NanaOn-Sha

Background
NanaOn-Sha (株式会社七音社, Kabushiki-gaisha NanaOn-Sha) is a Japanese video game company which created what is widely credited as the first modern rhythm game, PaRappa the Rapper. It was founded by Masaya Matsuura in 1993. The game's success resulted in a spin-off called Um Jammer Lammy, which is based on guitar samples, and eventually a proper sequel, PaRappa the Rapper 2. NanaOn-Sha also produced another music video game, Vib-Ribbon, but released the game only in Japan and the PAL region. The game was later released in North America on the PSN store as a PS1 classic in 2014.

The title of the company is Japanese for the number seven, sounds and the word company. Although Matsuura is mainly involved on planning and developing of music games, he started music and activity for various sounds for any use of video games.

1st Logo (January 22, 1999)


Visuals: On a black background is a 3D "n" shape. The camera then goes under it, as it splits into three, and it transitions into three "t"s with a connector appearing in between two of the "t"s and a large ball behind the whole thing. Smaller balls follow it and land on the logo. They explode and leave marks in the logo. "NanaOn-Sha" with a ball appears below.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: An energetic rock theme with a woman saying the company name.

Availability: Seen on Prototype of Um Jammer Lammy.

2nd Logo (March 18, 1999-May 27, 2004)


Visuals: Same as the previous logo, but there is now a kaleidoscope-like effect at the start.

Variant: A still version of the logo appears on the Vib-Ribbon series as well as PaRappa the Rapper 2.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: Same as the previous logo.

Availability: Seen on Um Jammer Lammy, PaRappa the Rapper 2, Vib-Ribbon, Mojib-Ribbon, and Vib-Ripple.

3rd Logo (September 15, 2005-)


Visuals: Essentially just the NanaOn-Sha logo on a white background.

Technique: A still, digital graphic.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen on Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop and the remastered version of PaRappa the Rapper.