The Mainichi Daily News reports that Takashi Miki passed away in an Okayama hospital yesterday. He was 64. Miki is survived by his sister, singer Jun Mayuzumi.

Miki was born Tadashi Watanabe in Tokyo on January 12, 1945. He made is debut as a composer in 1967. Miki provided compositions for a number of musicians, including idol singers Ryoko Moriyama and Ruriko Asaoka.

Miki provided a number of anime theme songs, including the opening music to 1974's Jack to Mame no Ki (Jack and the Beanstalk) anime film and the theme song to Anpanman (Anpanman no March). In 2005, Miki was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon (Shiju Hosho) for his distinguished works. He underwent surgery for throat cancer in 2006,but continued to compose music until shortly before he passed away.

The staff at Anime Dream wish the friends and family of Miki-san our deepest condolences.