Yoko Shimomura set to be honored with a BAFTA Fellowship
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On April 8, 2025, Yoko Shimomura, a renowned Japanese composer and pianist, will be honored with a BAFTA Fellowship during the BAFTA Game Awards.
This distinction will highlight her contributions to the music of series such as Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy 15, and Xenoblade Chronicles.
Shimomura, an alumna of Osaka Junior College of Music where she specialized in piano, transitioned to freelance composition after previously working with companies like Capcom and Square Enix.
"This year, it's a true honor to acknowledge Yoko Shimomura with the BAFTA Fellowship," expressed BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip.
"As a trailblazer in the realm of video game music, Yoko has crafted memorable soundscapes for numerous cherished games and significantly contributed to creating opportunities for women in a predominately male sphere.
"Her innovative compositions have inspired many and will continue to influence future generations."
In previous years, PlayStation's Shuhei Yoshida was honored with a BAFTA Fellowship, while Siobhan Reddy, Media Molecule's studio head, became the first female recipient in 2021.
The 21st edition of the BAFTA Game Awards will be hosted at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London on April 8, 2025, and available for viewing on Twitch. Notably, Ninja Theory's Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has earned 11 nominations.