Japanese media reported on the 2nd that Ryuichi Sakamoto, a world-renowned musician from Japan, passed away on the 28th of last month after a battle with rectal cancer. He is 71 years old. His agency reported the news of his passing on the same day, along with the phrase ‘art is long and life is short’ that Sakamoto liked during his lifetime.
On December 11 last year, Sakamoto held an online concert called “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2022” recorded at NHK Studio in Tokyo, and this stage became the last place to contact the audience.
Born in Tokyo in 1952, after graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, he formed the three-member Yellow Magic Orchestra and started his music career. In 1987, he became the first Asian of Asian descent to win the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for composing music, including the theme song “Rain” from the soundtrack of the movie “The Last Emperor.” He also made a connection with Korean cinema by taking on the soundtrack for the 2017 film ‘Namhansanseong’. He held several concerts in Korea and received a lot of love from domestic fans.
He also raised his voice on environmental and social issues. In August 2015, he took the microphone at a protest against a security bill promoted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In an interview with Dong-A Ilbo in June 2017, “(Korea and Japan) want to get rid of the border and become a free political and economic zone. Let’s spare no effort so that neighbors can get along well.”
Sakamoto was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in 2014 and the cancer returned in June 2020. The agency said, “Even though he was receiving cancer treatment, on days when his condition was good, he continued creative activities and was with music until the end. According to the will, only relatives will attend the funeral.”
Composer Yoo Hee-yeol had to step down last year after allegations of plagiarism were raised that the song he released was similar to Sakamoto’s song “Aqua.” At the time, Sakamoto said, “I think it is difficult for even experts to come up with a unified opinion on how to judge the line drawing (of plagiarism or not)” and “I was also influenced by Western music. Originality lies within oneself,” he said.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.