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Japanese violinist, singer, and composer renowned for her iconic contributions to Studio Ghibli films, particularly 'Spirited Away'.Born in Tokyo, Kimura studied violin at the prestigious Toho Gakuen School of Music.She initially gained recognition as a member of the folk-pop duo "Garo" and later formed the band "Yumi Kimura and the Heart of Strings".Her collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki began when her demo tape reached him through his daughter, leading to her composing and performing the beloved theme song "Itsumo Nando Demo" (Always with Me) for 'Spirited Away' (2001).This success cemented her association with Ghibli, resulting in contributions to later films like 'The Cat Returns' (2002) and 'Tales from Earthsea' (2006).She continues to perform and compose, blending classical training with contemporary styles.

• Kimura's path to composing for Studio Ghibli was serendipitous; she sent a demo tape to Miyazaki hoping to contribute music for 'Princess Mononoke'. While not used then, Miyazaki's daughter loved it and played it frequently, leading Miyazaki to remember Kimura specifically for 'Spirited Away'.
• Despite her fame from Ghibli soundtracks, Kimura maintains a diverse career, performing classical violin repertoire, releasing solo albums, and collaborating across genres, showcasing her versatility beyond anime music.
• For "Itsumo Nando Demo" (Always with Me), Kimura not only composed the music but also wrote the lyrics and performed the vocals. Miyazaki reportedly requested the song's creation based on a poem he wrote, making it deeply integrated into the film's emotional core.