Ryuichi Sakamoto (坂本 龍一, January 17, 1952 – March 28, 2023) was a pioneering Japanese musician and composer, acclaimed for his innovative work both as a solo artist and as a founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra. Throughout his career, Sakamoto explored a wide range of styles, helping to shape the sound of electronic music and influencing genres such as electro, hip hop, and dance. He gained early recognition in the late 1970s and 1980s with groundbreaking albums like Thousand Knives and B-2 Unit. Sakamoto achieved international fame for his film scores, most notably winning an Academy Award for The Last Emperor. His work on films such as Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, The Sheltering Sky, and The Revenant further cemented his reputation. He also collaborated with prominent artists worldwide and composed music for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was honored by the French government with the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Sakamoto was celebrated not only for his artistry and innovation but also for his lasting impact on contemporary music.