MASA (ささき まさよし, Sasaki Masayoshi, born February 19) is a Japanese music composer. During his first stint with Koei, he was put in charge of composing background music for some of their games. Being a skilled guitarist gave him the opportunity to help create rock-themed tracks for the Dynasty Warriors series. Like Masato Koike, he is also a sound director for the company.
Whenever MASA composes music for a new Warriors sequel, he often tries to keep the direction of his compositions in mind and readily discusses the vision behind each theme with the game designer. He also takes the time to name each track in English with the aid of a dictionary. When MASA received criticism from overseas users regarding the anachronistic music style of Dynasty Warriors, he made an effort to incorporate Chinese instruments as well as collaborating with other composers to provide a more authentic feel to his compositions.
Works with Koei
MASA has been credited for composing or arranging music tracks for the following titles (listed chronologically by game's first release date).
- Soulmaster - also sound director
- Ishin no Arashi Bakumatsu Shishiden - sound director
- Destrega
- Saiyuki: Journey West
- Dynasty Warriors series
- Samurai Warriors
- Warriors Orochi series
- Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage
- Ishin no Arashi Shippuu Ryoumaden - sound director
- One Piece: Pirate Warriors