"SHOGUN, " featuring music arranged by Taro Ishida, has made history by being the
first Japanese artist to receive two Emmy nominations in the
categories of Main Title Theme Music and Music Composition. This
remarkable achievement underscores the global appeal of
traditional Japanese Gagaku music and fosters cultural exchange and
understanding between East and West.
TOKYO, July 23,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Historic Emmy
Nominations:
On July 17, the Emmy nominations
were announced, and "SHOGUN" received multiple nominations,
including Outstanding Drama Series. Among these, the nominations in
the music categories are particularly noteworthy. It is rare for a
Japanese artist to be nominated for an Emmy, and this marks the
first time that music involving Japan's traditional Gagaku has been
recognized.
About Gagaku:
Gagaku is an ancient form of Japanese music, evolving from
indigenous sounds and influences from ancient Asian cultures and
the Silk Road, introduced around 1400 years ago. Perfected during
the mid-Heian period, it remains one of the oldest continuously
performed musical forms in the world. Gagaku integrates ancient
philosophy, astronomy, statistics, and harmony with nature,
creating unparalleled artistry. This music has been meticulously
preserved through oral transmission by designated families known as
"Gakke."
Production Details:
The soundtrack for "SHOGUN," including both the score and the
main title theme, was composed by Academy Award-winning composer
Atticus Ross and his team in Los
Angeles, including Leopold
Ross and Nick Chuba.
Taro Ishida of Drifter Inc. arranged
and recorded the music, garnering attention both domestically and
internationally. Ishida commented, "I hope people will focus not
just on the story, but also on the music that layers it."
The production of the "SHOGUN" soundtrack took approximately two
years. Atticus Ross and his team, who deeply respect traditional
Japanese music, commissioned Ishida to incorporate various
arrangements and recordings of Gagaku and traditional Japanese
music. Dozens of Japanese traditional musicians gathered for the
recording sessions, which involved instruments like the Shakuhachi,
Shōmyō (Buddhist chants), Koto, and Biwa, among others. The
recordings were coordinated remotely with Atticus Ross,
Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba in Los
Angeles. The Gagaku performances were provided by members of
Reigakusha, Japan's premier Gagaku
ensemble.
Artistic Approach:
Ishida noted, "I focused on using simple melodies from classical
pieces to bring out the most natural and beautiful sounds of the
instruments." The production process involved incorporating
instruments from different eras and intentionally leaving rhythmic
discrepancies to break away from conventions. "They did not adhere
to the traditional norms of Japanese music," Ishida reflected.
Global Impact:
The Emmy nomination for "SHOGUN" demonstrates that Japanese
traditional music and Gagaku have global appeal. We hope this
recognition will further propel Japanese music onto the world
stage.
Invitation for Media
Taro Ishida is available to
discuss his collaboration with Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick
Chuba, as well as the unique aspects of Gagaku and its
adaptation for film music.
This is an opportunity to explore the previously unknown charms
of Gagaku. We encourage you to interview Ishida and learn more
about this fascinating subject.
Photo:
Taro Ishida Artist Photo & SHOGUN Recording
Contact:
For media inquiries, please contact us at:
Email: mail@drftr.co.jp
Website: https://drftr.co.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taro
Media Contact
Yuuki Mashiko, Drifter Inc., 81
+8109093147362, mail@drftr.co.jp, https://drftr.co.jp/en/
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SOURCE Drifter Inc.