Daito Manabe
Artist, programmer, and Composer
Daito Manabe, born in Tokyo in 1976, grew up surrounded by music and programming under the influence of his musician parents. After working as a DJ and performing in jazz bands, he studied mathematics at Tokyo University of Science, where he encountered the ideas of composer Iannis Xenakis and began exploring mathematical approaches to generative music. This experience laid the foundation for his later creative practice.
In 2006, he co-founded Rhizomatiks. Drawing on his background in mathematics and music, he has pursued the fusion of technology, visual media, and bodily expression, leading to groundbreaking projects such as the AR presentation at the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He has collaborated with artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Björk, Nosaj Thing, Squarepusher, and Arca, and his distinctive audiovisual performances have been presented at international festivals such as Sónar Barcelona, MUTEK, TodaysArt, and Dekmantel.
In recent years, Manabe has worked with neuroscientists to create projects that merge life and machine, such as biofeedback systems using cultured neural cells. He also co-founded sonicPlanet LTD. with Sinan Bokesoy, developing experimental software for generative audio. He now leads Studio Daito Manabe, where he continues to explore expressions across art, technology, and science.