The Emmy Awards, known as the apex of recognitions in the television industry, announced their nominations on July 17th, with the Disney-produced series “SHOGUN”, starring and produced by Hiroyuki Sanada, securing multiple nominations – an achievement that has raised eyebrows across the globe.
One notable inclusion is the nomination in the music category, marking a rare feat for the Japanese television industry. The series has been nominated in two music categories – Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score) and Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music. This is the first time a nomination has been granted to a score intertwined with traditional Japanese music and Gagaku, a type of Japanese classical music.
Composer Taro Ishida, who undertook music arrangement for the series, is drawing considerable attention for his work on “SHOGUN”. He said, “Along with the storyline, I want viewers to pay attention to the music that has been intricately woven into the series”.
About Taro Ishida
Taro Ishida, based in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, is a composer known for his rare expertise in Gagaku. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, Ishida has been involved in a wide range of creative activities, including composing space music for art exhibitions and soundtracks for major corporate PR videos. He began composing Gagaku about ten years ago, and since then, he has been continuously expanding his musical activities.
Production of “SHOGUN” Soundtrack
The production of the “SHOGUN” soundtrack spanned over two years. The soundtrack was created under the direction of award-winning composer Atticus Ross, along with a team of composers in Los Angeles. Ishida was tasked with arranging and recording a variety of Gagaku and traditional Japanese music.
Recording took place throughout Japan, with dozens of traditional Japanese musicians involved. Arrangements and recording times were discussed remotely with Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba, while performance of Gagaku was entrusted to members of the leading Gagaku organization, “Reigakusha”.
On Arrangement with Gagaku and Japanese Traditional Music
Ishida has highlighted that he focused on expressing the most vibrant sounds of the instruments by using only the melody of simple classical tunes. His approach often broke the mold, fusing instruments from different eras and intentionally leaving slight discrepancies in the rhythm and sound.
Ishida also recalls, “Atticus Ross and his team were not bound by the usual conventions of Japanese traditional music, which in a good sense, allowed us to explore a new ground.”
Gagaku and Japanese Traditional Music on the World Stage
This Emmy nomination is a testament to the universality of traditional Japanese music and Gagaku, demonstrating its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. It is our hope that this international recognition will pave the way for Japanese music to soar further onto the world stage.
While the final award results will be announced on September 16, 2024, the nomination alone is an achievement of significant value, and we are proud to share this news with you ahead of time.
