In September 1995, Sugiyama composed the "Dragon Quest" Ballet. It premiered in 1996, and returned in 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2002. During those years, he also released several "Dragon Quest" Symphonic Suites. In late 2004, he finished and released the "Dragon Quest VIII" soundtrack. In 2005, Sugiyama was holding a series of concerts in Japan with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra with music from "Dragon Quest VIII", as well as his classic compositions from the past. In August 2005, his music from "Dragon Quest" was performed live at the European Symphonic Game Music Concert, marking the first time that his music was performed by a live symphonic concert outside of Japan. Sugiyama also composed the score for "Dragon Quest X" and its expansions, as well as "Dragon Quest XI".