Profile
Short version
Born in Tokyo in 1976, Daito Manabe grew up immersed in music and programming under musician parents. After experiences as a DJ and jazz band member, while studying at Tokyo University of Science, he was influenced by Xenakis and began researching mathematical approaches to music generation, which became the foundation for his later creative work.
In 2006, he founded Rhizomatiks, exploring the fusion of technology and physical expression through collaborations with Perfume and ELEVENPLAY alongside director/choreographer MIKIKO, leading to innovative projects including AR direction for the Rio Olympics closing ceremony. He has collaborated with numerous artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Björk, Nosaj Thing, Squarepusher and Arca, with his distinctive Audio Visual performances presented at international festivals worldwide, including Sonar Barcelona. Recently, through collaboration with neuroscientists, he creates works merging life and machinery using biofeedback systems with cultured neural cells. Currently heading Studio Daito Manabe, he pursues expressions that cross art, technology, and science.
Middle version
Born in Tokyo in 1976, Daito Manabe grew up exposed to interactive expression through music, synthesizers, video games, and programming, influenced by his musician parents. In his youth, he immersed himself in hip-hop culture as a DJ, and later expanded his digital expression through programming and jazz band activities. While studying mathematics at Tokyo University of Science, he was influenced by Iannis Xenakis and began researching mathematical approaches to music generation, which became the foundation for his later creative work.
In 2006, he established Rhizomatiks, exploring the fusion of technology and physical expression through collaborations with Perfume and ELEVENPLAY alongside director/choreographer MIKIKO. This innovative work led to large-scale projects such as the AR direction for the “Flag Handover Ceremony” at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony. He has collaborated with numerous domestic and international artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Björk, Arca, and OK Go, with his distinctive Audio Visual performances and installations presented at international festivals worldwide, including Sonar Barcelona.
In recent years, he has expanded into works that merge life and machinery through collaboration with neuroscientists and researchers. He has developed “PolyNodes,” a 3D sound generation software evolving from Xenakis’s research, and created works utilizing original biofeedback systems with cultured neural cells. Currently heading Studio Daito Manabe, he develops innovative works exploring the boundaries between humans and machines, reality and virtual reality, through collaboration with dancers, researchers, and artists.
Long version
Born in Tokyo in 1976, Daito Manabe grew up exposed to interactive expression through music, synthesizers, video games, and programming, influenced by his musician parents. In his youth, he immersed himself in hip-hop culture as a DJ, and later expanded his digital expression through programming and jazz band activities. While studying mathematics at Tokyo University of Science, he was influenced by Iannis Xenakis and began researching mathematical approaches to music generation, which became the foundation for his later creative work.
After gaining experience as an engineer and studying media art, he established Rhizomatiks in 2006. Through collaborations with Perfume and ELEVENPLAY alongside director/choreographer MIKIKO, he explored the fusion of technology and physical expression, leading to large-scale projects such as the AR direction for the “Flag Handover Ceremony” at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony. He has also collaborated with Ryuichi Sakamoto, Björk, Arca, Nosaj Thing, and handled visual direction and system development for OK Go, Squarepusher, Grimes, Holly, Machinedrum, and FaltyDL. His innovative Audio Visual performances and installations have been presented at international festivals worldwide, including Sonar Barcelona.
In recent years, he has expanded into works that merge life and machinery through collaboration with neuroscientists and researchers. He has developed “PolyNodes,” a 3D sound generation software evolving from Xenakis’s research, and created works utilizing original biofeedback systems with cultured neural cells.
From his origins in music and mathematics to cutting-edge biotechnology, he pursues expressions that cross art, technology, and science. Currently heading Studio Daito Manabe, he develops innovative works exploring the boundaries between humans and machines, reality and virtual reality, through collaboration with dancers, researchers, and artists.
Photo credits
- Monochrome Portrait: MIKIKO (ELEVENPLAY)
- Color Portrait: SAEKA SHIMADA
- When using photographs on this site, please include appropriate credits where applicable..
- Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.
