‘Beethoven’ of Japan Apologizes After Revelation He Didn’t Write Music

The artist once called the ‘Beethoven’ of Japan formally apologized Friday for deceiving fans about composing his own music. He also admitted he is not legally deaf, saying he can “hear sounds, but the sounds are twisted.”

“I have caused a great deal of trouble with my lies for everyone, including those people who bought my CDs and came to my concerts,” Reuters reports Mamoru Samuragochi said during a news conference in Tokyo.”It is indeed the case that I have deceived people and for that I am extremely sorry.” News of his deception broke in February, when the 50-year-old Samuragochi admitted he had used a ghostwriter. Music professor Takashi Niigaki later came forward as the writer.

Days after news of his ghostwriting broke, Japanese figure skater Daisuke Takahashi used his music in a performance during the Olympics. On Friday, Samuragochi said he and Niigaki would meet at coffee shops where the composer would write out “general plans” from which Niigaki would compose music. Samuragochi’s most popular work is a tribute to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima called “Hiroshima Symphony.”

[Reuters]