The Remarkable Rise of JoJo's Music and the Man Behind It

Yugo Kanno, a composer with the surname Kanno, has made a significant impact on the anime industry with his genre-defying scores. From JoJo's Bizarre Adventure to Psycho-Pass and more, Kanno has earned a legendary status for his musical contributions. Born in 1977, Kanno's passion for music was nurtured by his father, who introduced him to jazz and classical music. This love for music led him to pursue a education in composition and film scoring at the Tokyo College of Music. Kanno initially started composing songs for advertisements but gained recognition after his work on the 2004 drama Last Christmas. Since then, he has continued to compose for film and television.

A Sound Fit For JoJo

Fans primarily recognize this individual for their contribution to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, specifically for their work starting from Part 3, Stardust Crusaders. Prior to this, Part 1 and Part 2 had different composers, and Kanno faced the challenge of stepping into their shoes. Taku Iwasaki, known for composing music for Soul Eater and Gurren Lagann, had composed for Part 2, Battle Tendency.

However, Kanno's music has resonated so deeply with audiences that it may come as a surprise to many fans that there was a time when his music was not present. The scores of Stardust Crusaders, Diamond is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, and Stone Ocean have become integral to the overall JoJo experience, making it difficult to envision the series without his contributions.

Kanno has conveyed his determination to elevate his craft with every installment of the series, a challenging task considering the continuous intensity of JoJo. In a recent interview with Livedoor, he discussed the intricacy of composing for a series where every battle and villain holds significant importance.

"... Not only must the music for the main villains be powerful, but the music leading up to that point must also possess strength. It was a process of experimentation and refinement to capture that essence of strength without simply making the sound 'heavier'."

Kanno's dedication in capturing the essence of the "Strong" franchise through his music is truly remarkable. With numerous characters in JoJo, each possessing their own unique personality, Kanno acknowledges the inherent challenge he faces when composing for the series.

The main themes in Stardust Crusaders and Diamond is Unbreakable have familiar elements but are uniquely distinct, serving as rallying cries for the main characters. The theme in Stardust Crusaders is closely associated with Jotaro and becomes a recurring motif in later parts. Despite using similar instruments, each new protagonist's music incorporates different elements from the composition, resulting in original and distinguishing melodies.

Stardust Crusaders' theme is iconic for its fusion of electric guitar and a jazzy brass section, creating a groovy yet exhilarating spy-like atmosphere. It is consistently used throughout Part 3, conditioning the audience to anticipate Jotaro swiftly resolving conflicts. In contrast, Diamond is Unbreakable takes a dramatically different approach, featuring grungier rock and vocal samples, while still incorporating orchestral elements for added impact.

Then there's Golden Wind, which combines the best elements of its predecessors and surpasses them with a breathtaking piano solo that left fans in awe. Unlike other songs that would have been overshadowed by viral memes, "il vento d'oro" remains captivating. Moreover, as a series that focuses on lineage, the main themes evoke a sense of familiarity, particularly with the use of electric guitar in the opening bars, gradually building into the distinctive fusion of genres.

However, JoJo's music stands out not only because of its recurring motifs and grandiose themes. Similar to Iwasaki before him, Kanno's compositions possess a cinematic quality that enhances even the smallest pauses and heartfelt instrumental swells. The final scene of Stardust Crusaders, for instance, would not have felt as impactful without the accompaniment of "The Return of Travelers," and Golden Wind's ending would not have been as poignant without "fine della vento aureo."

Beyond The Bizarre

Psycho-Pass, a dystopian sci-fi anime released in 2012, served as Kanno's platform to showcase his talent as a composer even before his involvement with JoJo. The series boasted a narrative prowess that was complemented by Kanno's exceptional musical score. Unlike typical sci-fi dystopias or cyberpunk tales that rely heavily on airy synth or electronic music, Psycho-Pass stood out with its incorporation of orchestral tracks. This choice was deliberate, as the story delved into themes of justice, the essence of the law, and the fading relevance of past heroism in the face of a changing future.

The two main characters embody contrasting ideas of justice. Shinya Kogami represents a more traditional hero, whose methods are seen as criminal in the new society. As his status as a rogue is questioned, it raises doubts about whether his version of justice is right. On the other hand, Akane Tsunemori starts off as a naive newcomer but ultimately symbolizes progress and faith in the principles of law and order, despite the system's imperfections.

To reflect this contrast, the soundtrack incorporates a mix of modern styles while also incorporating a triumphant orchestral chorus that evokes a sense of modern heroism. This recurring musical motif can be both inspiring and exhilarating, but at the same time, it also carries a tragic and bittersweet tone, much like the conclusion of the first season. Similar to accomplished film composers, Kanno effectively translates the complexity of the emotions portrayed on-screen into the music.

Kanno's impressive portfolio extends beyond JoJo and Psycho-Pass. He showcased his talent in the 2018 film Batman Ninja, delivering a highly underrated Batman theme that captured the essence of the character. Additionally, he collaborated with Polygon Pictures on three projects: Ajin, BLAME!, and Human Lost, a sci-fi adaptation of Osamu Dazai's iconic novel No Longer Human. Despite the divisive reception, Kanno also contributed to the Gundam series Reconguista in G.

Exciting news for Dragon Ball enthusiasts, as Kanno is set to compose the music for the upcoming film adaptation of Akira Toriyama's Sand Land, scheduled to release later this summer. Fans of the Nioh video game series, developed by Team Ninja, will be well-acquainted with Kanno's work on both games. In a fast-paced and intense game like Nioh, the music plays a crucial role in keeping players motivated, even after numerous setbacks and deaths. Kanno's music effectively amplifies the adrenaline and keeps players engaged.

Yugo Kanno's contributions to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure have solidified his place in the anime industry. However, his talent and impact extend far beyond this iconic franchise. His unique style mirrors the essence of JoJo itself, consistently pushing boundaries and crafting captivating soundscapes that exude a cinematic and commanding presence, regardless of the medium in which they are experienced.