Born October 3, 1979, in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, Masakatsu Takagi is a composer and multimedia artist whose work spans albums, gallery exhibitions, and soundtracks. His early releases, such as Pia (2001), were glitchy and collage-like; later albums like Coieda (2004) incorporated brighter melodies and acoustic instruments. Since 2007 he has scored films, most notably Mamoru Hosodas anime features Wolf Children (2012) and The Boy and the Beast (2015). In 2013 he relocated to a small village, a shift reflected in more intimate solo piano and vocal work such as Marginalia (2018).

Mood and energy: Warm, gentle, film-informed. Recommended uses: Reflection, quiet listening.

Sacred Ground Confidence Score: 5 out of 5 stars   Final recommendation: Approved.

Why this artist belongs in Sacred Sounds: An acclaimed composer whose gentle, nature-influenced soundtrack and solo work sits comfortably alongside this librarys contemplative core.