E3 2003: Interview with Akira Yamaoka and Hirotaka Ishikawa (DDRSpot)

Date published: 2003.05.23
Source: DDRSpot

Akira Yamaoka is a name which needs no introduction. While he may be better known in the United States for his work on the Silent Hill series of games, BEMANI players know him best for his work on tracks such as Love Me Do and Diamond Jealousy.

At last week's Electronic Entertainment Expo, ddrspot.com had a chance to catch up with Yamaoka, along with KCEJ General Manager Hirotaka Ishikawa, who has overseen the production the Dance Dance Revolution series of games. After the chat, it was also confirmed that a new arcade mix of DDR is in the works, as well as home releases of both Dance Dance Revolution Extreme and Beatmania IIDX 7th Style. They also hinted at a possibility of a Keyboardmania for the United States. Here is our exclusive interview.

DDRSpot: Hi, nice to meet you. Thank you for allowing us to have an interview.

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa: It's not a problem at all. Thank you asking us for an interview.

DDRSpot: First off, what is your main role in Konami?

Akira Yamaoka: My role in Konami is to compose music. Some of the titles i've worked on include the Silent Hill series, Winning Eleven, Gradius DX, the BEMANI series, and a lot more.

Hirotaka Ishikawa: I'm the General Manager of KonamiTYO and am also the director of the Dance Dance Revolution series.

DDRSpot: It's an honor to meet you. Thank you for directing such a great game.

Hirotaka Ishikawa: You're welcome. I didn't know you guys were such big fans (smiles).

DDRSpot: The next few questions are for Mr. Akira Yamaoka. How long have you been composing music?

Akira Yamaoka: Well, I've been working with music ever since I was a student, but to be honest, I can't read notes (laughs). It started off as a hobby.

DDRSpot: Impressive. How long have you been working for Konami? Have you worked for any other game companies?

Akira Yamaoka: I've only worked for Konami, and I've been working for Konami for 10 years now.

DDRSpot: So I see Konami is treating you well?

Akira Yamaoka: Yes, they are (smiles).

DDRSpot: We all know that the Silent Hill series is a huge success, but what goals were you trying to achieve while making Silent Hill 3?

Akira Yamaoka: For Silent Hill 3, my main goal was to make the music less like video game music, but more like music you can hear at record stores, movie theaters, and so on. I wanted it to be more a reality then a fantasy.

DDRSpot: I see. Now, I would like to get into a few BEMANI questions. Mr. Hirotaka, I would like you to join in if you don't mind?

Hirotaka Ishikawa: Okay.

DDRSpot: What is your opinion about the rising popularity of Dance Dance Revolution in America? Why did Konami choose DDR over all the other Bemani games?

Akira Yamaoka: The reason why we chose Dance Dance Revolution over [the other BEMANI games in our library] is because DDR has an easier playing concept and is also the easiest to adapt to. Seeing how DDR is growing in America allows us to see what other Bemani games we might be able to release in the States.

DDRSpot: Do you happen to check out BEMANI fan sites such as ddrspot.com, bemanix.com, and so on?

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa:Yes, we do.

DDRSpot: In your opinion, why do you think KCEJ is reluctant to release Beatmania IIDX 7th Style for the PlayStation 2?

Hirotaka Ishikawa: The major issue why 7th Style hasn't been released yet is due to licensing. Sometimes it takes over a year to get a song licensed. For example, take the song Xanadu. It was originally supposed to be in DDR 3rd Mix, but due to licensing issues, we weren't able to have it until 4th Mix was released.

DDRSpot: We’re all waiting for the release of 7th Style; hopefully, you guys can release it soon.

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa:We're trying our best (laughs).

DDRSpot: On your free time, what do you guys do? Any hobbies?

Akira Yamaoka: On my free time, I love to cook. Cooking is my passion next to music.

Hirotaka Ishikawa: I like to take walks.

DDRSpot: I like to cook too, but I consider playing DDR my walking time.

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa: (laugh)

DDRSpot: What type of music do you listen to?

Akira Yamaoka: I listen to all types of music, but I rarely listen to Classical and Jazz.

Hirotaka Ishikawa: I like classic game music. Especially like 8-bit Nintendo music, actually. That's how I got interested working in the video game industry (smiles).

DDRSpot: Any favorite artists?

Akira Yamaoka: Metallica, Vincent de Moor, Svenson & Gielen, and other Dutch trance.

Hirotaka Ishikawa: Akira Yamaoka.

Akira Yamaoka: Really? Or are you just kissing up to me?

Hirotaka Ishikawa: Maybe? (laughs)

DDRSpot: It looks like there is a strong relationship between the two of you.

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa: We're good friends.

DDRSpot: Do either of you play BEMANI games? Also, where do you play?

Akira Yamaoka: I mainly play at arcades. I don't own video game systems at home.

Hirotaka Ishikawa: I mainly play at my work place only (smiles).

DDRSpot: From all the songs you created for BEMANI series, what are your favorites?

Akira Yamaoka: The song I'm most proud of in the BEMANI series is bit mania from 8th style.

DDRSpot: Mr. Ishikawa, your favorites?

Hirotaka Ishikawa: The song I like the most from BEMANI is PARANOiA (original).

DDRSpot: What is your opinion on the future of BEMANI? What would you like to do in the future?

Akira Yamaoka: Right now, the problem we are having with BEMANI is that there are two different routes in the music – the game music and cover music. The gap between the two is too huge. What we are trying to do is to unify the two into one. We are also trying our best to create a system where both veterans of BEMANI and newcomers can enjoy the same game at once. There are lots of rumors with BEMANI, such as Extreme is the last DDR, 9th Style will be the last IIDX, and so on. However, we have no intentions to close down our BEMANI section. We strive to fulfill our fans' needs.

DDRSpot: In conclusion, what would you like to say to your fans in America?

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa: Please enjoy Silent Hill 3 as more than just a game, and don't forget to support us when 9th Style comes out. (smiles)

DDRSpot: Thank you for your time. We all appreciate the time you have given us.

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa: Not a problem.

DDRSpot: Hope to see you sometime soon.

Akira Yamaoka & Hirotaka Ishikawa: We hope so too.