Michiru Oshima
The prolific composer behind Ico and hundreds of film, anime, and game scores.
Michiru Ōshima is a Japanese composer and arranger born March 16, 1961. She has written scores for over 100 films, over 200 television titles, video games, various events, concerts, and theaters. Ōshima is one of the most prolific living composers for film, anime, and video games, with over 300 CDs including film soundtracks and artist CDs. She composed music for the video game Ico for PlayStation 2, as well as other games such as Legend of Legaia, Legaia 2: Duel Saga, and Arc the Lad III. Her work spans anime series like Fullmetal Alchemist, films like Godzilla vs. Megaguirus, and stage musicals.
- Key Works
- Ico, Legend of Legaia, Legaia 2: Duel Saga, Arc the Lad III, Deemo
- First Major Credit
- Ico (2001)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ōshima graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Department of Music Composition, and began composing and arranging while in college. She released her first Symphony, 'Orasho,' while still a student. Through masterful manipulation of both orchestras and synthesizers, she has created grandiose, dramatic sounds and beautiful melodies. She was the youngest person awarded 1st prize at the International Electone Festival / International Electone Concours in 1977. Her awards include the 52nd (1998) and 67th (2013) Mainichi Film Contest Award for Best Music, multiple Japan Academy Film Prizes for Music, and the Tokyo Anime Award for Best Music in 2006. She has recorded and conducted with orchestras worldwide, including a concert 'KAIJU CRESCENDO: AN EVENING OF JAPANESE MONSTER MUSIC' at G-FEST XXVI (2020) in Chicago. Ōshima was one of 27 composers for the album 'In 27 Pieces: the Hilary Hahn Encores,' which won a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music (she composed 'Memories'). She served as music director for the '40th Year of ASEAN-Japan' in 2013.
In Their Own Story
In 2001, Ōshima composed the soundtrack for Ico on PlayStation 2, a game known for its minimalist, emotional score. The music for Ico is characterized by sparse piano melodies and atmospheric sounds that underscore the game's themes of isolation and connection. Ōshima's work on Ico is part of a broader career that includes composing for over 100 films and over 200 television titles. She also arranged an orchestral medley of Zelda music for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on Wii and GameCube. Her compositions for video games extend to Legend of Legaia, Legaia 2: Duel Saga, Arc the Lad III, and Deemo.
Reader's Guide
Ōshima's work on Ico is a standout in her career, showcasing her ability to create intimate, evocative soundscapes with limited instrumentation. The game's soundtrack relies heavily on piano and ambient sounds, reflecting the lonely journey of the protagonist. This approach contrasts with her larger-scale orchestral works for films like Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa. Beyond Ico, Ōshima has composed for numerous video games, including Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf for Super NES, Legend of Legaia for PlayStation, and its sequel Legaia 2: Duel Saga. She also contributed tracks to the game Deemo. Her versatility is evident in her work across media: she composed for the Chinese espionage thriller The Message and the mystery film The Devotion of Suspect X, as well as a Japanese stage musical adaptation of Roman Holiday. Ōshima is a member of both the Japan Academy Film Prize Association and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She has received multiple Japan Academy Film Prize nominations and wins, including the 31st Japan Academy Prize for Best Score for Bizan in 2008.
Did You Know?
- Ōshima was the youngest person to win 1st prize at the International Electone Festival / International Electone Concours in 1977.
- She composed the piece 'Memories' for the Grammy-winning album 'In 27 Pieces: the Hilary Hahn Encores.'
- Ōshima served as music director for the '40th Year of ASEAN-Japan' project in 2013, organizing concerts across ASEAN countries.
- She conducted a concert called 'KAIJU CRESCENDO: AN EVENING OF JAPANESE MONSTER MUSIC' at G-FEST XXVI in Chicago in 2020.
- Ōshima has composed for over 100 films and over 200 television titles, and released over 300 CDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michiru Oshima?
She is the acclaimed Japanese composer who created the original soundtrack for Ico. Born in 1961, she has produced music for hundreds of films, anime series, and video games throughout her career.
What role did she play in Ico's development?
Oshima served as the primary musical director responsible for the game's atmospheric score. Her compositions were integral to setting the emotional tone during the protagonist's journey through the castle.
What other video games feature her music?
Beyond Ico, she composed soundtracks for titles such as Legend of Legaia and Arc the Lad III. She also created music for modern mobile games like Deemo later in her career.
Is Michiru Oshima still active today?
Yes, she remains one of the most prolific living composers with over 300 released albums to her name. Her work continues to appear in various media including television and theatrical events.
How is her Ico soundtrack remembered by fans?
Fans regard her minimalist compositions as a cornerstone of the game's enduring emotional impact. The music is frequently cited alongside the visuals as defining the experience for players worldwide.
More in Development & Legacy
Elsewhere in the Ico universe
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