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Koji Kondo
| Overview | Biography | Discography | Game Projects | Interviews |
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Date of Birth: | August 13, 1961 (Nagoya) |
| Education: | General Arts at University | |
| Musical Influences: | Deep Purple, ELP, Latin Music, Classical Music | |
| Instruments: | Piano, Electone | |
| Game Works: | Super Mario Series, The Legend of Zelda Series |
Employment History
| Company | Tenure | Role |
| Nintendo EAD | 1984 - 2000 | Composer, Sound Director |
| Nintendo EAD | 2000 - | Sound Director |
Brief Profile
After studying the general arts at university, Kondo decided to apply for a job at Nintendo after the company advertised at his university. Having become the first person at the company recruited for the specialised purpose of music creation, Kondo's initial works included the Arcade's Golf and Punch Out. However, the Nintendo Entertainment System's Super Mario Bros. gave Koji Kondo his big break. He overcame the limitations of the console to create iconic tunes such as the overworld theme. On behalf of The Legend of Zelda, Kondo subsequently produced a memorable and gallant score of similar significance.
Over the years, Kondo's scores have grown more elaborate. His work on Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past developed on the approach of their predecessors. For the Nintendo 64, Kondo reflected his versatility with the diverse accompaniment to Super Mario 64, an orchestral score to Star Fox 64, and his magnum opus, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. His other projects include Shin Onigashima, Nazo no Murasame Jo, Doki Doki Panic, and Pilotwings. His work has become a popular subject of game arrangements, album releases, and concert performances.
Since The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Kondo has only made occasional compositions. He has focused on managing the sound team at Nintendo Entertainment & Development, which includes seven composers and multiple sound effects designers, sound programmers, and sound editors. He has nevertheless directed the latest scores for the Mario and Zelda. He has also made guest contributions for Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Super Mario Galaxy, New Super Mario Bros., and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Kondo is an iconic figure with hidden depth.
