Ajurika

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We first became aware of Tohyama san (Ajurika) in our user forums when he revealed that he was responsible for the Tekken series music and direction. Further investigation revealed Akitaka has worked on the Katamari Damacy franchise (a favorite here at Image-Line), Ridge Racer & Urban Reign and others. Naturally we wanted to know more, so we asked him about his music and work.

Akitaka Tohyama (Ajurika)

Tell us about your music, yourself and your video game work?

I am a producer of video game music as well as a Psychedelic Trance track creator. I started learning the piano at the age of 4, and then computer-based music at 14.

My favorite genre is trance, but I dabble in other genres, depending on the needs of the game, as well when creating video game music. I like to use a tight sounding kick (drum) and a deep base line as the core component, with some Delay and Reverb added to expand the sound while keeping a delicate tone.

There are many video game titles I have worked on in the past, but I have the longest relationship with the Tekken franchise. My role on TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 was Sound Director. I received overwhelming feedback from fans worldwide for the songs I created in that installment.

Also, I currently create Psychedelic Trance tracks under the handle ‘AJURIKA’. I’m currently working on a full-length album.

Tekken Tag2 Opening Trailer

In this trailer, I used the default sounds(kick and snare). Lead Synth (0:57) is by Sawer.

How did you get into the game music business?

I always loved video game musics and enjoyed composing as a hobby. During my fourth year of college, I started looking for a job for my future.

Then I found some video game companies wanted a sound creator, so I sent them demo tracks and, Namco hired me.

In 2013 I went freelance and have been working for a ange of companies since.

How did you come to use FL Studio & what were your first impressions?

I was using MOTU Digital Performer before FL Studio. A colleague at work recommended FL Studio 4, but my first impression wasn’t very good.

Pattern block and the original mixer routing features were quite confusing at first. However, once I got used to it, my impressions changed drastically and I realized how great it is!

Now, I am instantly able to achieve the desired result and also to create the sound I am looking for. I use FL Studio for song creation, mixing, and mastering.