Tak Shindo (1922–2002) was an American musician, composer, and arranger known for his pioneering fusion of traditional Japanese sounds with mid‑century jazz and exotica. A Japanese American born in Sacramento, California, Shindo blended koto, shakuhachi, and taiko with lush orchestration and percussive rhythms, creating immersive soundscapes that bridged cultures. His acclaimed albums such as *Mganga!* and *Brass and Bamboo* showcased his innovative vision and orchestral sophistication, positioning him as a key figure in postwar American exotica and a trailblazer in cross‑cultural music exploration.