is a Japanese electronic music composer, best known for his work in the Ape Escape video game series. He started producing music in 1989 as well as remixing singers such as Nami Shimada. He and fellow producer Shinichiro Yokota formed Far East Recording in 1990, releasing various albums and singles. After releasing the album Sumo Jungle in 1996, he composed the soundtrack for Ape Escape in 1999.

In 2014, "The Far East Transcripts" EP was released, sparking interest in Terada's work. A year after, the album Sounds from the Far East was released, which led to him touring and creating more music.

Biography Early life and career Terada was born on March 19, 1965, in Tokyo, Japan, playing the electronic organ when he was younger. He majored in computer science and electronic organ at the University of Electro-Communications. In 1987, he traveled to New York City as a part of a three-piece band and "fell in love with the city and its distinctive sound." When he returned to Tokyo, he started producing house music and trying to emulate the city's style, sending demos to labels like Sleeping Bag Records but with no avail. That same year, Terada met Shinichiro Yokota at a Vestax DJ Contest, where Terada introduced Yokota to house music synthesizers and letting him use his instruments.

In 1989, he produced the song "Sun Shower" for singer Nami Shimada, which was remixed by Larry Levan and Mark Kamins. A year after, he and Yokota formed the label Far East Recording after Terada graduated university, releasing their first album called Far East Recording in 1992.

In 1997, he composed for the Japanese drama Psychometrer Eiji alongside Chuei Yoshikawa and DJ Krush.

Video games and Omodaka

Terada started composing soundtracks for video games in 1998, with his first for Wangan Trial.

In 1999, Terada was given an opportunity to compose the music for Ape Escape after a game director listened to his track "Sumo Jungle." When he learned what the game was about, Terada was "really excited" as he played on the PlayStation and was shown demo footage of the game. A year after, he composed for the Japanese version of the PlayStation 2 game Fantavision.

In 2001, he created the project Omodaka while trying to create a "boat racing song." He released the first album, Cantata No. 147, under the project in 2006. Japanese folk singer Akiko Kanazawa joined the project as the genre transitioned to folktronica in 2009. That same year, he donned a white mask and a Miko outfit. Under the project, Terada writes about the prostitution during the Edo period and gambling in Japan and starts with a backing tracks first instead of lyrics.

Resurgence In 2014, London-based Japanese label Hhatri released The Far East Transcripts, an EP which included three of Yokota's tracks and one of Terada's tracks. The EP sparked renewed interest in Japanese house music, especially Yokota and Terada's works. In 2015, Dutch label Rush Hour reached out to Terada if he wanted to release a compilation album of his work, to which he agreed. They released a compilation album called Sounds from the Far East, which was compiled by German-born Korean DJ Hunee.

The album's release led to Terada producing more music and going on tours, including Europe and North America for the first time in 2016. In 2017, he toured with Nick Dwyer of Weird Together in India, which was hosted by the Red Bull Music Academy.

Artistry Influences Terada is influenced by house and hip hop, as well as bands such as RC Succession, Akiko Yano and Yellow Magic Orchestra. He has since moved away from hip-hop to more sample-based and digital production. He is also influenced by foreign people, such as English singer Sheila Chandra.

Musical style Terada's musical style focuses on house music and jungle. In an interview with Vice, he revealed that he uses the stereotypes of Asia when running the Far East Label, with Terada also saying that he is happy when someone tells him that he combines "Asian elements" with house music.

As Omodaka, he is influenced by YMCK, traditional Japanese music, and retro game sounds. He uses consoles such as the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, PSP, and Korg Kaossilator.

Discography Albums As Soichi Terada YearTitleLabel1992Far East RecordingFar East RecordingUnityUrban Rhythm Solutions1993Far East Recording 21994Smoky1995Sumo JungleSumo Jungle 21996Sumo Jungle Grandeur1997Psychometrer Eiji SoundtrackSony MusicSatsujin No Jikou Ha 15NenFar East Recording1998Acid Face2000KimigayoDon't Panic Seaman2004Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Bato~re Sarundtracks!!2011Ape Escape Originape Soundtracks2012Ape Escape 3 Originape Soundtracks2015Sounds from the Far East2022Asakusa LightRush Hour

As Omodaka YearTitleLabel2006Cantata No. 147Far East Recording2014Bridge Song2019Gujoh Bushi

As Far East Recording YearTitleLabel1999Yokoi-SanFar East Recording

Games YearTitleRole(s)1996Tomomi Tsunoda: Come and Kiss MeProducer1997Arc the Lad: Monster Game with Casino GameRemixerUltra Resort KeroncuelSound designer1998Wangan TrialComposer1999Ape Escape2000Fantavision (Japanese version)2001Super Galdelic HourMusicianbeatmania THE SOUND OF TOKYO!ProgrammerSpace FishermenComposer2002Futari no Fantavision2004Ape Escape: Pumped & PrimedEyeToy: Monkey Mania2005Ape Escape: On the LooseApe Escape 32006Saru! Get You! Million Monkeys2007Saru! Get You! SaruSaru Big Mission2020Namco Museum Archives Vol. 1Sound designer2023Fantavision 202XComposer

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