Yuki Kajiura
Japanese composer and music producer renowned for her distinctive, atmospheric soundtracks blending orchestral, electronic, and choral elements, particularly famous for anime, video games, and vocal projects.
Born in Tokyo, Japan. Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music. Began composing professionally in the early 1990s, initially for pop artists. Gained widespread recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s for her work on anime series like '.hack//SIGN' and 'Noir'. Founded the vocal projects See-Saw and FictionJunction, and produced the successful anison group Kalafina. Composed iconic scores for major franchises including 'Sword Art Online', 'Madoka Magica', 'Fate/Zero', and 'Demon Slayer'. Known for her prolific output and signature sound characterized by layered vocals, intricate strings, and driving rhythms.
- Kajiura is famous for using 'Kajiurago' – invented, non-lyrical vocalizations often sung by recurring vocalists like Emily Bindiger, Yuriko Kaida, and members of Kalafina/FictionJunction, creating a unique sonic signature.
- She formed the group Kalafina specifically for the 'Kara no Kyoukai' (Garden of Sinners) film series, which became hugely popular; their sudden disbandment in 2018, reportedly due to disagreements between Kajiura and the management company Space Craft Produce, caused significant fan dismay.
- Maintains a long-standing collaborative relationship with writer Kinoko Nasu and animation studio ufotable, scoring most of their major projects like 'Kara no Kyoukai' and 'Fate/Zero'.
- Recovered from a severe illness (later revealed to be tongue cancer) diagnosed in 2021, undergoing successful surgery and returning to composing.
