keisuke; 12 June 1959 – 17 August 2011) was a Japanese television and film composer. His work can be seen in such films as Arashi no Yoru ni and Piano no Mori. He died in 2011 at the age of 52.
Takeshi Kobayashi (小林 武史, Kobayashi Takeshi; born June 7, 1959), is a Japanese keyboardist, lyricist, composer…Takeshi Kobayashi (小林 武史, Kobayashi Takeshi; born June 7, 1959), is a Japanese keyboardist, lyricist, composer, arranger, and record producer.
Takeshi Saito (斎藤毅, Saitō Takeshi; born May 29, 1959 in Tokyo), better known by his stage name Neko Saito (斎藤ネコ, Saitō…Takeshi Saito (斎藤毅, Saitō Takeshi; born May 29, 1959 in Tokyo), better known by his stage name Neko Saito (斎藤ネコ, Saitō Neko), is a Japanese violinist, conductor, composer and music arranger. Saito is the leader of the Saito Neko Quartet, and is known for his many collaborations with musician Ringo Sheena.
Satoshi Kadokura (門倉 聡, Kadokura Satoshi; born May 25, 1959), is a Japanese composer, arranger, producer and…Satoshi Kadokura (門倉 聡, Kadokura Satoshi; born May 25, 1959), is a Japanese composer, arranger, producer and keyboardist. He graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts. He was a producer of Wink, Noriyuki Makihara, Southern All Stars and many other artists. He also composes scores for video game series Metal Max.
Tomoki Hasegawa (Japanese: 長谷川 智樹, Hepburn: Hasegawa Tomoki; born 19 July 1957) is a Japanese composer and arranger of…Tomoki Hasegawa (Japanese: 長谷川 智樹, Hepburn: Hasegawa Tomoki; born 19 July 1957) is a Japanese composer and arranger of music from Osaka Prefecture, Japan, best known for his work on anime soundtracks. He has also done sound production work on albums for Mayumi Iizuka.
Jun Miyake (Japanese: 三宅 純 Hepburn: Miyake Jun, January 7, 1958, in Kyoto) is a Japanese composer. His music (e.g., the…Jun Miyake (Japanese: 三宅 純 Hepburn: Miyake Jun, January 7, 1958, in Kyoto) is a Japanese composer. His music (e.g., the songs "Lilies in the Valley" and "The Here and After") was used in the film Pina, nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature in January 2012. He has also been awarded by the German critic's award, Der Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, as Best Album of the Year for his last three albums, Stolen from Strangers, Lost Memory Theatre act-1, and Lost Memory Theatre act-2. Miyake has now released 17 solo albums, and has worked on films, documentaries, dances, advertisement, and theatre pieces. His main instruments include the trumpet, flugelhorn, melodica, piano, keyboard, fender rhodes, and programming.
Yoichiro Yoshikawa (吉川洋一郎, Yoshikawa Yōichirō; October 8, 1957 – January 16, 2026) was a Japanese composer, music…Yoichiro Yoshikawa (吉川洋一郎, Yoshikawa Yōichirō; October 8, 1957 – January 16, 2026) was a Japanese composer, music arranger and film producer. He also collaborated with singer and actress Jun Togawa.
Shirō Sagisu (鷺巣 詩郎, Sagisu Shirō; born August 29, 1957) is a Japanese composer, arranger and music producer. With a…Shirō Sagisu (鷺巣 詩郎, Sagisu Shirō; born August 29, 1957) is a Japanese composer, arranger and music producer. With a career spanning over 40 years (beginning in the late 1970s), he is best known for his works as a record producer for acts including various choir members Mike Wyzgowski, Misia, Satoshi Tomiie, and Ken Hirai. Sagisu has also worked as a film composer for several anime and films, being well known for his collaborations with Gainax, especially in the soundtrack of Hideaki Anno's series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Sagisu's career in music started in 1977, when he became one of the members of jazz fusion band T-Square. He made three albums with the group before becoming a full-time composer and writer in 1979. By 1997, he had composed over 2,000 songs, advertising jingles and TV and movie pieces. Sagisu won the Tokyo Anime Award for "Best Music" in 2010 for Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. Sagisu arranged a rendition of the Japanese national anthem, "Kimigayo", performed at the 2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremony by Misia.
Kow Otani (大谷 幸, Ōtani Kō; born May 1, 1957) is a Japanese composer. He is best known for creating the soundtracks for…Kow Otani (大谷 幸, Ōtani Kō; born May 1, 1957) is a Japanese composer. He is best known for creating the soundtracks for the Heisei Gamera trilogy, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, and Shadow of the Colossus.
