Japanese composer and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto, an electronic music pioneer and Academy Award, Grammy and BAFTA winner, has died at the age of 71.
“While undergoing cancer treatment, which was discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio when his health permitted,” Sakamoto’s management, Commmons, wrote in a statement. “He lived with music until the end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and everyone who supported his activities, as well as to the medical professionals in Japan and the USA who did everything to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wish, the funeral service was held in the presence of his next of kin.”
Sakamoto was known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of the group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO).
His 1987 film score for The Last Emperorr earned him an Oscar, a Grammy and a Golden Globe. He also starred in the film that tells the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China. He also starred in the 1983 film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrencewith David Bowie.
In 1978, Sakamoto founded the Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. The avant-garde keyboard players influenced techno-pop and later hip-hop.
Sakamoto began studying composition at the age of 10, inspired by the Beatles and Debussy.
“Asian music was a big influence on Debussy and Debussy was a big influence on me. So the music goes around the world and it comes full circle,” he said in 2010.
In 1992, Sakamoto was the composer for the music for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Barcelona.
His resume includes scores for Oliver Stone’s ABC miniseries Wild palms (1993) and that of Brian de Palma Snake eyes (1998). He also had his own hit on the Japanese pop charts in 1999 with “Energy Flow”, which was used in a television commercial for an energy drink. It was the first instrumental song to reach #1 in Japan.
At Sakamoto’s request, a memorial service was held with only his next of kin, his leadership team said.
Survivors include daughter Miu Sakamoto, a successful pop singer in Japan.
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
