Yoko Shimomura: Master Composer of Video Game Music
A highly influential Japanese composer renowned for her evocative and memorable soundtracks for video games.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Shimomura studied piano from childhood and graduated from the Osaka College of Music. She joined Capcom in 1988, composing for early Street Fighter games. Moving to Square (now Square Enix) in 1993, she created iconic scores for Legend of Mana and the Parasite Eve series. Her most celebrated work is the soundtrack for the Kingdom Hearts franchise. She became a freelance composer in 2002, founding her own studio, Midiplex, and continued working on major titles like Super Mario RPG, the Mario & Luigi series, and Final Fantasy XV.
- Despite her massive success and iconic status, Shimomura is known for her modesty and dedication to her craft, often expressing surprise at the level of fan adoration.
- She composed the iconic 'Dearly Beloved' theme for Kingdom Hearts, which has become one of the most recognizable pieces in video game music, evolving with each installment.
- Her early work on Street Fighter II, particularly creating character themes like Guile's Theme (which famously 'goes with everything'), laid a foundation for dynamic fighting game soundtracks.
- Shimomura frequently performs her compositions live at orchestral concerts like 'Dearly Beloved' and 'Distant Worlds', connecting directly with fans.
- She received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Game Awards, a testament to her enduring impact on the industry.
