Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Visionary Approach to Cinematic Music

# Exploring the Art and Legacy of Ryuichi Sakamoto

Ryuichi Sakamoto was more than just a musician—he was an innovator who seamlessly blended technology, cinema, and sound into a singular artistic vision. Even after his passing, his influence continues to draw tremendous admiration, as demonstrated by the extensive crowds attending *Seeing Sound, Hearing Time*, a comprehensive exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.

## A Career that Redefined Sound

Sakamoto’s career spanned decades, beginning with his role in the pioneering electronic music group *Yellow Magic Orchestra* (YMO). With YMO, he helped shape the electronic and synth-pop sounds of the 1970s and 80s, influencing artists globally. However, he didn’t stop at music—his foray into film scoring earned him an Academy Award for *The Last Emperor* (1987), making him the first Japanese composer to win the Oscar for Best Original Score.

Beyond his success in film music, Sakamoto’s artistic pursuits explored the intersection of sound, imagery, and temporality—key themes that *Seeing Sound, Hearing Time* meticulously examines.

## The Exhibition: A Multisensory Experience

### **Collaborations that Elevate Expression**

Many of the installations in *Seeing Sound, Hearing Time* stem from collaborations, highlighting Sakamoto’s ability to work across disciplines. One notable piece is *TIME TIME* (2024), created in collaboration with artist Shiro Takatani. This immersive installation utilizes visuals of a classical *shō* player, whose shadow moves across screens, with reflections shimmering in water below.

Another striking work is *LIFE—fluid, invisible, inaudible…* (2007), a project with Takatani that projects historical and scientific imagery—including footage of J. Robert Oppenheimer discussing the Trinity nuclear test—through fog-filled, plexiglass water tanks, evoking the nonlinear textures of dreams. These works encapsulate Sakamoto’s deep engagement with the cinematic, where time and memory meld into one.

### **Cinema and Dreamlike Illusions**

Film undeniably played a crucial role in Sakamoto’s artistic exploration. *Seeing Sound* presents connections to his cinematic legacy through works like *async–first light* (2017), a video collaboration with Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul. This piece pairs Sakamoto’s music with lo-fi digital footage of everyday life, blending reality with dreamlike fluidity. The interplay between cinema and sound continues in *async–volume* (2023), where embedded iPhones and iPads offer “windows” into Sakamoto’s home studio, granting an intimate look at his creative space.

One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibition is *Music Plays Images X Images Play Music* (1996–97/2024), in which a holographic projection of Sakamoto sits at a piano while sound waves ripple outward, transforming the music into visible patterns. This digital resurrection echoes the great composer’s enduring presence—haunting, yet comforting.

### **A Deeply Personal Tribute**

Perhaps the most emotionally resonant element of the exhibition is the display of the tsunami-damaged piano that Sakamoto famously “tuned by nature.” This instrument, salvaged after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, holds profound symbolism. On the exhibition’s opening date, coinciding with the anniversary of the tragedy, visitors gathered to experience this piece, deeply moved by its connection to Sakamoto’s respect for both music and nature.

## An Enduring Influence

Although Sakamoto’s journey ended in 2023, his posthumous artistic presence remains powerful. *Seeing Sound, Hearing Time* does not merely celebrate a musician—it enshrines the legacy of a man who transformed how we perceive sound, time, and collaboration.

While not every work in the exhibition resonates uniformly—such as Carsten Nicolai’s *ENDO EXO* (2024), which some found overly sentimental—the response to the showcase underscores Sakamoto’s profound impact. Whether through the bowed heads of reflective visitors or the tearful faces of those touched by his compositions, his artistry continues to move and inspire.

As audiences leave the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, stepping out of the dream world Sakamoto constructed, one truth remains clear: his music and vision will continue to echo far beyond his lifetime.

### **Exhibition Details:**
**Ryuichi Sakamoto: Seeing Sound, Hearing Time**
📍 *Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo*
📅 *Through March 30, 2024*