Ryûichi Sakamoto.

Graduating from Soshigaya Elementary School in 1964, Ryûichi Sakamoto began his education in Tokyo. He attended Chitose Middle School and Tokyo Metropolitan Shinjuku High School, graduating in 1970. His father, Kazuki Sakamoto, was a presence in his life. Sakamoto earned a degree in music composition from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1974 and a master’s degree from the same institution in 1976.

Sakamoto’s breakthrough came in 1983 when he composed the score and acted as Captain Yonoi in Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. In 1987, he won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for The Last Emperor, where he also played the character Amakasu. He co-founded the electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra YMO, and in 1999 directed a segment for Madonna’s video collection. He later scored The Revenant in 2015 and performed with his son Neo Sora in the documentary Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA 2017.

Sakamoto was married to Akiko Yano, with whom he had two children: Miu Sakamoto and Neo Sora. Known affectionately as Kyoju meaning professor in Japanese, he maintained a close relationship with his family. He died on March 28, 2023 in Tokyo after a battle with rectal cancer.

His Academy Award and BAFTA for The Last Emperor established him as a leading film composer. He received the title of Officer of Arts and Letters, the Order of Rio Branco, and Art Encouragement Prizes. His music still influences artists globally, and his final performance was captured in Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus 2023. He is most remembered for his score to Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and his pioneering electronic work with YMO.