Ryuichi Sakamoto, the innovative musician, experimental composer, and actor, has died at the age of 71 after a recurrence of cancer.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, the acclaimed composer and former member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, has died at the age of 71.
He leaves behind an expansive discography that includes early rock and synth-pop classics with his band Yellow Magic Orchestra, which also featured Haruomi Hosono and the late Yukihiro Takahasi, as well as numerous film scores for such masterpieces as Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. , The Last Emperor and The Revenant.
Sakamoto died on Tuesday, March 28, although his death was not announced until Sunday at his website.
In 2021, the Japanese artist revealed that he had been diagnosed with rectal cancer and had undergone surgery to treat it.
“While undergoing treatment for the cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health allowed. He lived with music to the end,” the statement read, before revealing that a funeral had already been held for his close relatives.
Musical giant: Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary Japanese composer, electronic musician and occasional actor, died on March 28 of cancer, his website revealed on Sunday; seen in 2018 in Berlin
In front of the camera: Sakamoto established himself as a master of film scores such as The Last Emperor, The Revenant and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (pictured), in which he also starred (left) with his friend David Bowie ( right). )