Ryuichi Sakamoto is dead – Details on the cause of death

Film composer, musician, actor and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto is dead. He died last Tuesday (March 28) at the age of 71 as a result of cancer. This was announced by his management on Sunday (April 2nd). He had announced some time ago that he was in the final stages of colon cancer. Previously, he had already overcome throat cancer.

Sakamoto was one of Japan’s most famous musicians worldwide. Based on his early interest in jazz music, he became a major innovator of popular music in the 70s, somewhere between pop and classical. He founded the electropop trio Yellow Magic Orchestra and celebrated great success with the formation with songs like “Firecracker” and “Computer Game”. He later also collaborated with Madonna, David Sylvian, Iggy Pop and David Byrne (with whom he shared an Oscar for The Last Emperor soundtrack).

David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto

The film compositions by the Japanese were also influential. His best-known works include the scores for Desert Heaven, Little Buddha and The Revenant. He was also seen as an actor alongside David Bowie in the film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”.

Sakamoto was also an environmental protection and human rights activist. He fought for the rights of indigenous people and the preservation of nature. He fought against the use of nuclear weapons and worked with organizations like Greenpeace to raise awareness of environmental issues.

In January, Sakamoto released his last solo album. “12” is a confrontation with dwindling strength and the impending death of the musician.

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