Japanese composer Mamoru Samuragochi outed by ghost writer, possibly not even really deaf

The Japanese music industry and fans took a massive slap to the face when it was revealed this week that composer Mamoru Samuragochi has been using a ghost writer for a majority of his work.

Samurogochi had been compared to Beethoven because of his deafness, and was bets known for his first symphony, titled "Hiroshima" and based on his parents' experiences during the World War II bombing. The piece had sold more than 100,000 copies. Video game enthusiasts might recognize him from his work scoring the series Resident Evil. His most recent accomplishment of note was his Sonatina for Violin being chosen by figure skater Daisuke Takahashi for her routine at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

That last straw broke the camel's back.

Takashi Niigaki, a member of the staff at a music college in Tokyo, came forward and stated that he had written Samuragochi's music, including "Hiroshima." He claimed that he finally admitted his role because he did not want Takahashi to get caught up in "our crime." Seems like a disingenuous excuse, but it adds up. Even if Beethoven managed to compose whilst deaf, he was possibly the greatest musical mind in history. It would've been tough for Samuragochi to compose if he couldn't hear, right?

"[Deafness was] an act that he was performing to the outside world," Niigaki added to his confession. Oh.

The "composer's" lawyers haven't commented on whether their client is actually deaf, but they did release an apology from Samuragochi, acknowledging his guilt. The fallback began instantly, as the Nippon Columbia, a Japanese record label, said it will no longer carry Samuragochi's records.

As for Takahashi, it's probably too late to choose a new song and organize a routine around it.