Ryuichi Sakamoto

Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952–2023) was a Japanese musician, composer, and producer. A founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978, his solo work ranged from pioneering electronic pop through film scores — Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983), The Last Emperor (1987, Academy Award), The Revenant (2015) — to late-career ambient and avant-garde records including async (2017) and 12 (2023), completed while being treated for cancer. Engaged throughout his career with environmental politics and the intersection of technology and nature, he left one of the most diverse bodies of work in contemporary music.