Yu Okuda is a Tokyo-based Composer, Arranger, Music Director, Bandleader, and Pianist who mainly composes for theatre. 

 

She has been selected as a Fellowship for the 2023 Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, as well as the 2023 U.S.-Japan Creative Artists Fellowship Program by the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission. She is currently on a one-year residency in NYC as an international intern at Maestra. 

 

Some of her composer credits include;

Avidya: No Lights Inn commissioned by Niwa Gekidan Penino, which won the Award of Excellence in the 71st Annual ACA National Arts Festival Japan by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan and was performed in Japan, Germany, the US, Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, and France.

Wataru’s Innocent Marriage Hunting, the Musical commissioned by Umeda Arts Theater Co., Ltd.

Rhapsody on Kumamoto folksongs Yoheho-bushi and The Lullaby of Itsuki for violin and shamisen commissioned by NIPPON STEEL Arts Foundation.

 

Yu holds a BA in Music (Composition) from Kunitachi College of Music, Tokyo, Japan. She is the Founder and President of Musical Theatre Writers Japan (NPO). She is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Maestra and MUSE.