He is most notable for composing the soundtrack to the 1988 film Grave of the Fireflies.

Born in Hokkaido on June 29, 1929,[1][2] he studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts.

Mamiya died from pneumonia on December 11, 2024, at the age of 95.

[3] Mamiya’s interest in Japanese folk music led him to compose several choral works incorporating traditional elements.

[4] Mamiya also wrote movie soundtracks, including for the 1988 Studio Ghibli movie Grave of the Fireflies.