R.I.P Ryu Umemoto (1974-2011)

Sadly, we all experience days with incredible loss and unimaginable pain, it's inevitable and you're never prepared. No matter how many times it happens, each loss feels as painful as the other, clouding your mind, blinding your conscious with emptiness and hopelessness. For me, today is one of those days.

On August 17th, Ryu Umemoto passed away quietly. He was 37 years old.

To me, Umemoto changed my views on music at a very early age, being one of the first examples I experienced that made video game music into the standout piece, and lifted the game itself onto a higher level of emotional and spiritual content. Umemoto was a never ending stream of music, taken from deep within his own heart and experiences in life. His music reflected him note for note, and its details were safely stored in his little notebook, holding diagrams and memoir notes of his life to use in his compositions. Over the last few years, we had become good friends, trusting each other with life and dreams, eager to help eachother to reach our highest potential in our respective careers. Umemoto was such an open, giving man, never letting anyone make him the center of attention, he was always interested in you, your life, your hopes, your dreams. As detailed on Hardcore Gaming 101, the time I spent with him is one which I will never forget, and his words and friendship is one I will always hold onto deep within.

Ryu Umemoto was also a big fan of Hardcore Gaming 101 after having been introduced to the site by our article about his stay in Europe. Frequently, we would send emails and tweets, and he would keep up with new articles, as well as go back and look at older material. He once expressed excitement over the potential of seeing Eve Burst Error or YUNO featured on the site. They will, my friend.

My heart is still heavy, and my emotions still a mess. Feelings of utter sadness come and go in midst of happy memories and great laughs. Ryu Umemoto was a friend and a brother, he will be missed.