A Life in Music: An Interview with Composer and Producer Murai Kunihiko

Murai Kunihiko at 25 or 26. He composed more than 300 songs in five years and promoted many artists as president of Alfa Music, the former name for Alfa Records. (Courtesy of Murai Kunihiko)

Murai in Los Angeles with the jazz pianist Christian Jacob, left, discussing the “LA Meets Tokyo” concert to be held in December 2017 at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. (Courtesy of Murai Kunichiko)

Many of Japan’s top artists recorded in Studio A, including Arai Yumi and YMO. Arai’s debut Hikōkigumo (Vapor Trails) was the first album recorded here. (Courtesy of Yoshizawa Norio)

In 1979, Yellow Magic Orchestra’s album went on sale in the United States and the group embarked on a world tour. Members Sakamoto Ryūichi (left), Takahashi Yukihiro (center), and Hosono Haruomi (right) are pictured here. (Photograph © Miura Kenji; courtesy of Shōgakukan)

In 1992, Murai moved from Tokyo to Los Angeles. He now divides his time between Japan and the United States as he continues his musical activities. On December 15, 2017, a live concert celebrating his 50 years of composing will be held at Tokyo’s Bunkamura Orchard Hall. It includes a collaboration with six-time Grammy winner Jorge Calandrelli as well as Christian Jacob and The Tierney Sutton Band, who provided the soundtrack for the film Sully. (© Matsuki Naoya)