Makoto Shimizu (born in 1977 in Tokyo, Japan), professionally known as Makoto, is a Japanese drum and bass musician, DJ and actor. Among other distinctives of Makoto's musical style, a heavy influence of 1970s-era soul, funk and jazz fusion can be heard throughout the vast majority of his repertoire. Inspired by LTJ Bukem's Logical Progression album and Goldie's Timeless, he began to experiment with his own drum and bass music compositions. His unique style received the attention of LTJ Bukem and his Good Looking Records label, and Makoto was later featured on several of LTJ Bukem's mix CDs. Makoto's first studio album Human Elements was released on Good Looking in 2003. His second studio album, Believe In My Soul, will be released on the same label in 2007. He has also recorded a live album with frequent touring partner MC Deeizm for the label's Progression Sessions series of live mixes. Makoto continues to act and to tour in support of his music, mostly in Thailand and Japan.
