The autobiography of the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, titled Music Sets You Free: A Memoir, is scheduled for publication on September 22. The book arrives as a comprehensive, translated collection of the Japanese composer’s final reflections, produced with the full collaboration of his estate and management team.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, a pioneering force in electronic music and an Academy Award-winning film composer, died in March 2023 at the age of 71. His upcoming memoir, published by HarperVia, combines two previously released Japanese volumes: Music Makes You Free and How Many More Times Will I Watch the Full Moon Rise?
A Journey Through Life and Sound
The memoir is translated into English by Sam Bett, who has worked to capture the introspective nature of Sakamoto’s original writing. According to a statement released by HarperVia, the book traces the trajectory of the musician’s life, beginning with his earliest childhood encounters with the piano. It follows his rapid ascent to global fame as a founding member of the influential electronic group Yellow Magic Orchestra and covers his subsequent decades as a celebrated composer for cinema.
The narrative also addresses the composer’s later years, during which he navigated multiple cancer treatments and surgeries. The publisher describes the work as a “contemplative account” that reflects on mortality, the nature of sound, and the role of art in the face of illness. This focus on his final years provides readers with an intimate view of a musician who remained creatively active even as his health declined.
Estate Involvement and Advocacy
The release of the memoir follows a period of activity for the late composer’s estate, which has managed his legacy and intellectual property since his passing. In addition to the publication of his writing, the estate has taken formal positions on geopolitical issues, notably joining the “No Music For Genocide” campaign last year.
This initiative, which calls for a cultural boycott of Israel, resulted in the estate requesting that music labels remove Sakamoto’s catalog from digital streaming and download services available in Israel. According to a statement posted to the composer’s official Facebook page, the estate confirmed that they had “removed or issued formal requests to labels to remove his music from all DSP (streaming and download) services in Israel,” noting that the transition had already been implemented for much of the catalog.
Sakamoto, whose career spanned several decades, is perhaps best known to international audiences for his scores for films such as The Last Emperor, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, and The Revenant. His work was characterized by a constant experimentation with sound, blending classical training with electronic innovation.
Looking Ahead
Music Sets You Free: A Memoir is currently available for pre-order through various booksellers. Readers interested in the life and work of the composer can look for official updates regarding the publication through the HarperVia website.
As the September 22 release date approaches, fans and critics alike are expected to revisit the composer’s expansive discography and film contributions. Further details regarding potential commemorative events or related archive releases have not yet been announced by the estate. We invite readers to share their thoughts on Sakamoto’s lasting influence in the comments section below.