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Ryuichi Sakamoto

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Ryuichi Sakamoto (born January 17, 1952 in Tokyo, Japan; died March 28, 2023, in Tokyo) was a Japanese musician, composer and actor. Sakamoto studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he graduated with a BA in composition, and a Master's degree with special emphasis electronic and ethnic music. Sakamoto began his career in the mid 1970s, working as a composer, arranger and producer with some of Japan's most popular rock, jazz and classical artists. He released his first solo album in 1978 but came to fame as a member of Japanese synth-rock outfit Yellow Magic Orchestra with co-founders Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. He collaborated with David Sylvian on a number of singles and most of Sylvian's albums. He appeared in the 1983 Nagisa Oshima film Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence alongside British rock singer David Bowie; he also wrote the film's musical score. He won the Academy Award for his score to the 1987 Bernardo Bertolucci film The Last Emperor. He also wrote soundtracks for Pedro Almodovar's film High Heels, and Oliver Stone's Wild Palms. Sakamoto was married to Japanese pianist and singer Akiko Yano, collaborating with her on some of her recordings. He was also known as a critic of copyright law, saying it is antiquated in the information age.

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Ryuichi Sakamoto has released 100+ albums. Some of their notable releases include 天命の城(南漢山城/The Fortress) オリジナル・サウンドトラック, Playing The Baschet, The Best Of Tohoku Youth Orchestra 2013-2023. Explore their complete discography on this page.

Some of Ryuichi Sakamoto's most popular tracks include Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Bibo no Aozora, Amore, M.A.Y. in the Backyard, The Last Emperor. Listen to these songs and discover more from their extensive catalog.

Ryuichi Sakamoto (born January 17, 1952 in Tokyo, Japan; died March 28, 2023, in Tokyo) was a Japanese musician, composer and actor. Sakamoto studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and... Read the full biography on this page.

You can find Ryuichi Sakamoto vinyl records and merchandise on eBay. We feature a curated selection of vinyl releases and collectibles available for purchase.

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