Pioneering electronic musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, has died at 71 after battling cancer.

The music industry and film world have both lost a true visionary with the recent passing of Ryuichi Sakamoto. Over the course of his illustrious career, Sakamoto pushed the boundaries of music composition and production, fearlessly blending electronic and traditional sounds to create truly unique and unforgettable works. His work as a film composer was equally exceptional, earning him accolades and critical acclaim for his contributions to some of the most iconic movies of the past few decades. As fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of this trailblazing artist, we take a moment to reflect on his amazing legacy and the tremendous impact he had on the world of music and cinema.


Ryuichi Sakamoto, an award-winning composer and member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 71. His death was reported on March 28, and was later confirmed by his official Twitter account. Sakamoto had been battling stage 4 cancer since announcing his diagnosis in June 2020, and had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and rectal cancer in 2021.
 
Sakamoto was a pivotal figure in the development of electronic music in Japan. He co-founded Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978, which combined pop, rock, and electronic music to create a unique sound. Alongside his work with the band, Sakamoto released numerous solo albums and composed music for films, including Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor,” for which he won an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Grammy. He was also a prominent environmental activist, and his 2020 album “async – Remodels” featured music made entirely from field recordings of environmental sounds.
 
Sakamoto’s death has provoked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the music community, with fellow composer Ryuichi Sakamoto calling him a “genius” and a “great man.” The official Twitter account for the band Radiohead also paid tribute, calling Sakamoto a “true artist.”
 
Sakamoto’s death is a loss not only for his fans but for the wider music community. His influence on electronic music cannot be overstated, and his legacy will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.