[Obituary] Composer Kida Taro, known as the 'Mozart of Naniwa,' passes away

Taro Kida, a composer known for his theme songs for shows such as 'Operation Proposal' and '2-ji no Wide Show,' as well as numerous commercial songs for 'Nissin Demae Iccho,' 'Kani Douraku,' 'Arima Onsen Hyoe Koyokaku,' and 'Asahipen,' as well as works such as Kenji Kitahara's 'Let's Talk About Our Hometown,' and affectionately known as the 'Mozart of Naniwa,' passed away on May 14, 2024. He was 93 years old.

Kida Taro Profile | Office Tonde

Kida Taro (real name: Kida Taro) was born on December 6, 1930 in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture.

The youngest of five boys and one girl, while attending Kwansei Gakuin High School, he became interested in music after coming across an accordion left behind by his eldest brother who had died young, and after learning that his older brother loved records, he formed a tango band with Takuya Fujioka, who would later become an actor.

After a year of studying for entrance exams, he went on to Kwansei Gakuin University, but dropped out to become a professional pianist and began performing in cabarets.

Although Kida's recollections vary slightly, he says that his first composition was when he was 18 or 19 years old, and it was a song for the cabaret club 'Paramount.'

In his 30s he became a popular composer, and some of his best-known pop songs include Kenji Kitahara's 'Let's Talk About Our Hometowns,' released in 1965.

He is also known for writing many theme songs and commercial songs for Kansai TV and radio programs. His works can be heard on 'Naniwa no Mozart Kida Taro no Subete' and 'Naniwa no Mozart Kida Taro no Honmani Subete.'

The nickname 'Mozart of Naniwa,' which is also used in the title of this CD, was given to Kida by Osamu Matsumoto, producer of the variety show 'Detective! Night Scoop,' in which Kida served as an advisor. However, Mozart was chosen because Producer Matsumoto liked Mozart, while Kida himself liked Chopin.

The announcement from the office is as follows:

Taro Kida, a composer affiliated with our company, passed away on May 14, 2024.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for his kindness during his lifetime and to report his passing.
The funeral was held only for close relatives, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.
We regret to inform you that we will be declining any condolence money, flowers or offerings.
To all the people who have helped me and the fans who have supported me
We sincerely thank you.
I sincerely hope that Kida Taro's works will continue to be loved by everyone.

Wide Windows Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Yoshihiko Shinohara (Hiroshi Maru)

Office Tonde Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Kazue Saito