He's known for the music behind several anime (like Gundam Wing, Haibane Renmei, Eyeshield21 and Shakugan no Shana), several japanese movies (for example 咬みつきたい, Gamera and Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah) and some video games (like Shadow of the Colossus, Sky Odyssey and Philosoma).
Soon after graduating from university he became one of the founding members of IMAGINE (currently known as IMAGIN), a company dedicated to producing high-end music for anime and anime-related video games.
Otani's first appearance as music producer would be as composer for the anime シティーハンター. Soon after he'd be composing the music for several anime like Spy Games (1988), The Ultimate Teacher (1988), The Yadamura Waltz (1988), Future GPX Cyber Formula (1991) and You're Under Arrest (1994). In 1995 he composed the music that would make his name more known internationally with the music composition for Gundam Wing and 2 years later for Gundam Wing Endless Waltz.
Several successful and lesser-successful anime would follow after that, among which Eyeshield 21, Outlaw Star, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, aBe's Haibane Renmei and Shakugan no Shana.
But he wasn't only famous for his work on anime. In 1991 he composed the music for the movie 就職戦線異状なし about several students trying to find a job at the end of the 80s when japanese companies tried to hire only the best. Three more movies would follow untill he started to work on the music for the 9th Gamera movie, Gamera: Guardian of the Universe, in 1994(released 1995). Several other movies came soon after that among which 2 more Gamera movies in 1996 and 1999. Currently The iDol is the last movie for which he composed music.
He has also composed music for a few video games, most notably Shadow of the Colossus (Roar of the Earth), the PlayStation 2 flight simulator Sky Odyssey, and the PlayStation shooter Philosoma.
Roar of the Earth won the "Soundtrack of the Year" award in the United States-based video game magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly.
Kow Otani has also been involved in the education and advicing-role for several younger japanese composers among which 宮崎慎二 (Crayon Shin-Chan, Pokemon) and 浜口 史郎 (Final Fantasy XI, Rosario + Vampire). Most of which happened relating to producing studio IMAGIN.
During the summer of 2010 Bandai Visual announced Otani will be producing the music for the latest .hack// anime: .hack//Quantum, which is scheduled to be released in november 2010.
Free Bird
大谷幸 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The thin shadow of the midday moon instantly, instantly summons the future
Engulfed by the breath of the earth, where do the tears return?
Even though [ I ] was hurt, life becomes gently strong
While offering an infinite prayer now, now quietly to close up
[ I ] hear sounds from the other side of the forest quickly, quickly change into a voice
After being forgiven by the whole world, [ I ] understood the meaning of love
From the cloud of the day of departure, [ I ] suddenly saw the light
The lyrics of "Free Bird" by 大谷幸 are quite abstract and open to interpretation. The song appears to discuss the process of transformation and personal growth. The first line talks about a "melting" of something into the "blue" and "blurred" sky, which could represent an individual dissolving their limitations or constraints and becoming more open and free. The midday moon's "thin shadow" is said to instantaneously "summon the future", suggesting a certain inevitability to this transformation.
The lyrics then focus on the idea of facing pain and adversity, as the singer questions where one's tears go when they are engulfed by the earth. Despite being hurt, the singer finds that life becomes "gently strong", perhaps meaning that even in the face of hardship, they have found a sense of resilience and inner peace.
The second half of the song speaks to a sense of forgiveness and understanding. The singer hears "sounds from the other side of the forest" that quickly "change into a voice", possibly representing a newfound clarity or communication with others. The singer reflects on being "forgiven by the whole world" and coming to understand the "meaning of love". Finally, the song ends on a hopeful note as the singer sees a "light" from the "cloud of the day of departure", suggesting a new beginning or a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Endless silence, soon in the sky, [will be] melting in blue and blurred with blue
The quiet and peaceful sky will soon be filled with a blend of blue colors that create a serene atmosphere.
The thin shadow of the midday moon instantly, instantly summons the future
The slight outline of the moon during the day symbolizes the power of the future and its ability to quickly come upon us.
Engulfed by the breath of the earth, where do the tears return?
When surrounded by nature's life force, where do our sorrows go and where can we find solace?
Even though [ I ] was hurt, life becomes gently strong
Despite past pain, life continues to strengthen and foster resilience.
While offering an infinite prayer now, now quietly to close up
In this moment, as we offer ceaseless prayers, let us also cultivate peace and stillness.
[ I ] hear sounds from the other side of the forest quickly, quickly change into a voice
The sounds of nature can quickly evolve into a voice and produce a message or meaning.
After being forgiven by the whole world, [ I ] understood the meaning of love
Once accepted by society, one can begin to grasp the essence and significance of love.
From the cloud of the day of departure, [ I ] suddenly saw the light
The moment of leaving can provide clarity and insight, allowing one to see the light of understanding.
Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.