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{{Short description|Japanese composer (born 1967)}} {{Short description|Japanese composer (born 1967)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
|name = Yuzo Koshiro |name = Yuzo Koshiro
|image = Yūzō Koshiro.jpg |image = Yūzō Koshiro.jpg
|caption = Koshiro in 2006 |caption = Koshiro in 2006
|native_name = 古代 祐三
|image_size =
|native_name_lang = ja
|background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
|birth_name =
|alias =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|12|12}} |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|12|12}}
|birth_place = ], Japan |birth_place = ], Japan
|death_date = |death_date =
|occupation = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
|years_active=1986–present
| employer = {{ubl|] (1986–1988)|] (1990–present)}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
|instrument = {{flatlist| |instrument = {{flatlist|
* ] * ]
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* ] * ]
}} }}
|occupation = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
|years_active=1986–present
|associated_acts= ]
|website= |website=
}} }}}}
{{nihongo|'''Yuzo Koshiro'''|古代 祐三|Koshiro Yūzō|born December 12, 1967}} is a Japanese composer and president of the video game development company ]. He is often regarded as one of the most influential innovators in ] and ], producing music in a number of genres including ], ], ], and various ] such as ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="greening_kotowski">{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro Interview: Innovator in Game Music and Sound Design|date=February 2011|publisher=Game Music Online|author=Chris Greening & Don Kotowski|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/yuzokoshirointerview|access-date=September 27, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="jeff_davis"/><ref name="sega_horowitz"/> {{nihongo|'''Yuzo Koshiro'''|古代 祐三|Koshiro Yūzō|born December 12, 1967}} is a Japanese composer and sound programmer. He is often regarded as one of the most influential innovators in ] and ], producing music in a number of genres including ], ], ], and various ] such as ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="greening_kotowski">{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro Interview: Innovator in Game Music and Sound Design|date=February 2011|publisher=Game Music Online|author=Chris Greening & Don Kotowski|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/yuzokoshirointerview|access-date=September 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name="jeff_davis"/><ref name="sega_horowitz"/>

Koshiro and his sister Ayano founded the game development company Ancient in 1990.<ref name="Ancient">{{cite web|last1=Parish|first1=Jeremy|title=Yuzo Koshiro: Legendary game composer, family business owner|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/6/19/15819622/yuzo-koshiro-legendary-game-composer-family-business-owner|website=Polygon|date=June 19, 2017|access-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref> He has been cited as creating some of the most memorable game music of the 1980s and 1990s<ref>{{cite book|title=Nintendo Power, Volumes 208–210|year=2006|publisher=]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JHhYAAAAYAAJ|access-date=August 5, 2011|page=102|quote=Yuzo Koshiro, the musician responsible for ActRaiser's amazing score, is arguably the greatest game-music composer of the 16-bit age. Equally comfortable composing classical or techno, Koshiro built up a faithful fan base by creating some of the most memorable game music of the late '80s and early '90s.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Barnholt|first=Ray|title=The Magic of FM Synth|url=http://www.1up.com/features/the-magic-of-fm-synth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124112215/http://www.1up.com/features/the-magic-of-fm-synth|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|website=]|access-date=August 6, 2012|date=June 2012}}</ref> contributing for games such as ]'s '']'' and '']'' series, as well as ]'s '']'' and ].<ref name="greening_kotowski" /> The ] for the latter have been cited by some to be ahead of their time.<ref name="santos_2006">{{cite journal|last=Santos|first=Wayne|title=Songs & Sounds In The 21st Century|journal=GameAxis Unwired|date=December 2006|issue=40|page=39|publisher=]|issn=0219-872X|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EOkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39|access-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="gradar_sor2" /><ref name="square_sor2" /><ref name="hg101_retro" />


Koshiro and his sister Ayano founded the game development company ] in 1990, of which he remains the president.<ref name="Ancient">{{cite web|last1=Parish|first1=Jeremy|title=Yuzo Koshiro: Legendary game composer, family business owner|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/6/19/15819622/yuzo-koshiro-legendary-game-composer-family-business-owner|website=Polygon|date=June 19, 2017|access-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref> He has been cited as creating some of the most memorable game music of the 1980s and 1990s<ref>{{cite book|title=Nintendo Power, Volumes 208–210|year=2006|publisher=]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JHhYAAAAYAAJ|access-date=August 5, 2011|page=102|quote=Yuzo Koshiro, the musician responsible for ActRaiser's amazing score, is arguably the greatest game-music composer of the 16-bit age. Equally comfortable composing classical or techno, Koshiro built up a faithful fan base by creating some of the most memorable game music of the late '80s and early '90s.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Barnholt|first=Ray|title=The Magic of FM Synth|url=http://www.1up.com/features/the-magic-of-fm-synth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124112215/http://www.1up.com/features/the-magic-of-fm-synth|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|website=]|access-date=August 6, 2012|date=June 2012}}</ref> contributing for games such as ]'s '']'' and '']'' series, as well as ]'s '']'' and ].<ref name="greening_kotowski" /> The ] for the latter have been cited by some to be ahead of their time.<ref name="santos_2006">{{cite journal|last=Santos|first=Wayne|title=Songs & Sounds In The 21st Century|journal=GameAxis Unwired|date=December 2006|issue=40|page=39|publisher=]|issn=0219-872X|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EOkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39|access-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="gradar_sor2" /><ref name="square_sor2" /><ref name="hg101_retro" />
==Biography==


===Early life=== == Early life ==
Yuzo Koshiro was born in ] on December 12, 1967.<ref>{{cite web |title=古代 祐三 |url=https://www.ancient.co.jp/yuzo.html |website=Ancient.com |access-date=August 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225055418/https://www.ancient.co.jp/yuzo.html |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |language=ja}}</ref> His mother, Tomo Koshiro, was a ]. She taught him how to play the ] at the age of three, and by the age of five, he had a strong command of it. In 1975, he began taking music lessons from the acclaimed film composer ] (later known for his soundtracks to ] films), and studied with him for three years. Everything Koshiro has learned after that has since been self-taught.<ref name="tnl_ancient">{{cite web|title=TNL Developer Spotlight: Ancient|publisher=]|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/developers/ancient/history.shtml|date=March 11, 2003|access-date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> Koshiro was born in ] on December 12, 1967.<ref>{{cite web |title=古代 祐三 |url=https://www.ancient.co.jp/yuzo.html |website=Ancient.com |access-date=August 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225055418/https://www.ancient.co.jp/yuzo.html |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |language=ja}}</ref> His mother, Tomo Koshiro, was a ]. She taught him how to play the ] at the age of three, and by the age of five, he had a strong command of it. In 1975, he began taking music lessons from ] and studied with him for three years. Everything Koshiro has learned after that has since been self-taught.<ref name="tnl_ancient">{{cite web|title=TNL Developer Spotlight: Ancient|publisher=]|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/developers/ancient/history.shtml|date=March 11, 2003|access-date=May 12, 2011}}</ref>


While he was still in ] during the early 1980s, Koshiro began composing music on the ] as a hobby, including ]s of early ] music from ], ], and ]. The ] skills and experience he gained from this would later be utilized in his early video game projects.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/><ref name="videogamesdaily">{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro Interview|url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/yuzo_koshiro_iv_oct05_p1.asp|work=VideoGamesDaily.com|access-date=August 6, 2011|author=Kikizo|date=October 14, 2005}}</ref> The video games that influenced him most were '']'' (1984), '']'' (1985), and '']'' (1985). The ] soundtracks to these games inspired him to become a video game composer.<ref name="videogamesdaily"/><ref>{{YouTube|h8xLfxggT-c|Interview with Yuzo Koshiro – Game Music}}</ref> While he was still in ] during the early 1980s, Koshiro began composing music on the ] as a hobby, including ]s of early ] music from ], ], and ]. The ] skills and experience he gained from this would later be utilized in his early video game projects.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/><ref name="videogamesdaily">{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro Interview|url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/yuzo_koshiro_iv_oct05_p1.asp|work=VideoGamesDaily.com|access-date=August 6, 2011|author=Kikizo|date=October 14, 2005}}</ref> The video games that influenced him most were '']'' (1984), '']'' (1985), and '']'' (1985). The ] soundtracks to these games inspired him to become a video game composer.<ref name="videogamesdaily"/><ref>{{YouTube|h8xLfxggT-c|Interview with Yuzo Koshiro – Game Music}}</ref>
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In a 1992 interview, Koshiro said that his favorite ]s are ], ], ], ], and ], and that his favorite Western bands are ] and ].<ref name="gamefan">'']'', volume 1, issue 1 (October 1992), page 8</ref> In a 1992 interview, Koshiro said that his favorite ]s are ], ], ], ], and ], and that his favorite Western bands are ] and ].<ref name="gamefan">'']'', volume 1, issue 1 (October 1992), page 8</ref>


===Nihon Falcom (1986–1988)=== == Nihon Falcom (1986–1988) ==
Koshiro's first composing job was with ] in 1986 at the age of 18. Falcom used compositions from the PC-8801 demo tape he had sent them in their '']'' ] '']'', for its opening theme and several dungeon levels.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kevin Gifford|title=Xanadu Scenario II|work=MagWeasel.com|date=June 3, 2010|url=http://magweasel.com/2010/06/03/xanadu-scenario-ii-nihon-falcom-10186/|access-date=March 25, 2011}}</ref> He also wrote the opening song in '']'' that same year. His compositions for these early games were influenced by arcade game music and Japanese bands such as ]. He then produced the soundtrack to '']'' (1987), which was influenced by the sounds of early Konami games. His most well-known Falcom works are his soundtracks for '']'' (1987) and the early '']'' games, '']'' (1987) and '']'' (1988). These early music productions mainly featured ] and ] music.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> The ] versions of the first three ''Ys'' games (from 1989 to 1991) are notable for their very early use of ] audio in video games. Music from the ''Ys'' games were also employed in the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcom Special Box '90|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/falcomsb90/index.html|work=RPGFan|access-date=September 3, 2011|author=Patrick Gann}}</ref> Koshiro's first composing job was with ] in 1986 at the age of 18. Falcom used compositions from the PC-8801 demo tape he had sent them in their '']'' ] '']'', for its opening theme and several dungeon levels.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kevin Gifford|title=Xanadu Scenario II|work=MagWeasel.com|date=June 3, 2010|url=http://magweasel.com/2010/06/03/xanadu-scenario-ii-nihon-falcom-10186/|access-date=March 25, 2011|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016215445/http://magweasel.com/2010/06/03/xanadu-scenario-ii-nihon-falcom-10186/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also wrote the opening song in '']'' that same year. His compositions for these early games were influenced by arcade game music and Japanese bands such as ]. He then produced the soundtrack to '']'' (1987), which was influenced by the sounds of early Konami games. His most well-known Falcom works are his soundtracks for '']'' (1987) and the early '']'' games, '']'' (1987) and '']'' (1988). These early music productions mainly featured ] and ] music.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> The ] versions of the first three ''Ys'' games (from 1989 to 1991) are notable for their very early use of ] audio in video games. Music from the ''Ys'' games were also employed in the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcom Special Box '90|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/falcomsb90/index.html|work=RPGFan|access-date=September 3, 2011|author=Patrick Gann}}</ref>


All of these early soundtracks were produced using the ] ] of the PC-8801. Despite later advances in audio technology, Koshiro would continue to use older PC-8801 hardware to produce many of his later video game soundtracks, including the '']'' and '']'' soundtracks.<ref name="hg101_retro">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/JPNcomputers/Japanesecomputers.htm|title=Retro Japanese Computers: Gaming's Final Frontier|first=John|last=Szczepaniak|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=March 29, 2011}} Reprinted from {{citation|title=]''|issue=67|year=2009}}</ref> His soundtracks for early ] games, such as the '']'' and '']'' series, are widely regarded as some of the most influential ] scores.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> All of these early soundtracks were produced using the ] ] of the PC-8801. Despite later advances in audio technology, Koshiro would continue to use older PC-8801 hardware to produce many of his later video game soundtracks, including the '']'' and '']'' soundtracks.<ref name="hg101_retro">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/JPNcomputers/Japanesecomputers.htm|title=Retro Japanese Computers: Gaming's Final Frontier|first=John|last=Szczepaniak|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=March 29, 2011}} Reprinted from {{citation|title=]|issue=67|year=2009}}</ref> His soundtracks for early ] games, such as the '']'' and '']'' series, are widely regarded as some of the most influential ] scores.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/>


===Early freelance work (1988–1990)=== == Early freelance work (1988–1990) ==
Following his separation with Falcom, Koshiro became a freelancer, composing music for many other companies. His early freelance projects included the ] port of '']'', ]'s ] '']'' (1988) for the PC-8801, and ]'s ] ] '']'' for the ] in 1990.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/><ref name="hg101_retro"/> The latter two soundtracks featured early ] music.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> His most notable freelance work was for ], where he composed music for the ] and the ], as well as ], where he composed the soundtracks to '']'' (1990) and '']'' (1993). Following his separation with Falcom, Koshiro became a freelancer, composing music for many other companies. His early freelance projects included the ] port of '']'', ]'s ] '']'' (1988) for the PC-8801, and ]'s ] ] '']'' for the ] in 1990.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/><ref name="hg101_retro"/> The latter two soundtracks featured early ] music.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/>


His first freelance work for Sega was the soundtrack to '']'' (1989), for which he produced ]<ref name="greening_kotowski"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=3322|title=Yuzo Koshiro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101010101/https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=3322|archive-date=2014-01-01|url-status=dead|website=]}}</ref> and "], catchy, ]-style compositions"<ref name="santos_2006"/> that fused ] with traditional ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with Yuzo Koshiro|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/composers/koshiro/oct99interview.shtml|publisher=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=August 8, 2011|author=RocketBaby|date=October 1999}}</ref> His soundtrack for '']'' (1990), on the other hand, was mainly ] and ]l.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> While working on ''ActRaiser'', in order to get around the ]'s 64 ] memory limitation which limited the number of instruments that can be used and prevented the reloading of ], Koshiro developed a sample loading system that worked with the ] memory, swapping samples from the ] data on the fly. This allowed him to "load parts of the music gradually as needed, and also change it quickly between stages or parts of a stage" which the "original system couldn't do it with its restrictions." A similar system was used by other companies for later SNES games such as ]'s '']'' (1995) and ]'s '']'' (1995).<ref name="videogamesdaily"/> His most notable freelance work was for ]: his first freelance work for the company was the soundtrack to '']'' (1989), for which he produced ]<ref name="greening_kotowski"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=3322|title=Yuzo Koshiro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101010101/https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=3322|archive-date=2014-01-01|url-status=dead|website=]}}</ref> and "], catchy, ]-style compositions"<ref name="santos_2006"/> that fused ] with traditional ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with Yuzo Koshiro|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/composers/koshiro/oct99interview.shtml|publisher=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=August 8, 2011|author=RocketBaby|date=October 1999}}</ref>


His soundtrack for '']'' (1990), on the other hand, was mainly ] and ]l.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> While working on ''ActRaiser'', in order to get around the ]'s 64 ] memory limitation which limited the number of instruments that can be used and prevented the reloading of ], Koshiro developed a sample loading system that worked with the ] memory, swapping samples from the ] data on the fly. This allowed him to "load parts of the music gradually as needed, and also change it quickly between stages or parts of a stage" which the "original system couldn't do it with its restrictions." A similar system was used by other companies for later SNES games such as ]'s '']'' (1995) and ]'s '']'' (1995).<ref name="videogamesdaily"/>
===Founding of Ancient Corp. (1990–1994)===
In 1990, Koshiro helped found ], which contributed to the development of a number of games, such as the ] and '']''. The company was also founded by his mother, Tomo Koshiro, while his sister Ayano Koshiro works at the company as an art/character/graphic designer and was also the art designer for the ''ActRaiser'' games.<ref name="tnl_ancient"/> His sister Ayano has designed characters and graphics for several games Koshiro has worked on, including the ''Streets of Rage'' (''Bare Knuckle'' in Japan) series, ''Ys'', and ''ActRaiser''.


== Founding of Ancient Corp. (1990–1994) ==
While working with Ancient, he composed the soundtrack for the ] in 1991. He adapted several pieces of music from the original ], while the rest of the soundtrack consisted of his own original music.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/>
In 1990, Koshiro helped found ]. The company was co-founded by his mother, Tomo Koshiro, while his sister Ayano Koshiro works at the company as an art/character/graphic designer and was also the art designer for the ''ActRaiser'' games.<ref name="tnl_ancient"/> His sister Ayano has designed characters and graphics for several games Koshiro has worked on, including the ''Streets of Rage'' (''Bare Knuckle'' in Japan) series, ''Ys'', and ''ActRaiser''.

While working with Ancient, he composed the soundtrack for the ] in 1991. He adapted several pieces of music from the original ], while the rest of the soundtrack consisted of his own original music.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/>


His ] the ] (known as ''Bare Knuckle'' in Japan) from 1991 to 1994 were composed using then outdated PC-8801 hardware alongside his own original ]. According to Koshiro: "For ''Bare Knuckle'' I used the PC88 and an original programming language I developed myself. The original was called MML, ]. It is based on ]'s ] program, but I modified it heavily. It was more a BASIC-style language at first, but I modified it to be something more like ]. I called it ‘Music Love'. I used it for all the ''Bare Knuckle'' games."<ref name="hg101_retro"/> His ] the ] (known as ''Bare Knuckle'' in Japan) from 1991 to 1994 were composed using then outdated PC-8801 hardware alongside his own original ]. According to Koshiro: "For ''Bare Knuckle'' I used the PC88 and an original programming language I developed myself. The original was called MML, ]. It is based on ]'s ] program, but I modified it heavily. It was more a BASIC-style language at first, but I modified it to be something more like ]. I called it ‘Music Love'. I used it for all the ''Bare Knuckle'' games."<ref name="hg101_retro"/>


The soundtracks for '']'' (1991) and '']'' (1992) were influenced by ], ], ],<ref name="jeff_davis"/> ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro – Bare Knuckle II|url=http://www.discogs.com/Yuzo-Koshiro-Bare-Knuckle-II/release/884374|publisher=]|access-date=July 30, 2012}}</ref> ] and ]. He also attempted to reproduce the ] and ] beats and ] synths using ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2014/09/yuzo-koshiro-interview|title = Interview: Streets of Rage Composer Yuzo Koshiro}}</ref> The soundtrack for ''Streets of Rage 2'' in particular is considered "revolutionary" and ahead of its time,<ref name="gradar_sor2"/><ref name="square_sor2">{{cite web|title=Streets of Rage 2 Original Soundtrack (US): Review|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/reviews/mustin/streetsofrage2.shtml|publisher=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=July 31, 2012|author=Mustin}}</ref> for its "] of swaggering house ], ]" ] and "] electronic textures that would feel as comfortable in a ] as a video game."<ref name="gradar_sor2">{{cite web|last=McNeilly|first=Joe|title=Game music of the day: Streets of Rage 2|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-streets-of-rage-2/|publisher=]|access-date=July 28, 2012|date=April 19, 2010}}</ref> The soundtracks for '']'' (1991) and '']'' (1992) were influenced by ], ], ],<ref name="jeff_davis"/> ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro – Bare Knuckle II|date=January 21, 1993 |url=http://www.discogs.com/Yuzo-Koshiro-Bare-Knuckle-II/release/884374|publisher=]|access-date=July 30, 2012}}</ref> ] and ]. He also attempted to reproduce the ] and ] beats and ] synths using ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Interview: Streets of Rage Composer Yuzo Koshiro |url=http://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2014/09/yuzo-koshiro-interview |publisher=Red Bull Music Academy Daily |date=September 25, 2014}}</ref> The soundtrack for ''Streets of Rage 2'' in particular is considered "revolutionary" and ahead of its time,<ref name="gradar_sor2"/><ref name="square_sor2">{{cite web|title=Streets of Rage 2 Original Soundtrack (US): Review|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/reviews/mustin/streetsofrage2.shtml|publisher=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=July 31, 2012|author=Mustin}}</ref> for its "] of swaggering house ], ]" ] and "] electronic textures that would feel as comfortable in a ] as a video game."<ref name="gradar_sor2">{{cite web|last=McNeilly|first=Joe|title=Game music of the day: Streets of Rage 2|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-streets-of-rage-2/|publisher=]|access-date=July 28, 2012|date=April 19, 2010}}</ref> The soundtrack also features contributions by ], who also worked at Ancient at the time.


His CD soundtracks became best-sellers in Japan during the early 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_192_1997-11_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n101/mode/2up|title = Computer and Video Games - Issue 192 (1997-11)(EMAP Images)(GB)|date = November 1997}}</ref> In 1993, '']'' listed the first two ''Streets of Rage'' games as having some of the best ] soundtracks they "ever heard." They described Koshiro as "just about universally acknowledged as the most gifted composer currently working in the video game field."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic-Games-1993-06/Electronic%20Games%201993-06#page/n45/mode/2up|title = Electronic Games 1993-06|date = June 1993}}</ref> His CD soundtracks became best-sellers in Japan during the early 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_192_1997-11_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n101/mode/2up|title = Computer and Video Games - Issue 192 (1997-11)(EMAP Images)(GB)|date = November 1997}}</ref> In 1993, '']'' listed the first two ''Streets of Rage'' games as having some of the best ] soundtracks they "ever heard." They described Koshiro as "just about universally acknowledged as the most gifted composer currently working in the video game field."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic-Games-1993-06/Electronic%20Games%201993-06#page/n45/mode/2up|title = Electronic Games 1993-06|date = June 1993}}</ref>


For the soundtrack to '']'' (1994), he created a new composition method called the "Automated Composing System" to produce "fast-beat techno like ]."<ref name="jeff_davis">{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Jeff|title=Interview with Yuzo Koshiro|url=http://www.psy-q.ch/mirrors/thegia/sites/www.thegia.com/features/f010123.html|work=Gaming Intelligence Agency|access-date=August 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007220957/http://www.psy-q.ch/mirrors/thegia/sites/www.thegia.com/features/f010123.html|archive-date=October 7, 2011}}</ref> It was the most advanced techno technique of the time, incorporating heavily randomized sequences.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> This resulted in innovative and ] generated automatically that, according to Koshiro, "you ordinarily never could imagine on your own." This method was very rare at the time, but has since become popular among techno and ] producers to get "unexpected and odd sounds."<ref name="sega_horowitz">{{cite web|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|title=Interview: Yuzo Koshiro|url=http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=136&title=Interview:+Yuzo+Koshiro|work=Sega-16|access-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921205228/http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=136&title=Interview%3A+Yuzo+Koshiro|archive-date=September 21, 2008|date=February 5, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The soundtrack also had elements of abstract, ], ],<ref name="discogs_bk3">{{cite web|title=Yuzo Koshiro / Motohiro Kawashima – Bare Knuckle III|url=http://www.discogs.com/Yuzo-Koshiro--Motohiro-Kawashima-Bare-Knuckle-III/release/884359|publisher=]|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> and ].<ref name="mean_sor3"/> The experimental ] was not very well received upon release, but has since been considered to be ahead of its time. According to '']'', "ironically it pre-dated the 'trance' era that came a short while after release."<ref name="mean_sor3">{{cite web|title=Streets of Rage 3 review – Sega Megadrive|url=http://www.meanmachinesmag.co.uk/review/411/streets-of-rage-3.php|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> Koshiro composed the soundtrack to '']'' (1994), along with colleague Kawashima who contributed in a larger capacity than in ''2''. He created a new composition method called the "Automated Composing System" to produce "fast-beat techno like ]."<ref name="jeff_davis">{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Jeff|title=Interview with Yuzo Koshiro|url=http://www.psy-q.ch/mirrors/thegia/sites/www.thegia.com/features/f010123.html|work=Gaming Intelligence Agency|access-date=August 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007220957/http://www.psy-q.ch/mirrors/thegia/sites/www.thegia.com/features/f010123.html|archive-date=October 7, 2011}}</ref> It was the most advanced techno technique of the time, incorporating heavily randomized sequences.<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> This resulted in innovative and ] generated automatically that, according to Koshiro, "you ordinarily never could imagine on your own." This method was very rare at the time, but has since become popular among techno and ] producers to get "unexpected and odd sounds."<ref name="sega_horowitz">{{cite web|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|title=Interview: Yuzo Koshiro|url=http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=136&title=Interview:+Yuzo+Koshiro|work=Sega-16|access-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921205228/http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=136&title=Interview%3A+Yuzo+Koshiro|archive-date=September 21, 2008|date=February 5, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The soundtrack also had elements of abstract, ], ], and ].<ref name="mean_sor3"/> The experimental ] was not very well received upon release, but has since been considered to be ahead of its time. According to '']'', "ironically it pre-dated the 'trance' era that came a short while after release."<ref name="mean_sor3">{{cite web|title=Streets of Rage 3 review – Sega Megadrive|url=http://www.meanmachinesmag.co.uk/review/411/streets-of-rage-3.php|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref>


Koshiro was one of the first composers credited under his real name in a time when several other Japanese developers were credited under pen names.<ref>. Vandal, 12 March 2020</ref> Koshiro was one of the first composers credited under his real name in a time when several other Japanese developers were credited under pen names.<ref>. Vandal, 12 March 2020</ref>


===Later career (1994–present)=== == Later career (1994–present) ==
Also in 1994, Koshiro co-composed a well known soundtrack for the ] version of '']'', a ] ] ported over from the original by Japanese developer Opera House and published by Sega.<ref name="barton_2007">{{cite web | first=Matt | last=Barton | date=February 23, 2007 | work=The History of Computer Role-Playing Games | title=Part 2: The Golden Age (1985–1993) | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070223b/barton_06.shtml | publisher=] | access-date=March 26, 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330222054/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070223b/barton_06.shtml | archive-date=March 30, 2009 }}</ref> That same year, his soundtrack for '']'' utilized a ] style of music, which he later also utilized for '']'' (1996), '']'' (2000), and ''Warriors of the Lost Empire'' (2007).<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> Also in 1994, Koshiro co-composed the soundtrack with Kawashima for the ] version of '']'', a ] ] ported over from the original by Japanese developer Opera House and published by Sega.<ref name="barton_2007">{{cite web | first=Matt | last=Barton | date=February 23, 2007 | work=The History of Computer Role-Playing Games | title=Part 2: The Golden Age (1985–1993) | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070223b/barton_06.shtml | publisher=] | access-date=March 26, 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330222054/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070223b/barton_06.shtml | archive-date=March 30, 2009 }}</ref> That same year, his soundtrack for '']'' utilized a ] style of music, which he later also utilized for '']'' (1996), '']'' (2004), and ''Warriors of the Lost Empire'' (2007).<ref name="greening_kotowski"/> He also secretly contributed one track to '']'' (1995).<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1870678602930651138 |user=yuzokoshiro |title=なんと天地創造28周年目にして、「天才科学者ベルーガの研究所」のBGMが私の作曲であることが、ある調査で判明いたしました。制作の経緯や作曲時のことを全く覚えていないのですが、聴くと間違いなく私の作風です。28周年おめでとうございます！ |first=Yuzo |last=Koshiro |date=December 22, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref>


He also composed the soundtrack for Sega's '']'' (1999) alongside ] and a few others, with Koshiro contributing fifteen original compositions to the soundtrack. Three other staff members of Ancient also worked on ''Shenmue''.<ref name="tnl_ancient"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Interview With Shenmue's Composer|publisher=RPGamer|author=Andrew Long|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2001/012301d.html|access-date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> He later composed the soundtracks for the '']'' series (2001 onwards) and '']'' (2005). These were the first projects where he wrote the lyrics along with the music. For the ''Wangan Midnight'' series in particular, his compositions were mostly ], a style he was previously unfamiliar with.<ref name="videogamesdaily"/> He also composed the soundtrack for Sega's '']'' (1999) alongside ] and various others, with Koshiro contributing fifteen original compositions to the soundtrack. Three other staff members of Ancient also worked on ''Shenmue''.<ref name="tnl_ancient"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Interview With Shenmue's Composer|publisher=RPGamer|author=Andrew Long|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2001/012301d.html|access-date=May 12, 2011|archive-date=January 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122152657/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2001/012301d.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He later composed the soundtracks for the '']'' series (2001 onwards) and '']'' (2005). These were the first projects where he wrote the lyrics along with the music. For the ''Wangan Midnight'' series in particular, his compositions were mostly ], a style he was previously unfamiliar with.<ref name="videogamesdaily"/>


He composed the main theme of the French TV channel '']'', which launched in 2007. The theme was released as part of the album ''Tamiuta'' in 2008.<ref></ref> Some of Koshiro's latest work includes music for the '']'' series,<ref name="hg101_retro"/> the '']'' series, and the '']'' series. He was also brought back to compose for '']'' in 2020, along with Kawashima and several others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hussain |first1=Tamoor |title=Streets Of Rage 4's Soundtrack Has Four Legendary Artists Including Yuzo Koshiro |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4s-soundtrack-has-four-legendary-a/1100-6468474/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 17, 2019 |date=July 17, 2019}}</ref> He composed the main theme of the French TV channel '']'', which launched in 2007. The theme was released as part of the album ''Tamiuta'' in 2008. Some of Koshiro's latest work includes music for the '']'' series,<ref name="hg101_retro"/> the '']'' series, and the '']'' series. In 2018, Koshiro contributed one song to ]'s album ''Braverthday''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lantis.jp/release-item/LACA-35745.html| title=Braverthday【豪華盤】 |publisher=] |access-date=August 22, 2022|language=ja}}</ref> He was brought back to compose for '']'' in 2020, along with Kawashima and several others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hussain |first1=Tamoor |title=Streets Of Rage 4's Soundtrack Has Four Legendary Artists Including Yuzo Koshiro |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4s-soundtrack-has-four-legendary-a/1100-6468474/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 17, 2019 |date=July 17, 2019}}</ref> The same year, he composed the theme song "Koroneraiser Inu-More!" for ]'s ] Korone Inugami.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last1=Koshiro |first1=Yuzo |user=yuzokoshiro |date=October 1, 2020 |number=1311683172795473920 |title=I'm proud to compose theme music for 'Koroneraiser Inu-More!' as a birthday gift! The music is reminiscent of Filmore from Actraiser as her request is recorded directly from real SFC. Check it out on her YouTube channel.}}</ref> Koshiro also created the opening and ending jingles for the ] channel '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1DvRY5PyHHt3KN9ghunuw/community?lb=UgkxzoheSn37x9oS9LZ5F2P7JHMXhXdE-Jyw|title=The opening and ending jingles for these videos were composed by none other than Yuzo Koshiro. I imagine you've heard them many times by now!|publisher=Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games|website=]|date=June 8, 2023|access-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230609032404/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1DvRY5PyHHt3KN9ghunuw/community?lb=UgkxzoheSn37x9oS9LZ5F2P7JHMXhXdE-Jyw|archive-date=June 9, 2023}}</ref>


==Works== == Works ==

''All works listed below were composed solely by Koshiro unless otherwise noted''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" width="auto" {| class="wikitable sortable" width="auto"
! Year !! Title !!Notes ! Year !! Title !! Role(s)
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 1986 ! scope=row rowspan="2" | 1986
| '']'' | '']''
| with Takahito Abe | Music with Takahito Abe
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| composed the opening theme | Opening theme
|- |-
! rowspan="7" | 1987 !scope=row rowspan="6" | 1987
| '']'' | '']''
| rowspan="2" | with Mieko Ishikawa | Music with Mieko Ishikawa
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music with Mieko Ishikawa
|-
| '']''
| sound effects for the ] version
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| rowspan="2" | with several others | Music with several others
|- |-
| ''Ojousama Club'' | ''Ojousama Club''
| Music with several others
|- |-
| ''Dark Storm: Demon Crystal'' | ''Dark Storm: Demon Crystal''
| Music
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
| ''The Gate of Labyrinth'' | ''The Gate of Labyrinth''
| Music
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 1988 ! scope=row rowspan="4" | 1988
| '']'' | '']''
| with Mieko Ishikawa and Hideya Nagata | Music with Mieko Ishikawa and Hideya Nagata
|- |-
| ''The Scheme'' | ''The Scheme''
| Music
|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| ] version | Music; ] version
|- |-
| ''The Curse of Mars'' | ''The Curse of Mars''
| Music
| rowspan="4" |
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 1989 ! scope=row rowspan="4" | 1989
| ''Wanderers from Super Scheme'' | ''Wanderers from Super Scheme''
| Music
|- |-
| ''Algarna'' | ''Algarna''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| X68000 version with Hideya Nagata | Music with Hideya Nagata; ] version
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 1990 ! scope=row rowspan="3" | 1990
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="5" |
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| ''Thrice'' | ''Thrice''
| Music
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 1991 ! scope=row rowspan="4" | 1991
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music; ] / ] version
|8-bit version
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Arrangements
| arrangements
|- |-
! rowspan="6" | 1992 !scope=row rowspan="6" | 1992
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| ] version with ] | Music with ]; ] version
|- |-
| ''Gage'' | ''Gage''
| with Ayako Yoda | Music with Ayako Yoda and ]
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| sound management on the 8-bit versions | Sound management
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| rowspan="2" | with ] | Music with Motohiro Kawashima
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music with Motohiro Kawashima
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 1993 !scope=row rowspan="2" | 1993
| '']'' | '']''
| Music, arrangements
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 1994 ! scope=row rowspan="4" | 1994
| '']'' | '']''
| with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| ] version with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima; ] version
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| sound producer | Sound producer
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Producer, music
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 1995 ! scope=row rowspan="3" | 1995
| ''Miracle Casino Paradise'' | ''Miracle Casino Paradise''
| Music
|- |-
| ''Manji Psy Yuuki'' | ''Manji Psy Yuuki''
| with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Ayako Yoda
|- |-
| '']''
! rowspan="3" | 1996
| Music (laboratory theme)
|-
!scope=row rowspan="3" | 1996
| '']'' | '']''
| ] version with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima; ] version
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Producer, music
|
|- |-
| ''Vatlva'' | ''Vatlva''
| with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima
|-
!scope=row rowspan="3" | 1997
| '']''
| Sound supervision; ] version
|- |-
! 1997
| '']'' | '']''
| with Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
|-
| ''Sega Ages Vol. 8 Columns Arcade Collection''
| Sound director
|-
! scope=row rowspan="2" | 1998
| ''Complete Onside Soccer''
| Sound engineer; Japanese PlayStation version
|- |-
! 1998
| ''Fox Junction'' | ''Fox Junction''
| with Motohiro Kawashima and Ryuji Iuchi | Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Ryuji Iuchi
|-
! scope=row rowspan="2" |1999
| ''Animetic Story Game 1: Cardcaptor Sakura''
| Music with Takeshi Yanagawa and Tomonori Hayashibe
|- |-
! 1999
| '']'' | '']''
| with several others | Music with several others
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 2001 !scope=row rowspan="3" | 2001
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with several others | Music with several others
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with Tomonori Hayashibe | Music with Tomonori Hayashibe
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 2004 ! scope=row rowspan="3" | 2004
| '']'' | '']''
| with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Tomonori Hayashibe
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="3" |
|- |-
| ''Dokapon the World'' | ''Dokapon the World''
| Music
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 2005 ! scope=row rowspan="3" | 2005
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Opening and ending themes
| with several others
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| composed "You gotta move it" | "You Gotta Move It"
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 2006 ! scope=row rowspan="2" | 2006
| ''Ueki no Housoku'' | '']''
| with Motohiro Kawashima and Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Takeshi Yanagawa; ] version
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with ] | Music with ]
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 2007 !scope=row rowspan="4" | 2007
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with Motohiro Kawashima and Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Takeshi Yanagawa
|- |-
| ''Warriors of the Lost Empire'' | ''Warriors of the Lost Empire''
| Music
|
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 2008 ! scope=row rowspan="2" | 2008
| '']'' | '']''
| arrangement of "Main Theme" (''The Legend of Zelda'') and "Norfair" (''Metroid'') | Arrangements{{efn|"Main Theme" (''The Legend of Zelda''), "Norfair"}}
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 2009 ! scope=row rowspan="2" | 2009
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with several others | Music with several others
|- |-
! rowspan="6" | 2010 !scope=row rowspan="6" | 2010
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="3" |
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| ''Jaseiken Necromancer: Nightmare Reborn'' | '']''
| with Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Opening theme
| with several others
|- |-
| ''Dead Heat'' | ''Dead Heat''
| with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | 2011 ! scope=row rowspan="2" | 2011
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 2012 !scope=row rowspan="4" | 2012
| '']'' | '']''
| with ], ], ], Takahiro Nishi, and ] | Music with several others{{efn|], ], ], Takahiro Nishi, and ]}}
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| rowspan="2" | with Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 2013 ! scope=row rowspan="5" | 2013
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="3" |
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| ''Drift Spirits''
| ''Drift Spirits''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crider |first1=Michael |title=47 New And Notable Android Games From The Last 2 Weeks (5/26/15 - 6/8/15) |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/06/08/47-new-and-notable-android-games-from-the-last-2-weeks-52615-6815/2/ |website=Android Police |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref>
| Music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crider |first1=Michael |title=47 New And Notable Android Games From The Last 2 Weeks (5/26/15 - 6/8/15) |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/06/08/47-new-and-notable-android-games-from-the-last-2-weeks-52615-6815/2/ |website=Android Police |access-date=6 December 2018 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207005019/https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/06/08/47-new-and-notable-android-games-from-the-last-2-weeks-52615-6815/2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|'']''
|"Shine Radiantly", "Innate Ability"<ref>{{cite web |title=Code of Joker Original Soundtrack - Sound of Arcana - |url=https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kgP2Cpy1XvVZKWENd6R1-IgV6hBiWw_HM |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref>
|- |-
| ''Momoiro Billionaire!'' | ''Momoiro Billionaire!''
| with Motohiro Kawashima | Music with Motohiro Kawashima
|- |-
! rowspan="5" | 2014 !scope=row rowspan="5" | 2014
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| composed "Disturbances - The One Called from Beyond" | "Disturbances - The One Called from Beyond"
|- |-
| '']''
| '']''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |title=Gotta Protectors Looks Like an Amazing and Quirky Throwback to '80s Gaming |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/gotta_protectors_looks_like_an_amazing_and_quirky_throwback_to_80s_gaming |website=Nintendo Life |date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref>
| with ], Motoaki Furukawa, Shinji Hosoe, and ] | Music with several others<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |title=Gotta Protectors Looks Like an Amazing and Quirky Throwback to '80s Gaming |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/gotta_protectors_looks_like_an_amazing_and_quirky_throwback_to_80s_gaming |website=Nintendo Life |date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> {{efn|], Motoaki Furukawa, Shinji Hosoe, and ]}}
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| arrangements{{efn|"Battle! (Trainer Battle)" (''Pokémon X / Pokémon Y''), "Wrath of the Reset Bomb" (''Kid Icarus: Uprising''), and "PAC-MAN" (''Pac-Man'')}} | Arrangements{{efn|"Battle! (Trainer Battle)" (''Pokémon X / Pokémon Y''), "Wrath of the Reset Bomb", "PAC-MAN"}}
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 2015 !scope=row rowspan="4" | 2015
| '']'' | '']''
| with Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| composed "Grab your sword" | "Grab Your Sword"
|- |-
| ''7th Dragon III Code: VFD''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kemps |first1=Heidi |title=7th Dragon III Code: VFD Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/7th-dragon-iii-code-vfd-review/1900-6416468/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> | '']''
| Music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kemps |first1=Heidi |title=7th Dragon III Code: VFD Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/7th-dragon-iii-code-vfd-review/1900-6416468/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref>
|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Opening and ending themes
| composed the main theme
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 2016 !scope=row rowspan="3" | 2016
| ''Cosmic Cavern 3671''<ref>{{cite web |title=Cosmic Cavern 3671 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/274911/Cosmic_Cavern_3671.php |website=Gamasutra |access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref> | ''Cosmic Cavern 3671''
| Music<ref>{{cite web |title=Cosmic Cavern 3671 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/274911/Cosmic_Cavern_3671.php |website=Gamasutra |access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref>
|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with ], ], and Keigo Ozaki | Music with ], ], and Keigo Ozaki
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
| rowspan="2" |
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 2017 !scope=row rowspan="3" | 2017
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| ''RXN -Raijin-''
| ''RXN -Raijin-''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farrell |first1=Reilly |title=RXN -Raijin- soundtrack coming this summer |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/rxn-raijin-soundtrack-coming-this-summer/ |website=Video Game Music Online |date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref>
| Music with several others<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farrell |first1=Reilly |title=RXN -Raijin- soundtrack coming this summer |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/rxn-raijin-soundtrack-coming-this-summer/ |website=Video Game Music Online |date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref>
|with several others
|- |-
| ''Crystal of Re:union''<ref>{{cite web |title=Crystal of Re:union |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.gu3.orange01&hl=en_US |website=Google Play |access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref> | ''Crystal of Re:union''
| Music<ref>{{cite web |title=Crystal of Re:union |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.gu3.orange01&hl=en_US |website=Google Play |access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| |-
!scope=row rowspan="7" | 2018
|'']''
| Music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=A Certain Magical Virtual-On launches February 15 in Japan |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2017/09/certain-magical-virtual-launches-february-15-japan |website=Gematsu |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=24 December 2022}}</ref>
|- |-
! rowspan="6" | 2018
| '']'' | '']''
| arrangements with several others<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gallagher|first1=Mathew|title=Team of arrangers announced for Secret of Mana remake|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/team-of-arrangers-announced-for-secret-of-mana-remake/|website=Video Game Music Online|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> | Arrangements with several others<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gallagher|first1=Mathew|title=Team of arrangers announced for Secret of Mana remake|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/team-of-arrangers-announced-for-secret-of-mana-remake/|website=Video Game Music Online|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref>
|- |-
| '']''
| ''Chrono Ma:Gia''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Chrono Ma:Gia official website opened, animated trailer |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/02/chrono-magia-official-website-opened-animated-trailer |website=Gematsu |date=February 14, 2018 |access-date=25 May 2019}}</ref>
| Music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Chrono Ma:Gia official website opened, animated trailer |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/02/chrono-magia-official-website-opened-animated-trailer |website=Gematsu |date=February 14, 2018 |access-date=25 May 2019}}</ref>
| rowspan="3"|
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| Music
|- |-
| '']''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gallagher|first1=Mathew|title=Yuzo Koshiro returns for Etrian Odyssey X|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/yuzo-koshiro-returns-for-etrian-odyssey-x/|website=Video Game Music Online|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> | '']''
| Music<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gallagher|first1=Mathew|title=Yuzo Koshiro returns for Etrian Odyssey X|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/yuzo-koshiro-returns-for-etrian-odyssey-x/|website=Video Game Music Online|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with Motoi Sakuraba, Michiru Yamane, Keiki Kobayashi, and Takeshi Yanagawa | Music with several others{{efn|Motoi Sakuraba, Michiru Yamane, Keiki Kobayashi, and Takeshi Yanagawa}}
|- |-
| '']''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sounders |first1=Mike |title=Guile's theme goes with anything, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |url=https://www.destructoid.com/guile-s-theme-goes-with-anything-including-super-smash-bros-ultimate-530265.phtml |website=Destructoid |date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> | '']''
| Arrangements<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sounders |first1=Mike |title=Guile's theme goes Music with anything, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |url=https://www.destructoid.com/guile-s-theme-goes-with-anything-including-super-smash-bros-ultimate-530265.phtml |website=Destructoid |date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> {{efn|"Now or Never!", "Guile Stage", "Psycho Soldier Theme", "Toys on a Tear", "Opening-Bombing Mission", "Tiger! Tiger!"}}
| arrangements{{efn|"Now or Never!" (''Splatoon''), "Guile Stage" (''Street Fighter II''), "Psycho Soldier Theme" (''Psycho Soldier''), "Toys on a Tear" (''Minecraft''), "Opening-Bombing Mission" (''Final Fantasy VII''), and "Tiger! Tiger!" (''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'')}}
|- |-
! rowspan="8" | 2019 !scope=row rowspan="8" | 2019
| ''16bit Rhythm Land'' | ''16bit Rhythm Land''
| with several others<ref>{{cite web |title=コロンバスサークル、MD/MD互換機用ゲームカセット「16ビットリズムランド」数量限定発売決定 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1157522.html |website=game.watch.impress.co.jp |date=December 10, 2018 |access-date=19 August 2019 |language=ja}}</ref> | Music with several others<ref>{{cite web |title=コロンバスサークル、MD/MD互換機用ゲームカセット「16ビットリズムランド」数量限定発売決定 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1157522.html |website=game.watch.impress.co.jp |date=December 10, 2018 |access-date=19 August 2019 |language=ja}}</ref>
|- |-
| ''198X'' | ''198X''
| with Anton Dromberg and Daniel Rosenqvist<ref>{{cite web|last1=McFerran|first1=Damien|title=Streets Of Rage Composer Yuzo Koshiro Is Contributing To 198X's Soundtrack|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/streets_of_rage_composer_yuzo_koshiro_is_contributing_to_198xs_soundtrack|website=Nintendo Life|date=May 15, 2018|access-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Hi-Bit Studios |title=Music for the masses |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1103388577/198x/posts/2385654 |website=Kickstarter.com |access-date=18 July 2019}}</ref> | Music with Anton Dromberg and Daniel Rosenqvist<ref>{{cite web|last1=McFerran|first1=Damien|title=Streets Of Rage Composer Yuzo Koshiro Is Contributing To 198X's Soundtrack|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/streets_of_rage_composer_yuzo_koshiro_is_contributing_to_198xs_soundtrack|website=Nintendo Life|date=May 15, 2018|access-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Hi-Bit Studios |title=Music for the masses |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1103388577/198x/posts/2385654 |website=Kickstarter.com |access-date=18 July 2019}}</ref>
|- |-
| ''SolSeraph'' | '']''
| composed the main theme<ref>{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Sega's SolSeraph looks like an ActRaiser spiritual successor |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/26/18759552/solseraph-trailer-sega-ace-team-actraiser |website=Polygon |date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref> | Opening theme<ref>{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Sega's SolSeraph looks like an ActRaiser spiritual successor |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/26/18759552/solseraph-trailer-sega-ace-team-actraiser |website=Polygon |date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref>
|- |-
| ''Arcalast'' | ''Arcalast''
| battle music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelva |first1=Giuseppe |title=Arcalast by Suikoden Veterans Announced with Countdown Website |url=https://twinfinite.net/2019/04/arcalast-countdown-tease/ |website=Twinfinite |date=April 5, 2019 |access-date=4 August 2019}}</ref> | Battle music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelva |first1=Giuseppe |title=Arcalast by Suikoden Veterans Announced Music with Countdown Website |url=https://twinfinite.net/2019/04/arcalast-countdown-tease/ |website=Twinfinite |date=April 5, 2019 |access-date=4 August 2019}}</ref>
|- |-
| ] | ]
| ], composed the menu theme<ref>{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Yuzo Koshiro Confirms He's Involved With Sega's Forthcoming Mega Drive Mini |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/04/yuzo_koshiro_confirms_hers_involved_with_segars_forthcoming_mega_drive_mini |website=Nintendo Life |date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=25 May 2019}}</ref> | Menu theme; ]<ref>{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |date=April 2, 2019 |title=Yuzo Koshiro Confirms He's Involved With Sega's Forthcoming Mega Drive Mini |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/04/yuzo_koshiro_confirms_hers_involved_with_segars_forthcoming_mega_drive_mini |access-date=25 May 2019 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>
|- |-
| '']''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Ollie |title=Gotta Protectors: Cart Of Darkness Coming To Switch, Physical Edition Confirmed |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/gotta-protectors-cart-of-darkness-coming-to-switch-physical-edition-confirmed |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref> | '']''
| Music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Ollie |title=Gotta Protectors: Cart Of Darkness Coming To Switch, Physical Edition Confirmed |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/gotta-protectors-cart-of-darkness-coming-to-switch-physical-edition-confirmed |website=Nintendo Life |date=March 22, 2022 |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref>
|
|- |-
| ''The Takeover'' | ''The Takeover''
| single track<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=1thetakeover |number=1029033952558899200 |date = August 13, 2018 |title=A new version of The Takeover has hit Steam Early Access! What's New: - New music track by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro! - A new vertical roll move (much like in SoR3) - New voice samples for all characters! - Plenty of bug fixes! }}</ref> | Opening stage theme<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=1thetakeover |number=1029033952558899200 |date = August 13, 2018 |title=A new version of The Takeover has hit Steam Early Access! What's New: - New music track by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro! - A new vertical roll move (much like in SoR3) - New voice samples for all characters! - Plenty of bug fixes!}}</ref>
|- |-
| ''Rakugaki Kingdom'' | ''Rakugaki Kingdom''
| composed "Sunny Days Battle"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rakugaki-kingdom.com/sound/|title=SOUND|website=rakugaki-kingdom.com|access-date=May 19, 2020|language=ja}}</ref> | "Sunny Days Battle"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rakugaki-kingdom.com/sound/|title=SOUND|website=rakugaki-kingdom.com|access-date=May 19, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421110327/https://rakugaki-kingdom.com/sound/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
! rowspan="4" | 2020 ! scope=row rowspan="3" | 2020
| '']'' | '']''
| ]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Komatsu |first1=Mikikazu |title=Japanese-Themed Project GIBIATE Unveils Its First Anime PV for Summer 2020 |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/07/07-1/japanese-themed-project-gibiate-unveils-its-first-anime-pv-for-summer-2020 |website=CrunchyRoll.com |access-date=9 July 2019}}</ref> | ]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Komatsu |first1=Mikikazu |title=Japanese-Themed Project GIBIATE Unveils Its First Anime PV for Summer 2020 |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/07/07-1/japanese-themed-project-gibiate-unveils-its-first-anime-pv-for-summer-2020 |website=CrunchyRoll.com |access-date=9 July 2019}}</ref>
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| with several others | Music with several others
|- |-
| '']'' | '']''
| arrangements with several others | Arrangements with several others
|- |-
! scope=row rowspan="2" | 2021
| ''Koroneraiser Inu-More!''
| '']''
| theme music for Inugami Korone of ]<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=yuzokoshiro|number=1311683172795473920|title=I'm proud to compose theme music for 'Koroneraiser Inu-More!' as a birthday gift! The music is reminiscent of Filmore from Actraiser as her request is recorded directly from real SFC.|author=Yuzo Koshiro}}</ref>
| Music, arrangements<ref>{{cite web |last1=Price |first1=Edward |title=Dual-genre remaster Actraiser Renaissance out today |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/09/23/dual-genre-remaster-actraiser-renaissance-out-today/ |website=] |date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=25 September 2021}}</ref>
|- |-
| '']''
! rowspan="1" | 2021
| "As God and As Man"
| '']''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Price |first1=Edward |title=Dual-genre remaster Actraiser Renaissance out today |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/09/23/dual-genre-remaster-actraiser-renaissance-out-today/ |website=] |date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=25 September 2021}}</ref>
| rowspan="2"|
|- |-
! rowspan="3" | 2022 !scope=row rowspan="3" | 2022
|'']''
|'']''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gray |first1=Kate |title=Platinum's Retro Sequel 'Sol Cresta' Gets New Trailer |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/platinums_retro_sequel_sol_cresta_gets_new_trailer |website=Nintendo Life |date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref>
| Music<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gray |first1=Kate |title=Platinum's Retro Sequel 'Sol Cresta' Gets New Trailer |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/platinums_retro_sequel_sol_cresta_gets_new_trailer |website=Nintendo Life |date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref>
|- |-
| ''Sin Chronicle'' | '']''
|"Hikari・Kibou"<ref>{{cite tweet |user=sin_chronicle |date=April 26, 2022 |script-title=ja:#古代祐三 さんご制作の「Hikari・Kibou」 |number=1518878648714940416 |access-date=March 25, 2023 |language=ja}}</ref>
| with several others<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Sin Chronicle launches March 23 in Japan |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/03/sin-chronicle-launches-march-23-in-japan |website=Gematsu |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref>
|- |-
| ] | ]
| dedicated console, composed the menu theme<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagues |first1=Alana |title=Yuzo Koshiro Confirms He's Back For Vital Mega Drive Mini 2 Music |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/06/yuzo-koshiro-confirms-hes-back-for-vital-mega-drive-mini-2-music |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref> | Menu theme; dedicated console<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagues |first1=Alana |title=Yuzo Koshiro Confirms He's Back For Vital Mega Drive Mini 2 Music |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/06/yuzo-koshiro-confirms-hes-back-for-vital-mega-drive-mini-2-music |website=Nintendo Life |date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref>
|- |-
! rowspan="1" | 2023 !scope=row rowspan="1" | 2023
| '']''
| Main theme<ref>{{cite web |title=Cubic Stars Original Soundtrack |url=https://music.apple.com/jp/album/%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%93%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA-original-soundtrack/1698659177 |website=Apple Music |access-date=5 November 2023 |language=Japanese}}</ref>
|-
! scope=row rowspan="1" | 2024
| '']''
| Music, director<ref>{{cite tweet |user=yuzokoshiro |date=March 25, 2024 |title=In developing Earthion, I'm both game director and composer for the first time in 20 years. With this unique position, I want to carefully consider the scenes and atmosphere that form the world when composing, ensuring the music isn't overly influenced by past exemplars. |access-date=March 25, 2024 |number=1772335836358660569}}</ref>
|-
! scope=row rowspan="1" | 2025
| '']'' | '']''
| two tracks<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagues |first1=Alana |title=Mina The Hollower's Soundtrack Gains Streets Of Rage Composer Yuzo Koshiro |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/mina-the-hollowers-soundtrack-gains-streets-of-rage-composer-yuzo-koshiro |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref> | Two tracks<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagues |first1=Alana |title=Mina The Hollower's Soundtrack Gains Streets Of Rage Composer Yuzo Koshiro |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/mina-the-hollowers-soundtrack-gains-streets-of-rage-composer-yuzo-koshiro |website=Nintendo Life |date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref>
|} |}


==Footnotes== == Footnotes ==

===Notes===
{{notelist}} {{notelist}}


===References=== == References ==

{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==External links== == External links ==

* {{in lang|ja}} * {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Twitter|yuzokoshiro}} * {{Twitter|yuzokoshiro}}
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{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 13:15, 22 December 2024

Japanese composer (born 1967)
Yuzo Koshiro
古代 祐三
Koshiro in 2006
Born (1967-12-12) December 12, 1967 (age 57)
Hino, Tokyo, Japan
Occupations
Years active1986–present
Employers
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
WebsiteAncient Corp.
Musical artist

Yuzo Koshiro (古代 祐三, Koshiro Yūzō, born December 12, 1967) is a Japanese composer and sound programmer. He is often regarded as one of the most influential innovators in chiptune and video game music, producing music in a number of genres including rock, jazz, symphonic, and various electronic genres such as house, electro, techno, trance, and hip hop.

Koshiro and his sister Ayano founded the game development company Ancient in 1990, of which he remains the president. He has been cited as creating some of the most memorable game music of the 1980s and 1990s contributing for games such as Nihon Falcom's Dragon Slayer and Ys series, as well as Sega's The Revenge of Shinobi and Streets of Rage series. The soundtracks for the latter have been cited by some to be ahead of their time.

Early life

Koshiro was born in Tokyo on December 12, 1967. His mother, Tomo Koshiro, was a pianist. She taught him how to play the piano at the age of three, and by the age of five, he had a strong command of it. In 1975, he began taking music lessons from Joe Hisaishi and studied with him for three years. Everything Koshiro has learned after that has since been self-taught.

While he was still in high school during the early 1980s, Koshiro began composing music on the NEC PC-8801 as a hobby, including mockups of early arcade game music from Namco, Konami, and Sega. The sequencing skills and experience he gained from this would later be utilized in his early video game projects. The video games that influenced him most were The Tower of Druaga (1984), Space Harrier (1985), and Gradius (1985). The video game music soundtracks to these games inspired him to become a video game composer.

In a 1992 interview, Koshiro said that his favorite music genres are new wave, dance music, technopop, classical, and hard rock, and that his favorite Western bands are Van Halen and Soul II Soul.

Nihon Falcom (1986–1988)

Koshiro's first composing job was with Nihon Falcom in 1986 at the age of 18. Falcom used compositions from the PC-8801 demo tape he had sent them in their Dragon Slayer action role-playing game Xanadu Scenario II, for its opening theme and several dungeon levels. He also wrote the opening song in Romancia that same year. His compositions for these early games were influenced by arcade game music and Japanese bands such as The Alfee. He then produced the soundtrack to Dragon Slayer IV / Legacy of the Wizard (1987), which was influenced by the sounds of early Konami games. His most well-known Falcom works are his soundtracks for Sorcerian (1987) and the early Ys games, Ys I (1987) and Ys II (1988). These early music productions mainly featured rock and fusion music. The TurboGrafx-CD versions of the first three Ys games (from 1989 to 1991) are notable for their very early use of Red Book audio in video games. Music from the Ys games were also employed in the Ys anime.

All of these early soundtracks were produced using the FM synthesis sound chip of the PC-8801. Despite later advances in audio technology, Koshiro would continue to use older PC-8801 hardware to produce many of his later video game soundtracks, including the Streets of Rage and Etrian Odyssey soundtracks. His soundtracks for early Nihon Falcom games, such as the Dragon Slayer and Ys series, are widely regarded as some of the most influential role-playing video game scores.

Early freelance work (1988–1990)

Following his separation with Falcom, Koshiro became a freelancer, composing music for many other companies. His early freelance projects included the Sharp X68000 port of Bosconian, Bothtec's action role-playing game The Scheme (1988) for the PC-8801, and Enix's visual novel adventure game Misty Blue for the PC-9801 in 1990. The latter two soundtracks featured early Eurobeat music.

His most notable freelance work was for Sega: his first freelance work for the company was the soundtrack to The Revenge of Shinobi (1989), for which he produced house and "progressive, catchy, techno-style compositions" that fused electronic dance music with traditional Japanese music.

His soundtrack for ActRaiser (1990), on the other hand, was mainly classical and orchestral. While working on ActRaiser, in order to get around the SNES's 64 KB memory limitation which limited the number of instruments that can be used and prevented the reloading of samples, Koshiro developed a sample loading system that worked with the ROM cartridge memory, swapping samples from the ROM data on the fly. This allowed him to "load parts of the music gradually as needed, and also change it quickly between stages or parts of a stage" which the "original system couldn't do it with its restrictions." A similar system was used by other companies for later SNES games such as Squaresoft's Seiken Densetsu 3 (1995) and Namco Tales Studio's Tales of Phantasia (1995).

Founding of Ancient Corp. (1990–1994)

In 1990, Koshiro helped found Ancient Corp.. The company was co-founded by his mother, Tomo Koshiro, while his sister Ayano Koshiro works at the company as an art/character/graphic designer and was also the art designer for the ActRaiser games. His sister Ayano has designed characters and graphics for several games Koshiro has worked on, including the Streets of Rage (Bare Knuckle in Japan) series, Ys, and ActRaiser.

While working with Ancient, he composed the soundtrack for the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. He adapted several pieces of music from the original 16-bit version, while the rest of the soundtrack consisted of his own original music.

His soundtracks for the Streets of Rage series (known as Bare Knuckle in Japan) from 1991 to 1994 were composed using then outdated PC-8801 hardware alongside his own original audio programming language. According to Koshiro: "For Bare Knuckle I used the PC88 and an original programming language I developed myself. The original was called MML, Music Macro Language. It is based on NEC's BASIC program, but I modified it heavily. It was more a BASIC-style language at first, but I modified it to be something more like Assembly. I called it ‘Music Love'. I used it for all the Bare Knuckle games."

The soundtracks for Streets of Rage (1991) and Streets of Rage 2 (1992) were influenced by house, techno, hardcore techno, breakbeat, funk and ethnic music. He also attempted to reproduce the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 beats and Roland TB-303 synths using FM synthesis. The soundtrack for Streets of Rage 2 in particular is considered "revolutionary" and ahead of its time, for its "amazing blend of swaggering house synths, dirty" electro-funk and "trancey electronic textures that would feel as comfortable in a nightclub as a video game." The soundtrack also features contributions by Motohiro Kawashima, who also worked at Ancient at the time.

His CD soundtracks became best-sellers in Japan during the early 1990s. In 1993, Electronic Games listed the first two Streets of Rage games as having some of the best video game music soundtracks they "ever heard." They described Koshiro as "just about universally acknowledged as the most gifted composer currently working in the video game field."

Koshiro composed the soundtrack to Streets of Rage 3 (1994), along with colleague Kawashima who contributed in a larger capacity than in 2. He created a new composition method called the "Automated Composing System" to produce "fast-beat techno like jungle." It was the most advanced techno technique of the time, incorporating heavily randomized sequences. This resulted in innovative and experimental sounds generated automatically that, according to Koshiro, "you ordinarily never could imagine on your own." This method was very rare at the time, but has since become popular among techno and trance music producers to get "unexpected and odd sounds." The soundtrack also had elements of abstract, experimental, gabber, and trance music. The experimental electronic music was not very well received upon release, but has since been considered to be ahead of its time. According to Mean Machines, "ironically it pre-dated the 'trance' era that came a short while after release."

Koshiro was one of the first composers credited under his real name in a time when several other Japanese developers were credited under pen names.

Later career (1994–present)

Also in 1994, Koshiro co-composed the soundtrack with Kawashima for the Mega-CD version of Eye of the Beholder, a dungeon crawl role-playing video game ported over from the original by Japanese developer Opera House and published by Sega. That same year, his soundtrack for Beyond Oasis utilized a late romantic style of music, which he later also utilized for Legend of Oasis (1996), Merregnon (2004), and Warriors of the Lost Empire (2007). He also secretly contributed one track to Terranigma (1995).

He also composed the soundtrack for Sega's Shenmue (1999) alongside Takenobu Mitsuyoshi and various others, with Koshiro contributing fifteen original compositions to the soundtrack. Three other staff members of Ancient also worked on Shenmue. He later composed the soundtracks for the Wangan Midnight series (2001 onwards) and Namco × Capcom (2005). These were the first projects where he wrote the lyrics along with the music. For the Wangan Midnight series in particular, his compositions were mostly trance music, a style he was previously unfamiliar with.

He composed the main theme of the French TV channel Nolife, which launched in 2007. The theme was released as part of the album Tamiuta in 2008. Some of Koshiro's latest work includes music for the Etrian Odyssey series, the Wangan Midnight series, and the 7th Dragon series. In 2018, Koshiro contributed one song to Nobuhiko Okamoto's album Braverthday. He was brought back to compose for Streets of Rage 4 in 2020, along with Kawashima and several others. The same year, he composed the theme song "Koroneraiser Inu-More!" for Hololive's virtual YouTuber Korone Inugami. Koshiro also created the opening and ending jingles for the YouTube channel Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games.

Works

Year Title Role(s)
1986 Xanadu Scenario II Music with Takahito Abe
Romancia Opening theme
1987 Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished Music with Mieko Ishikawa
Legacy of the Wizard Music with Mieko Ishikawa
Sorcerian Music with several others
Ojousama Club Music with several others
Dark Storm: Demon Crystal Music
The Gate of Labyrinth Music
1988 Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter Music with Mieko Ishikawa and Hideya Nagata
The Scheme Music
The Return of Ishtar Music; MSX version
The Curse of Mars Music
1989 Wanderers from Super Scheme Music
Algarna Music
The Revenge of Shinobi Music
Bosconian Music with Hideya Nagata; X68000 version
1990 Misty Blue Music
ActRaiser Music
Thrice Music
1991 The G.G. Shinobi Music
Streets of Rage Music
Sonic the Hedgehog Music; Master System / Game Gear version
Star Wars: Attack on the Death Star Arrangements
1992 Super Adventure Island Music
Eye of the Beholder Music with Shinji Hosoe; PC-98 version
Gage Music with Ayako Yoda and Motohiro Kawashima
Batman Returns Sound management
The G.G. Shinobi II: The Silent Fury Music with Motohiro Kawashima
Streets of Rage 2 Music with Motohiro Kawashima
1993 Slap Fight MD Music, arrangements
ActRaiser 2 Music
1994 Streets of Rage 3 Music with Motohiro Kawashima
Eye of the Beholder Music with Motohiro Kawashima; Sega CD version
Robotrek Sound producer
Beyond Oasis Producer, music
1995 Miracle Casino Paradise Music
Manji Psy Yuuki Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Ayako Yoda
Terranigma Music (laboratory theme)
1996 Zork I: The Great Underground Empire Music with Motohiro Kawashima; PlayStation version
The Legend of Oasis Producer, music
Vatlva Music with Motohiro Kawashima
1997 Bomb Jack Sound supervision; Windows version
Culdcept Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
Sega Ages Vol. 8 Columns Arcade Collection Sound director
1998 Complete Onside Soccer Sound engineer; Japanese PlayStation version
Fox Junction Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Ryuji Iuchi
1999 Animetic Story Game 1: Cardcaptor Sakura Music with Takeshi Yanagawa and Tomonori Hayashibe
Shenmue Music with several others
2001 Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Music
Shenmue II Music with several others
Car Battler Joe Music with Tomonori Hayashibe
2004 Amazing Island Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Tomonori Hayashibe
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune Music
Dokapon the World Music
2005 Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 2 Music
Namco × Capcom Opening and ending themes
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 "You Gotta Move It"
2006 The Law of Ueki Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Takeshi Yanagawa; PlayStation 2 version
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Music with Michiru Yamane
2007 Etrian Odyssey Music
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3 Music
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Dream Hyper Battle! Music with Motohiro Kawashima and Takeshi Yanagawa
Warriors of the Lost Empire Music
2008 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Arrangements
Etrian Odyssey II Music
2009 7th Dragon Music
Half-Minute Hero Music with several others
2010 Dragon Ball Online Music
Etrian Odyssey III Music
Protect Me Knight Music
Jaseiken Necromancer: Nightmare Reborn Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
Criminal Girls Opening theme
Dead Heat Music with Motohiro Kawashima
2011 7th Dragon 2020 Music
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 4 Music
2012 Kid Icarus: Uprising Music with several others
Etrian Odyssey IV Music
Layton Brothers: Mystery Room Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
Time and Eternity Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
2013 7th Dragon 2020-II Music
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl Music
Drift Spirits Music
Code of Joker "Shine Radiantly", "Innate Ability"
Momoiro Billionaire! Music with Motohiro Kawashima
2014 Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 Music
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth "Disturbances - The One Called from Beyond"
Gotta Protectors Music with several others
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Arrangements
Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight Music
2015 Etrian Mystery Dungeon Music with Takeshi Yanagawa
Chunithm "Grab Your Sword"
7th Dragon III Code: VFD Music
Project X Zone 2 Opening and ending themes
2016 Cosmic Cavern 3671 Music
Puzzle & Dragons X Music with Kenji Ito, Akira Yamaoka, and Keigo Ozaki
Etrian Odyssey V Music
2017 Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 Music
RXN -Raijin- Music with several others
Crystal of Re:union Music
2018 A Certain Magical Virtual-On Music
Secret of Mana Arrangements with several others
Chrono Ma:Gia Music
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6 Music
Etrian Odyssey Nexus Music
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom Music with several others
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Arrangements
2019 16bit Rhythm Land Music with several others
198X Music with Anton Dromberg and Daniel Rosenqvist
SolSeraph Opening theme
Arcalast Battle music
Sega Genesis Mini Menu theme; dedicated console
Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness Music
The Takeover Opening stage theme
Rakugaki Kingdom "Sunny Days Battle"
2020 Gibiate Anime
Streets of Rage 4 Music with several others
The Wonderful 101: Remastered Arrangements with several others
2021 Actraiser Renaissance Music, arrangements
Royal Anapoko Academy "As God and As Man"
2022 Sol Cresta Music
Sin Chronicle "Hikari・Kibou"
Sega Genesis Mini 2 Menu theme; dedicated console
2023 Cubic Stars Main theme
2024 Earthion Music, director
2025 Mina the Hollower Two tracks

Footnotes

  1. "Main Theme" (The Legend of Zelda), "Norfair"
  2. Motoi Sakuraba, Masafumi Takada, Noriyuki Iwadare, Takahiro Nishi, and Yasunori Mitsuda
  3. Hisayoshi Ogura, Motoaki Furukawa, Shinji Hosoe, and Hiroshi Kawaguchi
  4. "Battle! (Trainer Battle)" (Pokémon X / Pokémon Y), "Wrath of the Reset Bomb", "PAC-MAN"
  5. Motoi Sakuraba, Michiru Yamane, Keiki Kobayashi, and Takeshi Yanagawa
  6. "Now or Never!", "Guile Stage", "Psycho Soldier Theme", "Toys on a Tear", "Opening-Bombing Mission", "Tiger! Tiger!"

References

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