Translation: Sega’s Jun Senoue (53), Who Creates Music for the Popular Game “Sonic,” is from Matsushima, Miyagi, and Always Keeps the Earthquake Disaster in the Back of His Mind «Hometown Support Story».

Mr. Jun Senoue (53), a senior sound producer at Sega, a major game company in Tokyo, and a native of Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture, continues to captivate fans not only through music production that creates the atmosphere of games, but also through live activities in Japan and abroad. He has also participated in volunteer activities as a member of the Sega Sammy Group in support of the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. He will convey the message of support for the disaster-stricken areas that we received at Sega’s headquarters in Nishi-Shinagawa, Tokyo. (Tokyo Branch, Yumi Koga)

Conducting Live Performances Both Domestically and Internationally

I have been involved in the music production of popular games such as the Sonic series for 30 years since I joined the company. In addition to playing the guitar and directing, I also participate in a band that performs Sonic’s music. Sonic, which has been on the market for 32 years, is popular in Europe and America, and we are holding live performances both domestically and internationally.

The Sonic Symphony world tour that started in September is a big hit, with audiences dressing up in character costumes and bringing stuffed animals. They shout the melody lines from beginning to end even for songs without lyrics. I felt that it has been loved for many years.

This is the reason why I decided to pursue a career in the game industry. Even if a single band does well, it may end up in Japan. With game music, you can bring the same music to the rest of the world. It has the appeal of being able to deliver music more quickly and widely to the world.

Experiencing the Miyagi Offshore Earthquake in Matsushima

I lived in Matsushima Town until the third grade of elementary school, and learned piano and electric organ at a music school in Hanadan, Aoba Ward, Sendai City. When the Miyagi Offshore Earthquake occurred in 1978, I hid under the piano at home. I remember that the block wall collapsed and there was a blackout all night.

In Panama, where I spent my junior high school days, I became fond of rock after watching the TV program “MTV”, and became obsessed with bass and guitar. After returning to Japan, I continued my music activities in high schools and universities in Tokyo.

My parents’ home in Matsushima was spared from the Great East Japan Earthquake. I joined the reconstruction support activities of the Sega Sammy Group, and have been working on debris removal and event organization. I still go back to Matsushima every month.

Being Proud of the Recovery

While new towns are being built in the disaster-stricken areas, looking at the tsunami-affected areas left behind, such as the old Nobiru Station on the JR Senseki Line, evokes complex emotions. I feel that it is important to balance the preservation of disaster records for future generations and not to evoke negative memories in the residents.

Despite having experienced a major earthquake, I want the people of Miyagi to be proud of how far they have come in their recovery efforts. What one can do individually may be small, but I want to keep the memory of the earthquake in the back of my mind and never forget it.

Source: Kahoku Shimpo Online