http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/20 ... ay/.101895In the 1970s Tomita was among the first to introduce the analogue synthesizer to Japan, and he was the first Japanese musician to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the U.S. He released the Symphony Ihatov album in 2013 that featured virtual idol Hatsune Miku as a soloist.
Tomita had collapsed in his home around noon on Thursday and was taken to the hospital. He passed away with his family at his side. Tomita's family held a private funeral on Saturday and Sunday, but a public farewell party is planned for a later date. At the time of his death he was preparing a new work titled Dr. Coppelius, which was slated for November.
http://columbia.jp/artist-info/tomita/info.html#49049