Japan

26 November

November 26th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music Arisawa, November, Princess of the 20th Century, Shinjuku Transfer

Takanori Arisawa 2 April 1951 – 26 November 2005

Shinjuku Transfer

Princess of the 20th Century

Takanori Arisawa
By http://www.arizm.com/index-e.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12686537

Takanori Arisawa, born on April 2, 1951, in Tokyo, Japan, was a renowned composer and arranger best known for his work on the beloved anime series Sailor Moon and Digimon. His journey in music began rather late; he started learning the piano at the age of 20 after graduating from Senzoku Gakuen College. In 1980, Arisawa composed “Shinjuku Transfer,” marking the start of his career. For the next two decades, he primarily composed music for television dramas and commercials, but his passion for anime led him to focus exclusively on this genre.

Arisawa’s music for Sailor Moon evolved from pop to classical arrangements, reflecting the emotional growth of the characters. His innovative compositions earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Golden Disk Grand Prize in 1993. He continued to influence the anime world until his untimely passing on November 26, 2005, due to bladder cancer. His contributions to music remain cherished by fans worldwide.

23 October

October 23rd

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music Green, October, Yoshimura

Hiroshi Yoshimura 22 October 1940 – 23 October 2003

Green

Hiroshi Yoshimura
By Unknown – Original publication: Unknown Immediate source: https://genius.com/artists/Hiroshi-yoshimura, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61987109

Hiroshi Yoshimura was a Japanese musician and composer born in Yokohama in 1940. He is regarded as a pioneer of ambient music in Japan, known for his unique style called kankyō ongaku, or environment music. His compositions often feature soft electronic melodies combined with the soothing sounds of nature, such as flowing water, gentle rain, and singing birds. Interestingly, his album Green, released in 1986, included these nature sounds in its American version but not in the Japanese release.

Yoshimura began learning the piano at just five years old and graduated from Waseda University in 1964. Influenced by the Fluxus movement and composers like Erik Satie, he founded the computer music group “Anonyme” in 1972. His innovative approach extended to designing music for various spaces, including galleries and train stations. Yoshimura passed away in 2003 after a battle with skin cancer, but his music has since gained renewed popularity, earning him critical acclaim for his significant impact on Japanese ambient music.

4 October

October 4th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music Miyoshi, October, Trois Mouvements Symphoniques

Akira Miyoshi (三善　晃) 10 January 1933 – 4 October 2013

Trois Mouvements Symphoniques

Akira Miyoshi (三善　晃)
From discogs.com/artist/725042-Akira-Miyoshi/image/SW1hZ2U6MjkzMjI3OQ

Akira Miyoshi was a renowned Japanese composer, born in Suginami, Tokyo, on January 10, 1933. He showed early talent as a piano prodigy, studying under notable teachers. Miyoshi pursued his education in French literature at the University of Tokyo and later took up composition at the Paris Conservatory, where he was greatly influenced by the composer Henri Dutilleux. Returning to Japan in 1957, he completed his studies and went on to teach at the Toho Gakuen School of Music.

Throughout his career, Miyoshi received numerous accolades, including being named an Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government in 1996. His works are diverse, spanning orchestral music, chamber music, and pieces for traditional Japanese instruments. Notable compositions include the “Concerto for piano and orchestra” and “Trois mouvements symphoniques.” Miyoshi’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike, showcasing the fusion of Western and Japanese musical elements in his compositions.

11 August

August 11th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music August, Charge of Mothra!, Koseki

Yūji Koseki (古関裕而) 11 August 1909 – 18 August 1989

Charge of Mothra!

Yūji Koseki
By 本人 – ブロマイド, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7271489

Yūji Koseki was a renowned Japanese composer born on August 11, 1909. He was famous for creating a variety of music, including ryūkōka, gunka, and film scores. Koseki began his musical career at Nippon Columbia in 1930. Among his significant works is the song “Rokko Oroshi,” which he wrote for the Hanshin Tigers in 1936. In 1937, he composed “Roei no Uta,” or “The Song of The Camp,” which became popular during military events.

Throughout his career, Koseki created many beloved songs. “The Bells of Nagasaki,” sung by Ichiro Fujiyama in 1949, is one such example. Another famous piece is “Mothra’s song,” featured in the iconic 1961 film Mothra and performed by the duo known as The Peanuts. Koseki also contributed to the music for the 1964 Olympic Games, showcasing his talents to an international audience.

5 July

July 5th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music Ito, July, Two Hearts, Video Game Music

Kenji Ito (伊藤賢治) Born 5 July 1968

Two Hearts from Romancing SaGa 3: Windy Tale

Kenji Ito
From https://remywiki.com/images/3/3e/KenjiIto.jpg

Kenji Ito is a notable Japanese composer and conductor, recognised for his work in video game music. Born in 1965, he began his career in the early 1990s and quickly made a name for himself with his unique musical style. He has been involved in the composition of many popular games, particularly those produced by the company Squaresoft, which later became Square Enix. One of his most famous works is for the game “Final Fantasy,” a series beloved by fans around the world.

Ito’s music is characterised by its ability to evoke emotion and create immersive experiences for players. He often combines classical elements with modern sounds, which adds depth to the games he scores. In addition to his work in gaming, he has also composed for animation and theatre. His contributions have influenced other composers and helped to elevate video game music as an art form.

Kenji Ito remains an inspiring figure in the world of music, showing how creativity can transcend the boundaries of traditional genres.

28 March

March 28th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music In the Month of March, March, November Steps, Takemitsu

Tōru Takemitsu (武満徹) 8 October 1930 – 20 February 1996

In the Month of March

November Steps

Tōru Takemitsu
By Guy Vivien – This image has been downloaded from http://www.durand-salabert-eschig.com/english/photos_composer_zoom.php?name=takemitsu&img=142., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10697367

Tōru Takemitsu was a Japanese composer known for blending Western classical music with traditional Japanese sounds. Largely self-taught, he was influenced by composers like Debussy, Messiaen, and Cage. His works often feature delicate textures, silence, and a deep connection to nature.

Takemitsu’s orchestral piece November Steps (1967) is one of his most famous works, combining Western instruments with the Japanese biwa and shakuhachi. He also composed for film, writing scores for directors like Akira Kurosawa. His music often evokes dreamlike atmospheres, using rich harmonies and subtle timbral shifts.

A key figure in 20th-century music, Takemitsu bridged cultural traditions and developed a unique, contemplative style that continues to influence composers worldwide.