The experimental composer and musician, who won a Grammy Award, Oscar and BAFTA for his film work, was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in 2021. His management, Commmons, said he passed away on Tuesday (March 28), confirming the news with a statement:
"While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow. He lived with music until the very end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto's strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members."
The Japanese star first came to prominence as a member of the synth-pop band Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978. They released seven albums in the span of five years, culminating with 'Service' in 1983.
By then, Sakamoto was a world-renowned composer and collaborator, and his first major film score was for 1983's BAFTA-winning Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, in which he also appeared as an actor alongside David Bowie.
He also won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on 1987's The Last Emperor with David Byrne and Cong Su, and achieved a Golden Globe nomination in 2015 for The Revenant.
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
