Renowned Oscar-Winning Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto Dies at 71!

• Legendary Japanese Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has died aged 71.
• The composer wrote the score to ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence’ and even won an Academy Award for 1987’s ‘The Last Emperor’.

Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has passed away at the age of 71

Ryuichi Sakamoto, a famous Japanese musician, and producer who was well-known for his innovative electronic music passed away at 71. He was awarded various accolades, such as an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Bafta, both for his work as a solo artist and as part of the Yellow Magic Orchestra.

His management team announced that he died on March 28, 2023. He had been treated for cancer in recent years. An official statement read:

“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow. He lived with music until the very end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members.”

The statement added:

“We would like to share one of Sakamoto’s favorite quotes: ‘Ars longa, vita brevis.’ Art is long, life is short,” a statement read.

A funeral for Sakamoto was already held with only immediate family present.

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He was diagnosed with cancer twice

Sakamoto was diagnosed with cancer twice. After being diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in June 2014, he took a year-long break.

He made his return in 2015, feeling much better, but acknowledged that cancer could return at any time.

“Right now I’m good. I feel better. Much, much better. I feel energy inside, but you never know. The cancer might come back in three years, five years, maybe 10 years. Also the radiation makes your immune system really low. It means I’m very susceptible to another cancer in my body.”

In January 2021, he announced that he had been diagnosed with rectal cancer and was receiving treatment after a successful surgery. He stated that he would be living with cancer but hoped to continue making music for a while longer.

“From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.”

Short Bio of Ryuichi Sakamoto

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer, musician, and actor who was born on January 17, 1952, in Tokyo, Japan. He was a versatile artist who worked in a variety of genres, including electronic, classical, rock, and pop music.

The composer began his musical career in the late 1970s as a member of the electronic music group ‘Yellow Magic Orchestra’, which achieved great success both in Japan and worldwide.

In addition to his work with YMO, Sakamoto also composed music for films, television shows, and video games. Some of his most famous work includes the score for the film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” (1983), in which he also acted.

In addition, his score for the film “The Last Emperor” (1987), won him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with many international artists, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Brian Wilson. He was also a vocal advocate for environmental and social causes.

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