Ryuichi Sakamoto

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a groundbreaking Japanese composer, musician, record producer, and actor whose career spanned nearly five decades, from his early days as a university session player in the mid‑1970s to his final avant‑garde projects released just before his death in 2023. Born on 1952‑01‑17 in Nakano, Tokyo, he began piano lessons at six and was composing by ten, absorbing influences from Bach, Debussy, Javanese gamelan, jazz legends like Coltrane, and rock icons such as The Beatles, which laid the foundation for his eclectic aesthetic. In 1978 he co‑founded the seminal electronic group Yellow Magic Orchestra, pioneering synth‑pop, techno and electro with tracks like “Technopolis” and “Computer Game,” and simultaneously launched a solo career with experimental albums such as Thousand Knives and B‑2 Unit, the latter containing the influential “Riot in Lagos.” His work as a film composer earned him an Academy Award, BAFTA, Grammy and two Golden Globes for scores including The Last Emperor (1987) and The Sheltering Sky (1990), while his acting debut in Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) showcased his on‑screen presence alongside David Bowie. Beyond music, Sakamoto was a vocal activist for anti‑nuclear causes, environmental protection, and digital rights, founding the label commmons to empower emerging artists. He collaborated across genres with David Sylvian, Fennesz, Alva Noto, and the Morelenbaum trio, continuously redefining ambient, glitch and classical music until his final releases async (2017) and 12 (2023). His legacy endures through his innovative sound‑scapes, cross‑cultural collaborations, and the many artists he inspired worldwide.