Masayoshi Soken: “My Father Played Trumpet On Dragon Quest”
Forbes - Apr 5th, 2025
Masayoshi Soken, a renowned composer best known for his work on Final Fantasy XIV, recently attended the Distant Worlds concert in London, which celebrates music from the Final Fantasy series. His career spans more than two decades, during which he has composed for various games such as Mario Sports Mix and Final Fantasy XVI. Soken-san made headlines in 2021 by revealing that he composed music for the Shadowbringers expansion of FFXIV while receiving cancer treatment. His dedication and eclectic composition style, which blends heavy guitar with soft pianos, have made him a beloved figure worldwide.
In an interview, Soken-san shared insights into his musical journey, influenced by his trumpet-playing father and organ-teaching mother. He reflected on his childhood gaming experiences and expressed interest in composing for racing games, noting the synergy between speed and music. He also discussed his musical inspirations, including Dragon Quest, where his father played in the orchestra, and his love for bossa nova artist Antônio Carlos Jobim. The Distant Worlds concert tour will continue until 2026, with upcoming performances in the US, highlighting the enduring impact of Final Fantasy music globally.
RATING
The article provides an insightful look into Masayoshi Soken's career and personal experiences, particularly his contributions to the *Final Fantasy* series and his battle with cancer. It is accurate in its portrayal of Soken's achievements and musical style, although some claims about his father's involvement in *Dragon Quest* require further verification. The article is clear and engaging, with a logical structure that effectively communicates the main points. However, it lacks transparency in terms of source disclosure and methodology, and could benefit from more diverse perspectives to enhance balance. While the story is not particularly controversial or impactful on a large scale, it holds significant interest for fans of video game music and those inspired by personal stories of resilience. Overall, the article succeeds in capturing the essence of Soken's contributions to the gaming industry, despite some minor areas for improvement.
RATING DETAILS
The article accurately portrays Masayoshi Soken's career and contributions to the video game industry, particularly his work on *Final Fantasy XIV*. It correctly states that Soken revealed his battle with cancer in 2021 while working on *Shadowbringers*. The claim about his eclectic musical style blending heavy guitar sounds with soft pianos is consistent with known details of his work. However, the article mentions his father's involvement in *Dragon Quest*, which is partially verified; while his father was a trumpet player, specific involvement in *Dragon Quest* requires more evidence. Overall, the article is mostly factual, with minor areas needing further verification.
The article primarily focuses on Soken's professional achievements and personal experiences, providing a positive portrayal of his career. It offers insights into his influences and inspirations, such as his family background and favorite games. However, it could be more balanced by including perspectives from colleagues or industry experts to provide a broader view of his impact. The article does not appear to show bias or favoritism, but it lacks diverse viewpoints that could enrich the narrative.
The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through Soken's career and personal anecdotes. The language is accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the inclusion of unrelated promotional content (e.g., puzzles and games) disrupts the flow and could confuse readers. Overall, the article is written in a neutral tone and effectively communicates the main points.
The article does not explicitly cite sources, which affects the assessment of source quality. It appears to rely on known public information about Soken's career and statements he has made in interviews. While the information is largely accurate, the absence of direct citations or references to interviews or official announcements limits the ability to fully assess the credibility and reliability of the sources used. Including more explicit source attributions would enhance the article's credibility.
The article lacks transparency in terms of source disclosure and methodology. It does not explain how the information was gathered, whether through interviews, public statements, or other means. There is no mention of potential conflicts of interest or the basis for some claims. Providing more context about the sources and the process of obtaining information would improve transparency and help readers understand the basis of the claims made.
