“This Game Will Do Something With Music”—A Commitment to Fan Joy

—What do you personally think defines the music of Megido 72?

Yorizaki: Take movie soundtracks, for example—they include music to represent scenes, drive the story, and evoke emotions. In games, especially in Megido 72, battle music dominates. Since the gameplay is centered around battles, I always composed with the hope of surprising and delighting players during those segments. Sometimes we also did musical numbers when introducing new characters. Still, I wouldn’t say Megido 72’s music has a clearly defining feature—at least, not in my eyes.

Kanno: Ryo often says, “There aren’t really any hit songs,” but that’s only because every player has such different favorites. There are actually tons of beloved tracks. Players expected us to do something with music—and that’s thanks to all the creative things Ryo did. For example, the item shop music changes between day and night. There’s no real reason for it (laughs), but Ryo said, “Wouldn’t it be fun?” and just did it. And the players appreciated that. So the goal was never just to “let them hear music”—it was to make music that brings joy. That makes all the difference.

—Do you have a particular track that stands out in your memory?

Kanno: There’s one called Me Ippai no Atena.

Yorizaki: That was composed for the 6th anniversary. It’s a special opening track that includes the names of all the Megidos (characters). We wanted to include not just the original 72, but also the ones added later.

Kanno: We really wanted to express our gratitude to fans through this anniversary song. At first, I was a bit worried it might turn out like a festive party anthem—but I didn’t want to interfere with the creative direction. And then, what Ryo delivered was this heartfelt song from the protagonist, expressing gratitude to their companions. It blew me away.

Yorizaki: I framed it around a letter from the protagonist to the new characters. I really thought about how the protagonist would express that gratitude, and structured the song accordingly. I’m glad it resonated.

Kanno: The lyrics were so carefully written. Through the song, each character felt more alive.

Yorizaki: The world the scenario writers created was so solid—I felt like I was just borrowing space in that world for my lyrics. It wasn’t about inserting my own ideas; I always tried to write from the character’s perspective, what they would want to say. That’s the part I really enjoyed. Though, I have to admit—writing lyrics takes way more time than composing music (laughs).

—The fully original short novel While the King Was Away, Let’s Play Detective included in the limited edition was also your idea, wasn’t it?

Yorizaki: Yes. I felt so sad that Megido 72 was ending, and I wanted the main writer to pen a short story for the fans.

Kanno: Ryo even took the lead on getting the writer involved and proposed everything from the bonus goods to the logo. I was a bit worried about whether we’d break even (laughs), but above all, Ryo focused on creating something that would delight the fans. That’s why I think this best album has had even more impact than the previous one.

A Reunion to Revisit the Memories of Megido 72

—The upcoming concert Megido 72 THE CONCERT -Tracing Battle Memories- (Sept. 13–14) also promises to be a highlight.

Yorizaki: I’m truly grateful to the fans. I want this concert to feel like a reunion—a chance to reflect on the journey and relive all those memories.

Kanno: The online version of the game may have ended, but I still want people to enjoy Megido 72 for the next 72 years. This year, that goal is taking shape through the best album and this concert. When Ryo said “reunion,” I thought, “That’s exactly it.” I hope people can revisit their memories through the album, then come together at the concert to share their stories. I want to create places where we can gather like this every year. I hope this best album and concert become the first step toward finding what’s next—a new beginning.

Comment from Jun Kosaka, Victor Entertainment

This best album project was shaped around the idea of translating what Taro Kanno and Ryo Yorizaki, as well as the teams at DeNA and Media Vision, had built over the years into a form of entertainment through music, from our side at Victor.

Among all that, what struck me was the core message that runs through Megido 72, embodied in the catchphrase: “An RPG that turns despair into hope.” I personally resonated with the story, the music, and its philosophy, and I approached the album’s production with the question: how can we share this emotional depth with a broader audience?

Although Megido 72 as a game has concluded, the music will continue to live on in people’s hearts. I hope we can continue to nourish that connection through music. From now on, we at Victor would also like to help steer the ship, alongside Mr. Kanno and Mr. Yorizaki, to carry this project forward—perhaps even all the way to Megido 72’s 72nd anniversary.

Text by: Yuichiro Fuse

Profiles

Taro Kanno
Producer of Megido 72 / Affiliated with DeNA
Taro Kanno joined DeNA as a business producer, working across mobile entertainment and e-commerce services. In 2010, he began his career as a game producer with Kaito Royale, and has since overseen many original and IP-collaborative titles for DeNA. Even after the end of Megido 72’s 7-year and 2-month run, he continues to promote new projects toward a symbolic “72nd anniversary.”

Ryo Yorizaki
Composer of Megido 72 / Affiliated with Media Vision
Ryo became interested in music as a teenager through punk bands, later influenced by Okinawan sanshin, jazz, and other styles. He studied classical and contemporary music in university and graduate school. While making games during university, he began composing music and sound effects. His work on the mobile RPG Magic & Canon (co-developed by Media Vision and DeNA, released in 2013) led to his affiliation with Media Vision.
He composed the majority of Megido 72’s music, and was later joined by his wife, fellow composer Chihiro Yorizaki. His strengths include thematic motif development and compositions using bowed string instruments such as violins. He completed his graduate studies in Composition and Conducting at Tokyo College of Music.

Product Information

Best Album: Megido 72 -Music Destinations-
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Victor Online Store Exclusive Set:
First Press Limited Edition + Memorial Pocket Watch
(5 CDs + Limited Booklet + Original Short Novel + Memorial Pocket Watch)
Catalog #: VIZL-2435 + NZY-10297
Price: ¥19,720 (tax included)

First Press Limited Edition:
5 CDs + Limited Booklet + Original Short Novel
Catalog #: VIZL-2435
Price: ¥7,200 (tax included)

Standard Edition:
1 CD
Catalog #: VICL-66066
Price: ¥3,072 (tax included)

Concert Information

Megido 72 THE CONCERT -Tracing Battle Memories-
Dates: September 13 and 14, 2025 (Day/Night Performances)
Venue: Hitotsubashi Hall (Tokyo)

Actors:
Yuhi Asagiri (voice of Baalberith)
Yoshiko Ikuta (voice of Asmodeus)
Nozomi Nishida (voice of Prometheus)
Shogo Batori (voice of Loki)

Vocalists:
Alico
Chihiro Yorizaki

Band:
Erbschaft Ensemble

and more...
(Listed in Japanese syllabary order; honorifics omitted)

Source : ORICON NEWS