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Susumu Hirasawa

Susumu Hirasawa (born 2 April 1954) is a Japanese musician, composer, and record producer known for his work in progressive rock, electronic, and experimental music. He achieved early prominence as the founder and frontman of the avant‑garde rock band P‑MAT (later renamed "Mandrake"), which was active from 1973 to 1981. Following the dissolution of Mandrake, Hirasawa formed the techno‑industrial group "P‑Miku" (later "P‑Maya") and subsequently launched a solo career in 1984.

Early Life and Education

Hirasawa was born in Tokyo, Japan. He studied at the University of Tokyo, where he earned a degree in Computer Science, an education that later informed his integration of digital technology and computer programming into his music production.

Musical Career

Mandrake (1973–1981)

  • Role: vocalist, guitarist, primary composer.
  • Notable releases: Mikute Wii chaagi / Aka ha ki (1979), Unca Sedator (1980).
  • Style: psychedelic and progressive rock with complex time signatures.

Solo Career (1984–present)

  • Debut solo album: Water in Time and Space (1989), which combined progressive rock with synthesizer‑driven electronic textures.
  • Subsequent releases include The Ghost in Science (1990), Berserk (1996), Phantom Power (1999), Byakkoya – White Tiger Field (2006), The Man Who Falls Down (2015), and TWEAKON – all songs of the world (2021).
  • Hirasawa is known for employing self‑programmed software, custom-built synthesizers, and the Amiga computer for sequencing and sound design.

Film, Television, and Anime Scoring

  • Provided soundtracks for director Satoshi Kon’s animated films: Perfect Blue (1997), Millennium Actress (2001), Tokyo Godfathers (2003), and Paprika (2006).
  • Composed music for the live‑action TV series Kamen Rider (1971) and Kamen Rider Kuuga (2000).
  • Created the theme music for the anime series Berserk (1997) and Mushihimesama (2005).

Technological Innovations

Hirasawa pioneered the use of “MIDI” (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and custom software to manipulate vocal samples and algorithmic composition. He developed the “Kaku Piko” vocal synthesis system, a precursor to modern vocaloid technologies, and frequently integrates visual art, interactive installations, and live‑performance robotics.

Influence and Legacy

Hirasawa’s work has influenced a range of Japanese and international musicians within the electronic, cyber‑rock, and anime music communities. His distinctive blend of traditional Japanese melodic motifs with futuristic electronic production has been cited by artists such as Ryoji Ikeda, Kero Kero Bonito, and Kira Kira*.

Personal Life

As of the latest publicly available information, Hirasawa resides in Tokyo and continues to produce music, perform live concerts, and engage in multimedia projects. He maintains an official website and a YouTube channel used to distribute new releases and archival material.

Discography (Selected Solo Albums)

  • Water in Time and Space (1989)
  • The Ghost in Science (1990)
  • Berserk (1996)
  • Phantom Power (1999)
  • Byakkoya – White Tiger Field (2006)
  • The Man Who Falls Down (2015)
  • TWEAKON – all songs of the world (2021)

Awards and Recognitions

  • Received the 1999 Mainichi Film Awards for Best Music for Perfect Blue.
  • Honored with the 2003 Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music for Tokyo Godfathers (shared with co‑composer).

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