In 2010, avid Shenmue fan Rodger Swan passed away from a medical condition in his early twenties. Swan worked as an English teacher in Japan and uploaded YouTube videos about his life and his experiences visiting Dobuita, the setting of the first Shenmue.

Shenmue composer Ryuji Iuchi, who is currently working on Shenmue III, composed a piece in memory of Rodger. Iuchi also wrote a heartfelt message on Twitter, which you can read below.

Translated by Phantom River Stone:

“When I was looking up this and that late at night, I learned that a fan of the game passed away from illness several years ago. I felt compelled to do something, and worked through to morning on a composition. I hope this melody may be to his liking. R.I.P.”

The new musical piece is titled Winter Sunset and is described as “a short piece of music (game taste)”. The song definitely fits into the atmosphere of Shenmue, which you can check out at the top of the page.

Via Phantom River Stone