takashi yoshimatsu was born in tokyo, japan, and like toru takemitsu, the composer generally considered to be japan's greatest in the western classical style, did not receive formal musical training while growing up. he dropped out of keio university in march 1974, and joined an amateur band named noa as a keyboard player, emulating the music of pink floyd. he became interested in the jazz and progressive rock scenes, particularly in the possibilities being explored through electronic music.