R.I.P. RYUICHI SAKAMOTO
Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of Japan’s most prominent composers who scored films including “The Last Emperor,” and “The Revenant” and was a co-founder of the influential Yellow Magic Orchestra died on Tuesday at the age of 71, it was only recently reported.
Sakamoto had revealed in early 2021 that he had received a diagnosis of rectal cancer and was undergoing treatment. His recording company Avex posted the news in a statement to Twitter that thanked his medical teams and asked for fans to respect the privacy of his family.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow him to. He lived with music until the very end,” the statement said, also noting a small private funeral had already taken place.
The tech-heavy pop of Yellow Magic Orchestra topped the Japanese charts in the late 1970s / early ’80s, producing synth driven hits like “Computer Game”.
Sakamoto was born in Tokyo on January 17, 1952, to a well-known literary editor father, and mother who designed women’s hats, beginning piano lessons as early as age six. His career as a musician and producer blossomed while in university in the early-mid ‘70s, helping co-found YMO in 1978. He would also release his first solo LP in 1978 and would branch his sound out from techno / pop, to eventually orchestral, soundtrack, and atmospheric works of great acclaim.
Sakamoto collaborated with a wide range of musicians across genres (notably David Sylvian) and received an Oscar (for 1988’s The Last Emperor soundtrack) a BAFTA, a Grammy and two Golden Globes over his distinguished career.
He also dabbled in acting, co-starring alongside David Bowie, in 1983’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” about life in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Sakamoto agreed to be in front of the camera, provided he could also score the soundtrack. He also provided the film scores for several other notable Bernardo Bertolucci works in the late ‘80s / early ‘90’s.
1987’s Neo Geo was a welcome return to pop, with world influences, and featured guest appearances from the likes of Iggy Pop, Bill Laswell, and Bootsy Collins.
In later years, Sakamoto’s music became sparser and more ambient and attuned in with the environment, something he became more of an activist about as well. His final solo record, 12, was released in January.
| John C ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com |
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