Music enthusiasts worldwide bid farewell to the legendary and acclaimed composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto, as they face the inevitable separation. He was a pioneering artist who commanded widespread respect and admiration on a global scale. His musical contributions have had a profound impact on various genres, including electro, techno, hip hop, ambient, and electronic music as a whole. Let us delve into the life and artistry of Ryuichi Sakamoto through this enlightening article, brought to you by tieusunguoinoitieng.vn.
Who is Ryuichi Sakamoto?
Ryuichi Sakamoto, born in 1952 in Tokyo, Japan, is a renowned figure in the world of music. He began studying music at the age of 10 and later pursued music education at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. In 1978, Ryuichi Sakamoto released his debut solo album titled “Thousand Knives.” He then co-founded the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) alongside two fellow artists, Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. Notably, the group achieved tremendous success not only in Japan but also gained widespread recognition in the international market (Wikipedia).
Quick Facts about Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Full Name: Ryuichi Sakamoto (さかもと りゅういち)
- Date of Birth: January 17, 1952
- Date of Passing: March 28, 2023
- Age: 71 years old
- Nationality: Japanese
- Profession: Composer, Musician, Actor, Music Producer
- Education: Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
- Spouses: Natsuko Sakamoto (1972 – 1982), Akiko Yano (1982 – 2006)
- Children: 4
- Years Active: 1975 – 2023
- Instruments: Piano, Keyboard, Synthesizer, Vocals
- Genres: Electronic Music, Pop, World Music, Classical, Film Score, Experimental Music, Ambient
- Associated Group: Yellow Magic Orchestra (1978 – 2012)
- Facebook: Ryuichi Sakamoto 坂本龍一
- Instagram: skmtgram
- YouTube: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Prestigious Awards
In addition to being a renowned composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto was also a talented actor. He portrayed Officer Yonoi alongside David Bowie in the war film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” (1983). The film’s eponymous soundtrack, composed by Sakamoto, won the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA).
One of his greatest achievements was co-composing the score for the film “The Last Emperor” (1987). This work earned Sakamoto the distinction of being the first Japanese individual to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score (1988). He also won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Score, thanks to his notable contributions to “The Last Emperor” and “The Sheltering Sky” (1990).
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Advocacy for Peace and the Environment
Sakamoto was also an activist for peace and the environment. He spoke out against nuclear energy following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011, which was triggered by an earthquake and tsunami. In July 2012, he delivered speeches urging people not to risk their lives for electricity. He actively participated in protests and gave speeches in Tokyo. Sakamoto was part of a revered group of Japanese artists known for their outspokenness.
Ryuichi was known for expressing unpopular political viewpoints. In Japanese, he boldly stated, “Life is more important than money,” followed by an additional remark in English, “Silence after Fukushima is madness.” He fearlessly used his platform to highlight the importance of preserving life and the detrimental consequences of remaining silent in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, Japan’s Music Icon, Passes Away
Record label Avex announced that Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away on March 28 while undergoing treatment for cancer. He was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and revealed in 2022 that he was in the late stages of the disease. Despite his battle with illness, Sakamoto released the album “12” on his 71st birthday in January. For him, “composing has a healing effect on my body and wounded soul.”
Avex also stated that despite his illness, Sakamoto continued to work on his music in his home studio when he felt relatively well. “Sakamoto had cancer, but he continued to work in his home studio as long as his health allowed. He lived with music until his final moments.” The Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away on March 28 from colorectal cancer at the age of 71. His sudden departure left fans and colleagues deeply saddened and mournful.
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