Date of Birth: September 1, 1971
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Hobbies: Movies, Books (Novel, Science magazine)
Influences: Traditional Asian Music, Middle Eastern Music, Punk Rock, Industrial Rock, Techno, Erik Satie, David Bowie
First Game: Sound Effects Final Fantasy 6 and Live a Live (both SQUARE SOFT)

Go! Game! Music! (GGM):
What are the major differences between the music of Shadow Hearts 1 and 2?

Yoshitaka Hirota (YH):
Shadow Hearts 2 is very dramatic. Therefore I felt the music should be very dramatic and expressive. The music is as unique as the game.

GGM:
What was your process for creating Shadow Hearts 2s music?

YH:
It was important that I wrote the score on an ad hoc basis…you know lots of improvisation. “Evil Gate Opener” I did the recordings mainly as a jam. "Deep In Coma" I composed it in order to have you secrete a lot of adrenalin from your brain. "The Fate" I think that I was finished according to the image of a title of the musical composition. "The3karma" is a collaboration with composers I respect who are friends. [Getsu-ren-ka(moon love flower)]. I am very satisfied with the effect of music of the last scene

GGM:
How did Kenji Ito get involved with Shadow Hearts 2?

YH:
I met him at Squaresoft ten years ago. We promised to work to gether sometime in the future. I said to him to compose it freely.

GGM:
How do you think Shadow Hearts 2s music turned out?

YH:
While I felt the music should be more dramatic, it should also keep the style of the previous game and have a unique sound. The impression of of the games through music will continue for a long time.

GGM:
What are your favorite elements of Shadow Hearts 2?

YH:
Battles Dance [Ooh La La!],  of Lucia.[Transience], [The Fate] the scenes and Tears and laughter.

GGM:
What is your greatest musical accomplishment?

YH:
The fushion of traditional music and alternative rock. Having succeeded in giving Shadow Hearts 2 a throbbing, intense pulse with fantastic music. I expressed feelings for characters using different colors of music.

GGM:
What do you do other than compose music?

YH:
Feeling change is important I stroll in a park and meet a friend.

GGM:
Who are some of your favorite composers?

YH:
Erik Satie and the people I work with.

GGM:
What is your dream project?

YH:
To go on a world tour!!

GGM:
What makes a good composer? What could we learn from you about composing music?

YH:
Believing in ones self. If your wish is strong, then your dream will come true! Thank you.

Thanks to Mr. Hirota for chatting with us.