Minoru Miki, born in Tokushima, Japan in 1930, graduated in music from the Tokyo University of the Arts (formerly the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) in 1955. In the 1960s Miki began exploring traditional Japanese instruments. From this Pro Musica Nipponia developed, founded by Miki, which toured extensively in many countries. Many works written during this time were created in close collaboration with leading performing Japanese artists. In the 1970s Miri created his cycle of nine operas based on Japanese historical and literary themes. He scored many films including In the Realm of the Senses (L’Empire des sens). Of the many awards he received, the Order of the Rising Sun (2000) was the most prestigious.