Yoko Shimomura (#139)

[Cedille]

A-am I only the one who hasn't ever heard of this before? She got pregnant and left Square at the end of 2002 because of it (but more surprising is despite such she has become a more active composer since then).

[Carl]

I'm not sure culturally how Japan handles things like Maternity Leave for working mothers, but maybe there wasn't much of an option. Or like most new moms, they WANT to be there full time with their newborn, making quitting the job an obvious default decision.

It is a good thing she's been able to do freelancing and more music gigs afterwards though. It might have actually helped boost her career even.

[seanne]

Never heard about this either, most interesting! But it certainly seems like she made the best choice for her and her baby since she would have so much more freedom and flexibility working freelance, and after building a great name for herself during the 32-bit era it was also a realistic possibility =)

[HarukameiKasumo]

I recall reading something about secret collaborations with capcom back in the day and how Yoko had a lot of uncredited work, there is one song in Cadillacs Kyouryuu-Shinseiki/Cadillacs and Dinosaurs that has a Yoko Shimomura feeling to it called Swamp Forest(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGZO3R3hS-E) Anyone think it might be possible she was responsible for this song?

[strugglepoo]

It does sound like her. It reminds me a lot of Live A Live, specifically "Kiss of Jealousy" & "Wait for Truth".

Regarding her credit for Code Name: Viper, I always felt like her piece was "Area 3" (track 3 in the nsf). Doesn't *particularly* standout to me as a Shimomura track, but it seems like the odd one out. I'm fairly certain the rest was handled by Junko Tamiya and it doesn't sound like her style.

[LiquidAcid]

I just changed her portrait to a IMHO better (and also newer) one. She looked like an old hag in the previous one...

[Blitz Lunar]

let's hope she doesn't ever read that

[LiquidAcid]

Haha, don't get me wrong. I think she's a very beautiful lady. Met here at the Symphonic Fantasies concert, so I can say that without any doubt.

I just feel that the previous picture was not the most flattering one. People just look so much better when they smile, especially her!!