Soko Koike, founder of the magazine that provides Japan's leading music chart rankings, died Saturday of a cerebral hemorrhage at a hospital in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, his family said Monday. He was 68.
In 1967, Koike established a company called Oricon Co. to conduct research into the forces that contribute to a hit song. The company launched a magazine titled "Original Confidence" ("Oricon") that produces weekly hit charts.
Koike, who concurrently held the posts of president and chairman of Oricon's board, frequently appeared on television as a commentator on the music and entertainment industry.