On March 28, 2023, legendary Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away after a long struggle with cancer. In the years leading up to his death, Sakamoto could no longer perform live. Single concerts, not to mention sprawling global tours, were too taxing. Despite this, in late 2022, Sakamoto mustered all of his energy to leave the world with one final performance: a concert film, featuring just him and his piano.
Curated by Sakamoto himself and presented in his chosen order, the 20 pieces performed in the film wordlessly narrate his life through his music.
The selection spans his entire career, from his popstar Yellow Magic Orchestra period, to his magnificent Bertolucci film scores, to music from his meditative final album, 12.
Intimately filmed in a space he knew well, surrounded by his most trusted collaborators, Sakamoto bares his soul through his music, knowing this may be the last time that he can present his art.
A celebration of an artist’s life in the purest sense, Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is the definitive swan song of the beloved maestro.
The film premiers Friday, March 29, 2024 at The Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3.
