Japanese Electronic Music Pioneer Tomoyuki Tanaka, known as The Fantastic Plastic Machine, Passes Away

January 15, 2023

Renowned Japanese musician and electronic music pioneer Tomoyuki Tanaka, better known by his stage name The Fantastic Plastic Machine, has passed away at the age of 53.

Tanaka was born in Tokyo in 1969 and began his musical career in the early 1990s, experimenting with electronic music and combining elements of jazz, hip-hop and ambient soundscapes.

He released his debut album "The Fantastic Plastic Machine" in 1997, which was met with critical acclaim and established him as a leading figure in the Japanese electronic music scene.

Tanaka's music was known for its innovative blend of genres, often incorporating elements of jazz, soul, bossa nova and even traditional Japanese music into his electronic compositions.

He released 12 studio albums throughout his career, including "Beautiful" (2004), which featured collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as Neneh Cherry and Miki Nakatani.

Tanaka also composed music for films, television shows and commercials, including the soundtrack for the 2004 film "Casshern".

He was also known for his extensive use of samples in his music, creating a unique and eclectic sound that defied easy categorization.

Tanaka's passing is a significant loss to the music industry, and he will be remembered as one of the most influential and innovative electronic musicians of his generation.

His music continues to inspire and captivate listeners around the world.