Yoko Kanno (5th music post)

Born on March 19th, 1964, Yoko Kanno had begun composing at a very early age, claiming Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy as her primary classical mentors. Though mainly sought after for her anime pieces,
Ms. Kanno performed the soundbytes for early Koei games and many commercials. She is also credited as a songwriter for the now-defunct band Tetsu 100%.

Her debut anime came in the form of Macross Plus, a sequel to the immensely popular Macross series. Though at the time a name in the industry, she had not won the job by default and auditioned for the position. One of her works from the anime is Voices, the opening to Macross Plus and perhaps her most famous work. The unmitigated success stemming from her anime debut brought her instant name-recognition.

Other notable Kanno credits include Please Save My Earth, Vision of Escaflowne and Cowboy Bebop. She achieved instant acclaim for her versatility in composing the works of Escaflowne, which featured numerous classical pieces, and Cowboy Bebop, which showcased her Jazz intellect and prowess. All this provided a nice counterbalance to her decidedly techno portfolio displayed in Macross Plus. Dance of Curse and Tank! are two of the most oft-requested and played songs in all of anime.

Though a tireless workaholic, Yoko Kanno doesn't follow in the reclusive artist mold that some picture her as. A free spirit by nature, she takes great enjoyment in everything she does, and can amuse herself even during the most mundane situations. A frequent attendee of anime conventions in the United States, she uses these opportunities to travel abroad and converse with fellow musicians and fans alike. She relishes in discovering new surroundings, and can often be found accompanied by a camera, snapping photographs of seemingly random objects.

With her name firmly cemented in the history of anime (and music, in general), the sky's the limit for this youthful genius.

1) Strangers, 2) Blue, 3) Dearest, 4) Adieu