Naofumi Hataya

File:Naofumi Hataya.jpg

Naofumi Hataya, born November 13 in Saitama, Japan, is a musician and composer working for Wave Master. He graduated from Rikkyo University, where he played in a band. Though Hataya did not want a career in music, he was looking to improve his skills, so he sought a job at a music-related company. In 1992, he took a job at SEGA, and the rest is history.

Aliases

Hataya is presumably frequently credited under the aliases Nao Chan, Hatabaw and N.H.. While there is no clear direct evidence that all these names are pseudonyms, various similarities can be noted between these names to link them together, as well as several motifs shared between many of the songs that these names are associated with also are found in Hataya's work.

For example, the chord progression and arrangement for Sky High Zone and Underground Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Game Gear shares similarities to music for the strategy game The Hybrid Front, the "REPLAY" music from the 32X version of Virtua Racing, and the "Chance" BGM from Chuu Kyuukai Miracle Nine; all of these games were composed by Hataya.

In addition, the music for the stage Ocean Palace in Sonic Heroes bears a melodic similarity to the theme song to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which is credited to Nao Chan (which is a diminutive form of Naofumi, similar to how Jimmy and Jimbo are diminutives of James in English). It's also present in Sonic Chaos, despite he wasn't involved in that game's soundtrack. The Ocean Palace BGM is credited as being composed by Hataya, though it is performed by Jun Senoue.

Production History

• Nikkan Sports Pro Yakyuu VAN (1991) — Sound Effect
• Golden Axe II (1991) — Sound Effect
• Kiss Shot (1992) — Music Create
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit) (1992) — Sound
• Golden Axe III (1993) — Music and Sound Effect
• Sonic CD (1993) — Original Music, Japan Version Music, Special Thanks
• The Hybrid Front (1994) — Music and Sound Effect
• Ristar (1995) — Special Thanks
• Knuckles' Chaotix (1995) — Special Thanks
• Shadow Squadron (1995) — Sound Special Thanks
• Chou Kyuukai Miracle Nine (1995)
• Sega Rally Championship (Saturn Version) (1995) — Music Composer
• NiGHTS into Dreams (1996) — Music Composer & Arranger
• Christmas NiGHTS (1996) — Music Composer & Arranger
• Sonic R (1997) — Sound Advisor
• Burning Rangers (1997) — Sound Director, Composer
• Sonic Adventure (1998) — Special Thanks
• Space Channel 5 (1999) — Sound Director, Music Composer
• Samba de Amigo (2000)
• Space Channel 5: Part 2 (2002) — Sound Director, Music Composer
• Blinx: The Time Sweeper (2002) — The producers wish to thank the following
• Space Channel 5: Special Edition (2003) — Sound Director, Music Composer
• Space Channel 5: Part 2: Special Edition (2003) — Sound Director, Music Composer
• Sonic Heroes (2004) — Music Composer
• Feel the Magic XY/XX (2004) — Sound Director
• Sonic Gems Collection (2005) — Sound Director
• Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) — Sound Section Special Thanks (Sound Effects)
• Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007) — Sound Effects
• NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (2007) — Music Composer & Arranger
• NiGHTS into Dreams (PS2 Version) (2008) — Supervisor
• Sega Superstars Tennis (2008) — Special Thanks
• Sonic Unleashed (2008) — Special Thanks
• Let's Tap (2008) — Sound Creator
• Sonic and the Black Knight (2009) — Game Sound Department
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (2009) — Music Composer