CmRyuichi Sakamoto is a Japanese composer, record producer, and actor best known as a member of the electronic pop band Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). He is well-known for his work in genres such as New Wave and Ambient. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) and The Last Emperor are two of his most successful films as a composer and actor (1987).

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Bio, Wiki and Quick Facts

What is the Net Worth of Ryuichi Sakamoto?

The estimated net worth of Ryuichi Sakamoto was to be around $68 million in 2023. He was able to earn this sum through his work as a composer and actor.

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Sakamoto’s Childhood and Early Life | Family, Parents and Siblings

Ryuichi Sakamoto was born on January 17, 1952, in Tokyo, Japan, to Kazuki Sakamoto (father) and Hiroko Sakamoto (mother) (mother). If he were still alive, he would be 71 years old. His horoscope was Capricorn, and he was born on January 17th. Ryuichi’s mother taught piano, and his father was a journalist and amateur pianist.

Ryichi’s father died when he was too young, so he was raised solely by his mother. Ryuichi was of mixed ethnicity and Japanese nationality. He was a devout Christian. In 1970, he enrolled in the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he earned both a BA and an MA in music composition and electronic music. There, he also studied ethnomusicology.

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Married Life | Who is his wife?

Ryuichi had married three times in his life, but two of them had failed. He married his first wife in 1972, but they divorced shortly after. Following that, he married Akiko Yano, a well-known Japanese pianist and singer. The couple even collaborated, worked together, and toured with the Yellow Magic Orchestra.

They married in 1982, but after 14 years of marriage, they divorced in August 2006. They made a joint decision to live apart. Ryuichi married his manager, Norika Sora, for the third time. They were living a happy life until he died.

Ryuichi Sakamoto is the father of four children.

Ryuichi was a good father to his four children. With his first wife, he had his first child. On May 1, 1980, Sakamoto and his second wife welcomed their daughter Miu Sakamoto. Miu is a popular Japanese pop singer.

He and his third wife were the proud parents of two adorable children.

Ryuichi Sakamoto diagnosed with Throat Cancer

In June 2014, Ryuichi was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. He even took a career break, but he retired in 2015. He stated that he was feeling much better and that he had regained some energy.

Ryuichi was diagnosed with cancer again in January 2021, and he announced the news on his official pages. He was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the time. He received treatment and underwent successful surgery.

Ryuichi Sakamoto dies at 71

He passed away on March 28, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 71. He died of cancer. Some reputable online resources reported his death, saying:

“We would like to share one of Sakamoto’s favorite quotes Ars longa, vita brevis.’ Art is long, life is short.”

Japanese Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Professional Career

• He was always interested in music and began composing at the age of eleven.
• Later, he and other Japanese musicians formed Yellow Magic Orchestra, an electronic pop band.
• In 1977, they began releasing albums such as Service, Naughty Boys, BGM, Technodelic, Technodon, and others.

• Ryuichi’s solo career began with his album The Thousand Knives.
• 12 Coda, Beauty, Heartbeat, BTTB, Playing the Piano, and many more are among his other solo albums.
• He was also an actor, appearing in films such as Merry Christmas and Mr. Lawrence.
• As a record producer, he worked with many musicians and producers from all over the world.

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Frequently Asked Questions

Was Ryuichi Sakamoto a political activist?

He was a member of the anti-nuclear group Stop Rokkasho. He also advocated against the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in 2015.

What is Ryuichi Sakamoto’s height?

Ryuichi stood at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed around 65 kilograms. His hair was grey due to his age, and his eyes were dark brown.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, did you win a Grammy?

Yes, Ryuivhi won a Grammy for his work on the soundtrack to Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film The Last Emperor. Not only that, but he also received an Oscar, a Grammy, and two Golden Globe Awards for his work.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, was he related to Kyu Sakamoto?

Ryuichi and Kyu were not related in any way. Despite the fact that they are both Japanese singers, they have nothing in common. Their surnames are the only thing they have in common.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, did you dedicate an album to his mother?

Ryuichi had, in fact, dedicated an album to his late mother. His 1996 album was dedicated to his mother, who died the same year.