Ryuichi Sakamoto, the groundbreaking musician, experimental composer and actor, has died at 71 after cancer recurrence
- Sakamoto died March 28 after announcing a rectal cancer diagnosis in 2021
- He rose to prominence as part of the Japanese trio Yellow Magic Orchestra
- Sakamoto went on to become an esteemed composer and an actor
Ryuichi Sakamoto, the acclaimed composer and former member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, has died at 71.
He leaves behind an expansive discography that includes early rock and synth-pop classics with his band Yellow Magic Orchestra — which also featured Haruomi Hosono and the late Yukihiro Takahasi — as well as numerous films scores for masterworks including Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, The Last Emperor and The Revenant.
Sakamoto died on Tuesday, March 28, though his death was not announced until Sunday on his website.
In 2021, the Japanese artist revealed that he had been diagnosed with rectal cancer and had undergone surgery to treat it.
‘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,’ the statement read, before revealing that a funeral had already been held for his close family members.
Musical giant: Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary Japanese composer, electronic musician and occasional actor, died on March 28 of cancer, his website revealed on Sunday; seen in 2018 in Berlin
In front of the camera: Sakamoto established himself as a master of films scores for movies including The Last Emperor, The Revenant and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (pictured), which he also acted in (L) with his friend David Bowie (R)
He had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, though he later shared that it had gone into remission even as a new cancer appeared.
His website’s statement announcing his death ended with one of the artist’s favorite quotations: ‘Ars longa, vita brevis,’ meaning, ‘Art is long, life is short.’
Sakamoto had also acted in films, including playing a Japanese soldier in Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, the classic Japanese film directed by Nagisa Ōshima.
He played the commander of a POW camp located in Japanese-controlled Java, while David Bowie and Tom Conti played prisoners of the camp.
Sakamoto also composed the film’s score, for which he was awarded a BAFTA.
Jack of all trades: He played the commander of a POW camp located in Japanese-controlled Java, while David Bowie and Tom Conti played prisoners of the camp. Sakamoto also composed the film’s score, for which he was awarded a BAFTA; seen with Bowie
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