Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952

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Biography

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese musician, composer, keyboardist, record producer, singer and actor. He pursued a diverse range of styles as a solo artist and as a member of the synth-based band Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). With his YMO bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, Sakamoto influenced and pioneered a number of electronic music genres. As a film score composer, Sakamoto won an Academy Award (Oscar), BAFTA, Grammy and two Golden Globe Awards.

Timeline

The story of Ryuichi Sakamoto, told in moments.

1978 Event

Co-founded Yellow Magic Orchestra with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. The synth-pop trio pioneered electronic music, sampling, and drum machine techniques that would shape hip hop, techno, and dance music for decades.

How did Yellow Magic Orchestra pioneer electronic music before anyone noticed? Was inventing techniques for hip-hop and techno intentional? Did you know those drum machines would change everything?

1983 Event

Acted in and composed the score for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence alongside David Bowie. The film's theme became an international hit. His first major film work opened a second career.

What was it like acting opposite David Bowie? Did the Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence theme surprise you as a hit? Was film scoring a second career or your true calling?

1988 Event

Won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for The Last Emperor, sharing it with David Byrne and Cong Su. First Japanese composer to win an Oscar. He also won a Grammy and a BAFTA for the same score.

How does it feel to be the first Japanese composer to win an Oscar? Was sharing the award with David Byrne surreal? Did three awards for one score feel like validation?