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Play for Japan: An East Meets West Charity Album

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We’ve mentioned a number of ways [2] to help the people of Japan recover from the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that occurred in March 2011. As it turns out, Akira Yamaoka has come up with yet another way, bringing together some of the top game composers from Japan and the West along with artist Yoshitaka Amano for what is sure to be an amazing project. Artists will contribute original pieces of music, and 100% of proceeds from the album will be donated to the Red Cross in Japan.

So, who’s all involved? They’re all listed in the press release after the jump, but to highlight a few, Nobuo Uematsu, Yasunori Mitsuda, Koji Kondo, Mitsuto Suzuki [3], and Hip Tanaka from Japan, and Bear McCreary [4], Chance Thomas [5], Inon Zur [6], and Tommy Tallarico from the US. I find it interesting to see names like Koji Kondo and Mitsuto Suzuki given that they’re still in-house members of game development studios in Japan, but I’m excited about hearing their contributions.

See the press release with the full listing (including track titles) after the jump, and visit the album’s website [7] for more details and biographies for those involved. Are you surprised by any of the names that appear, and are you looking forward to the album?

INTERNATIONAL TALENT COMES TOGETHER FOR PLAY FOR JAPAN: THE ALBUM

Acclaimed Illustrator Yoshitaka Amano and 17 Top Videogame Composers Join Akira Yamaoka For Compilation of Original Music Benefiting The People of Japan Tokyo

Japan May 24, 2011 – Composer Akira Yamaoka and videogame industry charitable organization playforJapan.org are pleased to announce the line-up for Play for Japan: The Album, a collection of all-new songs created by many of the most celebrated composers working in videogames today. Says Yamaoka, “Since announcing this project, I’ve been honored and overwhelmed by the support I’ve received. For creators whose role is to inspire, it’s only fitting we come together, across borderlines, for those in need.”

Also lending his talent to the effort is acclaimed illustrator Yoshitaka Amano, whose artwork serves as the official album cover. Best known for his long-running relationship with the Final Fantasy franchise, Amano’s work is admired by game, fantasy, and fine art enthusiasts around the world. Says Yamaoka, “All-star videogame composers and Amano-san’s visual design – I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect collaboration.”

Play for Japan: The Album is scheduled for release in June 2011 via the iTunes store. All proceeds from sales of this album will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

Please visit www.playforjapan.org/album [7] for a message from Akira Yamaoka and full-size view of the official album cover.

PLAY FOR JAPAN: THE ALBUM ARTIST LINE-UP AND TRACK LIST

Akira Yamaoka (Shadows of the Damned) | Ex Animo
Arthur Inasi (Harmonix) | We Are One
Bear McCreary (SOCOM 4) | Maverick Regeneration
Chance Thomas (Lord of the Rings Online) | Rise Up
Hip Tanaka.β (Mother) | HVC-1384
Inon Zur (Dragon Age) | Remember
Jason Graves (Dead Space) | Necromancer
Koji Kondo (Super Mario Bros.) | Super Mario Medley
Laura Karpman (Everquest II) | Pine Wind Sound
Laura Shigihara (Plants vs. Zombies) | Jump
Mitsuto Suzuki (The 3rd Birthday) | Play for You
Nobuko Toda (Metal Gear Solid 4) | Reminiscence
Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy) | Every New Morning
Penka Kouneva (Prince of Persia) | White Cloud
Sean Murray (Call of Duty) | The Temple Stone
Tommy Tallarico (Advent Rising) | Greater Lights
Woody Jackson (Red Dead Redemption) | Moshi Moshi
Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger) | Dimension Break

ABOUT: PLAY FOR JAPAN THE: ALBUM

After the earthquake and ensuing tsunami of March 11, 2011, videogame composer Akira Yamaoka heard from creators, fans, and other friends across the world, sharing sympathy and concern, and pledging support.

Inspired by this outpouring, he sought to express that shared spirit through music. The result is Play for Japan: The Album, featuring celebrated videogame composers from East and West. It is hoped this effort will in turn inspire game and music enthusiasts to show their support for those affected by the tragedy.

ABOUT: PLAYFORJAPAN.ORG

The earthquake and resulting tsunami that hit Japan on March 11th has resulted in untold devastation and a developing humanitarian crisis. Help is needed in significant amounts. The videogame industry obviously has special ties with Japan. Our favorite games are made there, our friends and family work and live there. The gaming industry and community at-large is highly passionate and can be charitable beyond words.

The sole purpose of this campaign is to communicate and channel that passion and generosity into the overall relief effort. At playforjapan.org, you’ll find links to donate directly to selected and legitimate charities performing relief work in Japan. You’ll also find other fundraising opportunities in the form of local events and charity auctions, as well as a spot for anyone in the industry or community to express themselves as this crisis and recovery unfolds.

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#1 Comment By Robby On July 14, 2011 @ 2:51 pm

I think it should be mentioned that this is out on the itunes store now. I only skimmed the article and perused the website but both seemed to just say either May 2011 or June 2011. They’ve got me down like a clown either way! Glad I can contribute and get some sweet music.

#2 Comment By Robby On July 14, 2011 @ 2:53 pm

Actually, it’s also on Amazon.com, but it’s missing the Mario Medley. Dollar cheaper though.

#3 Comment By Robby On July 14, 2011 @ 3:01 pm

Woops, just realized this is the old article, I was wondering where the review was!