Music Composer Ryuuichi Sakamoto Dies at 71

by DatRandomDude
Apr 2, 2023 9:30 AM | 26 Comments

Acclaimed music composer Ryuichi Sakamoto died on March 28. He was 71. Sakamoto was diagnosed with rectal cancer in June 2020, but continued musical activities at his home studio while undergoing treatment. His family already held a funeral service.

Sakamoto was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in June 2014. He overcame the illness and returned to work the following August.

Sakamoto was born in Tokyo in January 1952. After finishing his studies at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, he formed the band Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi in 1978. He also began his solo career in the same year with the album Thousand Knives. Both of his projects received international acclaim over the years. His latest solo album, 12, was released this year on his birthday, January 17.

Sakamoto also composed anime soundtracks for Ouritsu Uchuugun: Honneamise no Tsubasa (Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise) and Annyeong, Tyrano: Yeong-wonhi, Hamkke (My TYRANO: Together, Forever), as well as the opening theme songs for Nihon Chinbotsu 2020 (Japan Sinks: 2020) and Appleseed Saga Ex Machina as HASYMO. He more recently composed music for the Netflix original anime Exception.

His songs from YMO and solo career has also been used in Maria†Holic, Shinya! Tensai Bakabon (Late night! The Genius Bakabon), the third Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution (Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution) movie, and the new Urusei Yatsura anime series.

Sakamoto won Best Film Music for Senjou no Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence) at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in 1983. He also won an Academy Award, Grammy, and Golden Globe for the soundtrack of The Last Emperor, and another Golden Globe for the Best Original Score for The Sheltering Sky.

Source: Oricon Music, Music Natalie

Musician Life Event

20 of 26 Comments Recent Comments

RIP, legend. Just find out there's a news thread about his death. Anyway he is one of my favorite Japanese musicians and I liked YMO, his solo works as a composer, his friendship with David Bowie and collaborations with David Sylvian. Need to rewatch Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. It's too sad to see another legend is gone.

Apr 10, 2023 5:23 AM by Vargnatt

I love his music sooo much and sad to see him go, may he rest in peace <3

Apr 7, 2023 6:10 PM by cornonacob

Rest in peace sir.

Apr 3, 2023 11:39 AM by Hirax

Big influence here. Sadly got the news we lost him and Ray Shulman (Gentle Giant) same weekend. And Sakamoto was still pretty active - my favorite YMO was Hosono but we barely hear news about him these days..

Apr 3, 2023 8:58 AM by Kraanerg

Another one has been taken from us...Condolences to his friends, fans and family and I hope that he is resting in everlasting peace

Apr 3, 2023 6:16 AM by Tokoya

No words. Just RIP.

Apr 3, 2023 6:06 AM by CQLLIST

After all, this is my favourite music of him: Technopolis.
Can you believe this music was released 44 years ago?
I can still feel the future whenever I listen to it.

R.I.P.

Apr 3, 2023 4:08 AM by kuroneko99

Such brilliant composer gone, what a shame
Rest in peace

Apr 3, 2023 4:07 AM by Raito-senpai

Another great composer has passed away. He worked pretty much until his death.
RIP Ryuuichi Sakamoto

Apr 3, 2023 1:21 AM by Adnash

RIP MY MAESTRO, IT'S SO HARD TO SAY GOOD BYE
THANK YOU FOR EVERY MASTERPIECE OF YOURS
ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS

Apr 3, 2023 12:08 AM by nisemono_nonono

Rest in awesomeness, great composer.

Apr 2, 2023 10:55 PM by MalchikRepaid

Another legend gone. =( We've lost too many lives to cancer. May he Rest In Peace.

Apr 2, 2023 10:25 PM by MistyBlue

We lost a Legend... RIP

Apr 2, 2023 10:18 PM by UltimateRishi

Rest in Peace, Master.

Apr 2, 2023 7:31 PM by -Lofn-

I like the songs "RYDEEN" and "BTTB."

RIP

Apr 2, 2023 5:50 PM by kihel

One of the best to ever do it, rest in peace.

Apr 2, 2023 1:52 PM by r1kiya

YouTube says it's a cheesy romantic song from episode 18. Ironically, it was so "80s cheesy" that I thought it was a deliberate parody of the time period.

DatRandomDude said:

RobertBobert said:
Of course, please accept my condolences. Also, is it possible to know which of the songs he wrote for Yatsura? The music in reboot seems quite modern.

He didn't write a song for Yatsura, just that the anime played one of his old songs, this one being a collab he had with Kiyoshiro Imawano in the 80s. I don't know in which episode that appeared tho.

Apr 2, 2023 1:42 PM by RobertBobert

RobertBobert said:
Of course, please accept my condolences. Also, is it possible to know which of the songs he wrote for Yatsura? The music in reboot seems quite modern.

He didn't write a song for Yatsura, just that the anime played one of his old songs, this one being a collab he had with Kiyoshiro Imawano in the 80s. I don't know in which episode that appeared tho.

Apr 2, 2023 1:34 PM by DatRandomDude

deg said:
RIP and fuck cancer again

Indeed, there is no more proper way to approach it, FUCK CANCER.
This man survived the first but couldnt the second, that he got cancer a second time might be related to him having it the first time, cuz cancer is just that much of a bitch.

Still he tried to go out still doing what he loved, not letting that BS break his spirit and love, RIP.

Apr 2, 2023 12:50 PM by Playcool

Of course, please accept my condolences. Also, is it possible to know which of the songs he wrote for Yatsura? The music in reboot seems quite modern.

Apr 2, 2023 12:30 PM by RobertBobert

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