Tohru Okada, the person who created the iconic sound that many generations of people have heard when booting up their PlayStation consoles, has passed away at the age of 73. Gamespot (via multiple Japanese sources) has reported that Okada passed away on February 14 from heart failure following a compression fracture in the previous year. Both a Japanese musician and composer, Tohru Okada created the sound used in many commercials for the PlayStation and video games. Sony would go on to use the iconic “bing” sound that played when its logo appeared for over 25 years and it’s probable that millions of people across many generations now have it embedded in their brains along with memories of good times while playing classic video games.
Musician, composer, and more
Okada also composed music for various Crash Bandicoot commercials as well as music for numerous anime titles including multiple Mobile Suit Gundam projects. He also composed the score for the award-winning 2003 anime movie Tokyo Godfathers which was written and directed by Satoshi Kon. Tohru Okada is famously known as a founding member of the band Moonriders. He and fellow Moonriders bandmate Keiichi Suzuki went on to collaborate to create music for the popular RPG series called Mother, including the cult classic EarthBound. Moonriders, including Tohru after receiving rehabilitation from his injury, was set to attend an upcoming festival in Japan but the festival has since been canceled due to his passing and the following statement (via The Arcade Press) was released.
“We have lost a remarkable talent in Tohru Okada, and his influence on the world of gaming and music will never be forgotten. His unique creations have touched the hearts of so many, and his legacy will continue to live on as a testament to his artistry and innovation.“
Condolences from fans around the world continue to be posted online and Moonriders have posted its own memorial on social media.
We love you pic.twitter.com/CyvjEj6pFJ
— moonriders_net (@moonriders_net) February 22, 2023