by Composer Hiroyuki Sawano, known for his soundtracks for TV anime series such as ” Attack on Titan ” and “Kill la Kill,” will release his essay “Sounds of Illusion” on February 3, 2026, through Fusosha.
“Promare” and ” Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash .” He is active not only in anime but also in dramas and films, and is also actively involved in writing and arranging music for artists. In 2014, he launched SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], a project focused on vocal music.
In “Sounds of Illusion,” he reminisces about his childhood piano lessons, his high school days when he became obsessed with composition, and his humble beginnings. He also writes about the TV drama “Iryu Team Medical Dragon,” which sparked his breakthrough, and “Attack on Titan,” one of his most well-known works.
Comment from Sawano Hiroyuki: I’m not the type of person who reads a lot of books. Is it appropriate for someone like me to publish a book… (laughs)? I saw this as a valuable opportunity to reflect on my past and inner thoughts and decided to give it a try, marking my 20th anniversary as a composer.
The first two chapters, covering my childhood through to becoming a professional, as well as the columns, were written by me. In contrast, from chapter three onwards, I enlisted the help of writer Kitano to turn the interviews into written text.
The book is divided into two parts. By putting my biased views into words, my writing may reveal them. Still, the most essential thing in publishing this book was to honestly convey myself as a person and a musician from various perspectives. I doubt I’ll ever have a publisher publish a book in such a well-organized format anytime soon… (laughs). I hope this opportunity sparks interest.
