Ryuichi Sakamoto Dies: OscarWinning Composer Was 71

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At the age of 71, Ryuichi Sakamoto, a Japanese composer and producer, pioneer of electronic music, winner of Oscar, Grammy and BAFTA awards, died. He died of cancer on March 28, the BBC reported, citing confirmation from his office.

This is stated in the statement of the leadership of Sakamoto, the House of Commons. While undergoing treatment for cancer, diagnosed in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create work in his home studio when health permitted. "He lived music until the end. We want to say a big thank you to his fans and those who supported his activities, as well as to the doctors in Japan and the US who did their best to treat him. Thanks to Sakamoto's determination, a memorial service was held among his relatives.

Sakamoto was known for his solo work and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO).

His score for the 1987 film The Last Emperor won him an Oscar, a Grammy and a Golden Globe. He also starred in a film about the life of Pui, the last emperor of China. He also starred alongside David Bowie in the 1983 film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence .

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In 1978, Sakamoto formed the Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) with Harumi Hoson and Yukihiro Takahashi. Avant-garde keyboardists influenced techno-pop and later hip-hop.

Sakamoto began studying composition at the age of 10, inspired by the Beatles and Debussy.

“Asian music influenced Debussy a lot, and Debussy influenced me. So the music goes around the world and completes its circle," he said in 2010.

In 1992, Sakamoto composed music for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Barcelona.

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His resume includes scores for the ABC miniseries Oliver Stone's Wild Palms (1993) and Brian De Palma's Snake Eyes (1998). He also had his own hit on the Japanese pop chart in 1999 with the song "Energy Flow", which was used in a TV commercial for an energy drink. It became the first instrumental song to reach number one in Japan.

According to his management, it was Sakamoto's wish that only his family members were present at the memorial service.

Survivors include the daughter of Miu Sakamoto, a successful Japanese pop singer.

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Renowned composer and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto has died at the age of 71.