Isao Tomita, RIP

From Isao Tomita's Facebook page:
"Isao Tomita, composer and synthesizer artist, died May 5, 2016 of chronic cardiac failure at 2:51 p.m. at Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital. He collapsed around noon in his home and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away with family at his bedside.
Private funeral ceremonies attended only by family took place on May 7th and 8th.
We announce this news with great sadness.

Tomita started his career as a composer for Nippon Columbia Co.,Ltd where he composed numerous works, including music for the first NHK Taiga drama and animation of Osamu Tezuka. In the 70's, he was among the first to introduce the analogue synthesizer to Japan and released numerous ambitious albums like “Snowflakes Are Dancing” and “The Planets.” He gained international recognition as the first Japanese artist nominated for a Grammy Award in the USA. Recently, he released “Symphony Ihatov,” featuring virtual singer “Hatsune Miku” as soloist, having many performances at home and abroad with much popular success. Just before his death, he was preparing the performance of his new work “Dr. Coppelius,” planned for November of this year."