Acclaimed music composer Ryuichi Sakamoto died on March 28. He was 71. Sakamoto was diagnosed with rectal cancer in June 2020, but continued musical activities at his home studio while undergoing treatment. His family already held a funeral service.

Sakamoto was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in June 2014. He overcame the illness and returned to work the following August.

Sakamoto was born in Tokyo in January 1952. After finishing his studies at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, he formed the band Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi in 1978. He also began his solo career in the same year with the album Thousand Knives. Both of his projects received international acclaim over the years. His latest solo album, 12, was released this year on his birthday, January 17.

Sakamoto also composed anime soundtracks for Ouritsu Uchuugun: Honneamise no Tsubasa (Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise) and Annyeong, Tyrano: Yeong-wonhi, Hamkke (My TYRANO: Together, Forever), as well as the opening theme songs for Nihon Chinbotsu 2020 (Japan Sinks: 2020) and Appleseed Saga Ex Machina as HASYMO. He more recently composed music for the Netflix original anime Exception.

His songs from YMO and solo career has also been used in Maria†Holic, Shinya! Tensai Bakabon (Late night! The Genius Bakabon), the third Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution (Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution) movie, and the new Urusei Yatsura anime series.

Sakamoto won Best Film Music for Senjou no Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence) at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in 1983. He also won an Academy Award, Grammy, and Golden Globe for the soundtrack of The Last Emperor, and another Golden Globe for the Best Original Score for The Sheltering Sky.

Source: Oricon Music, Music Natalie