Taro Ishida

■Composer | Producer | Artist ■

Infusing gagaku and traditional Japanese arts into the new.

Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Series for Disney's "SHOGUN" soundtrack

Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Main Theme Music (as Arranger)

Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Music Composition (as Arranger)

Grammy Nominee for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

A versatile talent in music, production, art direction, and entrepreneurship, I Shida san significantly contributed to notable projects such as Disney's "SHOGUN", working alongside Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba. Together they crafted the Grammy and Emmy-nominated soundtrack which received recognition in both the Outstanding Music Composition and Outstanding Main Title Theme Music categories. Ishida san primarily focused on arranging the traditional Japanese music, especially Gagaku. In 2024, he began creating and releasing a unique fusion of classical music and Gagaku -an unprecedented style in the global music scene with the release of his work "Ranjo/Netori". Additionally, he worked on "Matsuriya" at Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya, further showcasing his expertise in traditional Japanese music. Educated at Tokyo University of the Arts, he blends academic rigor with innovative approaches to both modern and traditional art forms.

 Background

Born in Sacramento, California, in 1979, and a graduate of Sophia University in Japanese Literature and Chinese Classics, he further honed his skills at Tokyo University of the Arts. His work spans composing & producing for prestigious venues along with collaborations for major corporations, highlighting his early career achievements and versatility.

Career Highlights

Emmy winner for the Disney "SHOGUN" soundtrack, where he arranged traditional Japanese music alongside Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba. Grammy-nominated for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for the Disney "SHOGUN" soundtrack. Released "Ranjo/Netori" in 2024, pioneering a fusion of classical music and Gagaku. Appointed as music director in 2015 for the Fukushima recovery project "Haruka," following in the footsteps of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Otomo Yoshihide. Vision Taro Ishida is committed to integrating Japan's traditional heritage with contemporary innovation, he aims to inspire future generations and foster an appreciation for the rich tapestry of Japanese music and arts, embodying the blend of tradition and modernity in diverse creative roles.