On March 28, 2023, the incredibly talented Japanese composer and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto died at age 71 due to cancer. Sakamoto was a well-known and accomplished musician who won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and BAFTA for his work (Deadline).

The composer’s management team released this as part of their statement:

“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. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members.”

Perhaps Sakamoto’s most well-known film work is the score he composed for the 1987 hit film The Last Emperor, which he also acted in. The score won him an Academy Award, a Grammy, and Golden Globe.

In addition to his work as a solo artist, Sakamoto also helped form the group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) in 1978. The group had an influence on the techno-pop movement at the time.

According to his management, the funeral service will only be close family.