Tracing back the steps of worldwide famous international artist Sakamoto Ryuichi as a musician

15.July.2016 | FEATURES / MUSIC

Sakamoto Ryuichi is an international musician who also goes by the name of “Teacher”. That title holds an array of different meanings for him, from songwriter to composer, music producer, pianist, as well as having published a plethora of books, being the art director for various arts festivals around the towns and cities, and being a member of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

After Sakamoto Ryuichi became the first Japanese person to win the Academy Award for Original Music Score for the 1987 film “The Last Emperor”, he became known as “The World of Sakamoto”. His international recognition is preeminent even in Japan, to the point where most people will most definitely know of him. Introducing and talking about the legendary musician is a task in itself since it covers a lot of ground, so we have compiled a short history of his work and activity within the sphere of music.

A short glimpse of “The World of Sakamoto” and his childhood
Sakamoto was born in 1952. He made his first song when he was only 10-years old titled “Usagi no Uta” which was based on his pet rabbit (usagi) he had at home. He began playing piano when he was in nursery. He was recommended a piano teacher at this time so he could learn how to write music. That person was Matsumoto Taminosuke, a music teacher at Tokyo University of the Arts. Sakamoto was such a fast learner that you could only be taken aback.

You might think that Sakamoto was absolutely addicted to music during his teens, but for a time he was absolutely crazy for sports during his middle-school days. Then in high-school, he threw himself into the Student Movement. All of these varied experiences form the base for all of his musical creations in the years to come.

His breakthrough in the Yellow Magic Orchestra and solo work on the side
Sakamoto, who had entered the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, was learning how to write music while absorbing himself in traditional music and electronic music. Then in 1978, while at the same university, he was invited by Hosono Haruomi to form the Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) together with Takahashi Yukihiro. In the same year, they released their first album titled “Yellow Magic Orchestra”.

They released their second album in 1979 titled “SOLID STATE SURVIVOR” which became a hit and went on to sell over 1 million copies. YMO became an instigator for the techno boom in the 80s where they performed spectacularly, but they lamentably broke up in 1983. They reformed again in 1993 and released another album titled “TECHNODON”. Even now, we don’t have to state just how much YMO’s music has continued to charm people.

But what we want to highlight is how Sakamoto’s 1978 solo album “Thousand Knives” was remastered and re-released in January of this year (2016). YMO had a hand in the album at the time of its original release, in which Sakmoto turned 26-years old during the same year. During this time, his desire to quest for electronic music and traditional music overflowed – he was in high spirits.

How Sakamoto led the Japanese culture scene with his diverse career
As a musician, Sakamoto Ryuichi delved into all kinds of music regardless of the genre, but the music that has had the most influence on other musicians is none other than the soundtrack he did for the 1983 film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”. The music is riddled in beautiful melodies and won a BAFTA.

Another enormously influential project for which Sakamoto was the co-ordinator for in 2010 is “commmons:schola”, which aims to provide a history of music. It serves as an encyclopedia aimed at all generations which compiles the diverse culture of world music from traditional to classical and rock. It has had a major influence on the music industry.

His term of serious illness to recovery, and now
The news of Sakamoto contracting cancer of the mesopharynx in July 2014 was a shocking time for all. In order to combat the illness he devoted himself to getting better by taking a break from his work. He made his comeback by providing the film soundtrack for “Haha to Kuraseba” on August 2nd, 2015. Moreover, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Score for the film “The Revenant” in which he and Alva Noto were in charge for the film’s score.

Sakamoto Ryuichi moved to New York in 1990 and continues to deliver a broad range of messages. He is currently 64-years old. He continues to have influence on the culture scene while firing off his overwhelming charisma.

 

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryuichisakamoto/

Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/skmt09?lang=ja
commmons: schola: http://www.commmons.com/schola/

 

Original Text: 石水典子(SHUTTER)

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    ■Information

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    Available: April 4th, 2017 to May 28th, 2017

    Closed on Mondays.

    Time: 11:00-19:00 (open until 21:00 every Wednesday)

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    Location: Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art

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