Composer Michiaki Watanabe (also known as Chumei Watanabe) passed away due to heart failure on June 23, 2022. He was 96 years old at the time of his passing.

Watanabe was born in 1925. He studied psychology at the prestigious University of Tokyo under composers Ikuma Dan and Saburo Moroi. He made his debut as a composer for a radio drama produced by the Central Japan Broadcasting Company in the 1950’s. For the next 20 years, Watanabe worked with TOHO regularly on film soundtracks while improving his craft under the likes of jazz musician Sadao Watanabe. He introduced brass instruments when he created “Theme of Z” for Mazinger Z, also using an analog synthesizer.

Watanabe also composed themes for such anime as Godannar, Getter Robo Go, and Transformers: Victory. He also composed music for live-action series like Kikaider-01 and Inazuman.

Source: ANN

Advertisement