The invisible, yet undeniably present

The intricate mechanisms of the human body, composed of an estimated 60 trillion cells, are sometimes likened to an unknown "universe" due to their mysterious nature. Kyowa Kirin's strength lies in "antibody drugs," which apply antibodies—the protagonists of the body's complex immune system—as pharmaceuticals for disease treatment.

Antibody drugs utilize the characteristic of a single antibody recognizing only a single target. By pinpointing targets such as cancer cells, they offer the potential for high therapeutic efficacy with fewer side effects. Expectations are growing for their use in treating diseases that have been difficult to cure, such as autoimmune disorders.

The theme for the ninth installment of "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" is "Antibody Drugs." The music was produced by Masakatsu Takagi, a musician who resides in the satoyama, living a life deeply connected to the land. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, he cultivates vegetables organically on his farm. However, he admits that initially, they didn't grow well. Reflecting on why, he realized he hadn't been listening to the voice of the soil.



It exists, undeniably, within an immeasurable volume of information. Sound, he says, is similar. The scale produced by a single piano key contains various overtones. These are not notated on the score, yet the player and listener clearly perceive them. Exploring this, he explains, is part of his music creation process. Listening to him speak, one begins to feel that just as antibody drugs optimize the function of countless antibodies within the human body, human endeavors might guide the infinite elements of this universe into their proper forms.




The song is titled "Cosmo Piano." Music has been theorized as a means of perceiving the universe from a mathematical perspective. The sounds produced by Masakatsu Takagi reach us with harmonics that weave sequences, as if planets were resonating. On the "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" website, the track is currently available for streaming on SoundCloud and for download for a limited period of one month.


Vol. 9 "Antibody Drugs" by Masakatsu Takagi
http://www.kyowa-kirin.co.jp/10_sounds/artist/masakatsu_takagi/




＜About 10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE＞
"10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" is a project by Kyowa Kirin, a research-driven life science company that continuously observes and engages with life. Through ten perspectives, it collaborates with ten artists to create ten musical pieces. These organic endeavors are delivered through beautiful sound. With the passion and aspiration to "become the world's kindest company to life," Kyowa Kirin utilizes cutting-edge biotechnology centered on antibody technology to create groundbreaking new drugs, contributing to the health and prosperity of people worldwide through its global expansion. This project is produced by artless Inc., led by art director/artist Shun Kawakami.

10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE
http://www.kyowa-kirin.co.jp/10_sounds/

Masakatsu TAKAGI
A filmmaker and musician, born in 1979 in Kyoto. He has resided in Hyogo Prefecture since 2013. Living in a deep mountain valley, he creates both music with the piano he has long been familiar with, and "moving paintings" filmed during his travels around the world. He engages in diverse activities unbound by genre, including exhibitions at art museums and concerts worldwide. His work includes film scores for "Wolf Children" and "The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness" (about Studio Ghibli), as well as numerous collaborations.