Unveiling the Genius Behind Your Favorite Anime Sounds

Highlights

Yasumasa Koyama's sound design in anime is a major part of storytelling, creating impactful and immersive experiences for viewers.

Koyama's bass-boosting technique, showcased in projects such as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, amplifies the impact and strength of sound effects, creating a sensation of explosive force in every hit. Although not universally suited to every anime, Koyama's impact on the industry has fueled a demand for daring and captivating soundscapes in action-focused movies.

The sound design in anime is often overlooked, understandable since animation is primarily a visual medium. However, the audio aspect plays a significant role in storytelling, and one cannot ignore the contributions of sound designer Yasumasa Koyama. Over the past decade, Koyama's work, especially on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and its OVA, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan, has been highly influential. Additionally, his notable works include various installments in the Fate Series, Fire Force, Ghost in the Shell: Arise, and everything Sword Art Online has released since Ordinal Scale in 2017.

The Era of Bass

Koyama's style stands out due to the bass-boosting element. He aims to make the audience truly feel the impact of every strike. Through his work on JoJo, he discovered a unique approach: providing the audience with a sound experience that they haven't encountered before. These intensified hits now resemble small, concentrated explosions.

Initially, JoJo wasn't particularly renowned for its fluid and stunning animation, at least until Part 5 and onwards. Before then, its strength lay in its artwork and its loyalty to the original manga, making it somewhat akin to a "moving manga" adaptation. However, when any member of the Joestar family prepared to deliver a powerful blow to an opponent, it was the sound effects that truly sold the scene, beyond just Yugo Kanno's music.

In the early 2010s, there was a noticeable rise in the prevalence of bass-boosted effects. From an outsider's perspective, it appeared that the popularity of the JoJo anime led to a desire for other anime to imitate Koyama's style. However, a quick Google search reveals that if something sounds like Koyama, it likely is Koyama.

To understand this further, we can look at Fate/Apocrypha, which is known for its incredibly impactful and explosive sounds. As you watch the series, pay attention to how each explosion and collision is portrayed. It can be interpreted as a realistic depiction of the soundscape, with the impacts being portrayed as thunderous blasts that barely stay within the confines of the speakers. It creates a unique sound that distinguishes it from other action-oriented anime and effectively captures the immense power of the superhuman characters.

It's no surprise that Koyama's involvement in the Fate Series has been a constant presence, as they have contributed to projects like Unlimited Blade Works, Fate/Grand Order: Babylonia, and most recently, Fate/strange Fake. However, experiencing their work through cinema speakers takes the appreciation to a whole new level compared to the usual experience of hearing it on headphones or TV speakers. When moviegoers watched Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale in theaters, they not only witnessed a new installment of the SAO franchise, but also witnessed the revitalization of its action scenes.

Despite the previous claim that "if it sounds like Koyama, it is Koyama," his unique style has also been replicated by individuals like Hikaru Kondo. Known as the founder of Ufotable and the sound director behind renowned projects such as Fate/Stay Night Heaven's Feel and Demon Slayer, Kondo has played a significant role in echoing Koyama's distinctive approach. The appeal of these narratives extends beyond their stunning visuals, as they also captivate audiences with their remarkable audio.

It is not far-fetched to attribute a portion of the current trend towards a more audacious soundscape in anime action films to Koyama. His remarkable ability to create mesmerizing soundscapes is not limited to grand and explosive moments. It encompasses subtle details like the sound of characters' feet propelling off the ground when making a move or the gentle rustling of fabric as they reach out to grasp something.

Even the sounds of swords possess their own unique characteristics. There is a certain weight, roughness, and crudeness in the clash of blades or the way they grate against each other during a fierce battle. In the most exceptional cases, Koyama's artistry can exhibit an astonishing level of equilibrium. It is not excessively loud, yet it still manages to leave a lasting impression. However, alongside triumph, there may arise occasions where his style appears slightly out of place relative to the given context.

Overload & Overcompensation

Whether or not they watched it, anime enthusiasts will likely recall the release of Berserk 2016, which was met with extensive criticism and mockery - some justified, some not. One particular aspect that became a frequent subject of memes was the resounding metallic clanking sound of Gut's massive sword. And it is precisely here where Yasumasa Koyama comes into the picture. As the sound designer for Berserk 2016, Koyama undoubtedly put forth his utmost effort, but unfortunately, it may not have been sufficient.

See, what sets his style apart is its ability to enhance the animation by dedicating equal effort to sound production. Some may argue that this meticulous sound design can even compensate for any flaws in the animation. Nevertheless, there are certain limitations to how much sound can camouflage, and at its most feeble, it might simply seem incongruous.

Princess Principal, released in 2017, is an action series featuring Koyama as a sound designer. In episode five, which is well-known for its clever English dubbing, the sound design sometimes fails to enhance the action and instead overwhelms it. While the animation and choreography are satisfactory, the sound of swords clashing can be irritating. This is one of the rare instances where a more traditional sound choice may have been preferable.

It is important to note that these moments are not frequent and will vary depending on individual viewer preferences. Nonetheless, the key difference between Koyama's exceptional and mediocre work lies in the ability to perceive the intention behind each sound choice. It is the distinction between sound that beautifully blends into the narrative and environment versus sound that is simply loud for the sake of being loud. For an example of the latter, consider Gilgamesh's Enuma Elish from Fate Babylonia.

Why Koyama Rocks Despite It All

Yasumasa Koyama is the epitome of excellence in anime sound design. While his sound effects may occasionally remind some of the humorous "metal pipe falling down" meme rather than a typical clash of swords, Koyama's contribution to the industry is unparalleled. In a world where making an impact is crucial, he has masterfully crafted sounds that captivate the ears just as much as the visuals mesmerize the eyes. His profound influence on many anime productions is evident, as they strive to create action scenes that are equally compelling to experience. It is no exaggeration to say that Koyama, much like renowned animator Yutaka Nakamura, is a true icon in his field. His bold and powerful work, when combined with the animation, can effortlessly captivate and engage new viewers with just a single clip. This highlights the significance of appealing to both visual and auditory senses, as catching the eye may not always be enough to capture someone's attention.

Check out Yasumasa Koyama's portfolio on Anime News Network and My Anime List.