Biography of Masato Tani
1. Short Bio (150 words)
Masato Tani (Santur Player / Ethnomusicologist)
Masato Tani is a distinguished Santur player and ethnomusicologist based in Japan. He holds a unique position in the world of Persian classical music, having formally studied at the Art University of Tehran and winning the Encouragement Prize at the 1st Iranian Student Music Competition (1998)—a rare feat for a non-Iranian musician. Currently a Professor at Kobe University, he combines deep academic knowledge with virtuosic performance.
His sound has crossed cultural borders, featuring in major commercial works such as the soundtracks for the blockbuster movie series Rurouni Kenshin and the global hit video game Sonic Frontiers (SEGA). He is the author of Traditional Iranian Music: Orality, Physicality and Improvisation (2024), bringing the intricacies of Persian music to a global audience.
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2. Full Biography
Masato Tani
Santur Player | Ph.D. in Musicology | Professor, Kobe University
Musical Background & Education :
Masato Tani began his musical journey in composition at Osaka College of Music before immersing himself in the world of Persian classical music. He moved to Iran to study at the Art University of Tehran (Faculty of Music), where he mastered the Santur (Persian hammered dulcimer) and deepened his understanding of the Radif system. In 1998, his performance skills were officially recognized in Iran when he was awarded the Encouragement Prize in the Santur Solo division at the 1st Iranian Student Music Competition, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. He later received his Ph.D. from Osaka University.
Performance Career & Collaborations:
Tani is an active performer, bridging the gap between traditional Persian music and contemporary global culture. His Santur performance is featured in high-profile media projects, including:
• Film Soundtracks: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014), The Legend Ends (2014), and The Final / The Beginning (2021) (Music by Naoki Sato).
• Video Games: Sonic Frontiers (SEGA, 2022) - Featured on 7 tracks including "Ares Island".
• Television: NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Special Deep Ocean II: Red Sea (2023) - Music by Joe Hisaishi.
He has performed extensively in Japan and internationally, including concerts at the Japanese Embassy in Iran (Tehran, 2018) and collaborations with Indian classical musicians.
Research & Publications:
As a leading authority on Iranian music in Japan, Tani’s work focuses on the physicality and improvisation of the Santur. He has received the prestigious Tanabe Hisao Prize twice (2008, 2011) from the Society for Research in Asiatic Music for his scholarly contributions. His English publication, Traditional Iranian Music: Orality, Physicality and Improvisation (Trans Pacific Press, 2024), explores the interplay between body movement and musical structure.
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3. Selected CV (Performance & Media)
Name: Masato Tani (Ph.D.)
Instrument: Santur (Iranian Hammered Dulcimer)
Current Position: Professor, Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University
Key Awards
• 1998: Encouragement Prize (Santur Solo), 1st Iranian Student Music Competition (Tehran, Iran).
• 2008 & 2011: Tanabe Hisao Prize (The Society for Research in Asiatic Music).
Selected Discography & Media Recordings
• 2023 (TV): NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Special Deep Ocean II: Red Sea (Music by Joe Hisaishi) – Santur performance.
• 2022 (Game): Sonic Frontiers Original Soundtrack (SEGA) – Featured on "Ares Island" 1st-7th Mvt.
• 2021 (Film): Rurouni Kenshin: The Final / The Beginning (Warner Music Japan) – Track: "Hitokiri Battosai ~Onigokoro~".
• 2014 (Film): Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno / The Legend Ends (Warner Music Japan).
• 2013 (CD): Santoor of the Eternal Persia (Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments Collection Series 43).
Selected Concerts & Performances
• 2024: Santoor Journeys: Indian and Iranian Santoor (Kyoto).
• 2023: Nowruz (Iranian New Year) Traditional Music Festival (Embassy of Iran, Tokyo).
• 2022: Auditorium Live Series vol.3: Crossing Music (Tokyo).
• 2018: Santur Concert & Lecture at the Embassy of Japan in Iran (Tehran).
• 2018: Koizumi Fumio and Persian Music (Min-On Music Museum, Hyogo).
Education
• 2005: Ph.D. in Musicology, Osaka University.
• 2001: M.A. in Musicology, Kyoto City University of Arts.
• 1998: B.A. in Music, Art University of Tehran (Iran).
• 1996: Certificate, International Center for Persian Studies, University of Tehran.
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