ZUN

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Japanese dōjin game developer and composer, creator of the Touhou Project series. ZUN is the pseudonym of Jun'ya Ota, an independent Japanese developer renowned for single-handedly creating the Touhou Project bullet hell shooter series since 1995. He serves as the sole programmer, designer, writer, and composer for the franchise, producing distinctive electronic soundtracks that blend chiptune, folk, and rock elements.
  • ZUN's music is created entirely using vintage synthesizers like the Roland SC-88 and FM sound chips, rejecting professional studios for a signature lo-fi aesthetic.
  • He openly incorporates his love for beer into his work, with characters like Suika Ibuki symbolizing this passion; real-life beer brands frequently appear in games.
  • Despite Touhou Project's massive global fanbase and commercial potential, ZUN adamantly remains independent, releasing games under his dōjin circle 'Team Shanghai Alice'.
  • His wife, Taketo Tomizawa, is a former employee of Taito Corporation; they met through game industry connections and married in 2007.