NAOKI

NAOKI, born Naoki Maeda on April 28, 1969 in Toyonaka, Osaka, is a legendary figure in the world of video game music. He's best known for his work with Konami's Bemani series, especially Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Maeda joined Konami in 1995 and became the lead sound producer for DDR in 1998, creating some of the most beloved tracks in the series. His influence on rhythm games extends beyond DDR, with contributions to other Bemani titles like beatmania and pop'n music.

After leaving Konami in 2013, Maeda continued his career in game music production. He worked for Capcom for a while and later founded his own indie game studio, UNLIMITED STUDiO, in 2018. In 2023, he established AXTORM, a sound production company. Throughout his career, Maeda has used numerous pseudonyms for his compositions, showcasing his versatility across various musical styles.