Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence / Ryuichi Sakamoto - From Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2022

Ryuichi Sakamoto is an internationally renowned Japanese composer, musician and producer, born on 17 January 1952 in Tokyo, Japan. He is best known for his prolific career and significant contribution to contemporary, electronic and experimental music. His artistic career has spanned several decades and touched on a variety of musical genres, from classical music to electronic, pop and film music.

Sakamoto studied composition and electronic music at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he developed an early interest in sound experimentation. In the 1970s, he became a founding member of the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), which made a significant contribution to the emergence of electronic music and synthpop.

Beyond his work with YMO, Ryuichi Sakamoto has embarked on a successful solo career as a composer and performer. His compositions are often characterised by a fusion of musical styles, blending classical, electronic and traditional Japanese elements. His most famous works include "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" and "Risky," as well as his award-winning soundtrack for the film "The Last Emperor," which won him an Oscar in 1988.

Sakamoto is also a fervent supporter of the environment and human rights, and has used his fame to raise awareness of global issues, notably through his involvement in environmental protection initiatives.

Throughout his career, Ryuichi Sakamoto has been a major musical innovator, a pioneer of electronic music, and a versatile talent recognised the world over. His music has the ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, and his legacy lives on through his diverse discography and ongoing contribution to contemporary sound art.