Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952–2023) remains one of the most influential figures in modern music and film scoring. Born in Tokyo, he co-founded Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) in 1978, a group that helped pioneer electronic music, synth-pop, and techno sounds that later shaped global genres from house to hip-hop. As a solo artist, he blended classical piano, avant-garde experimentation, and Asian musical traditions in albums such as BTTB (1999) and async (2017).
His work in cinema brought him worldwide acclaim. Sakamoto composed (and sometimes acted in) scores for films including Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) with David Bowie, Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987) — for which he became the first Japanese composer to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score — The Sheltering Sky (1990), Little Buddha (1993), and Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s The Revenant (2015). He also earned a Grammy, multiple Golden Globes, and France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Beyond music, Sakamoto was a committed environmental and humanitarian activist. He spoke out against nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, supported indigenous rights, and collaborated on projects with figures ranging from the Dalai Lama to David Sylvian. His death from colorectal cancer on March 28, 2023, at age 71, prompted tributes across Japan and internationally, including exhibitions, documentaries (such as the Emmy-winning Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days), and ongoing live events.
The Sakamoto Library: Sharing the Books He Loved
Sakamoto was a passionate bibliophile. He once said his dream was to own a used bookstore, and in 2017 he began planning a project to share his personal book collection. After his passing, the initiative continued under the general incorporated association Sakamoto Library. On September 24, 2023, the Sakamoto Library opened in a discreet central Tokyo location as a small, reservation-only reading room.
Unlike a museum or exhibition, the space is designed for quiet, hands-on reading. Visitors sit with the actual books that once filled Sakamoto’s shelves — works on music, art, philosophy, literature, photography, and more that influenced his thinking and creativity. The collection reflects his wide-ranging curiosity: from technical volumes to poetry and cultural theory. The atmosphere prioritizes intimacy over display; many visitors note subtle traces like page folds or marginal notes that offer a personal glimpse into how he engaged with ideas.
The library is intentionally small and keeps its exact address private to preserve the peaceful, focused experience. It operates as a shared cultural space rather than a commercial attraction.
How to Visit the Sakamoto Library (Updated 2026 Information)
- Admission: ¥3,300 (tax included) + the cost of at least one drink.
- Session length: 180 minutes (3 hours).
- Student discount: From April 27, 2026, students with valid ID pay ¥2,300.
- Reservations: Fully booked in advance only. Bookings open monthly on the 28th at noon via the official Instagram (@sakamoto_library) or X account. Payment confirms the slot; once paid, you receive the exact address and instructions by email.
- Booking link: reserva.be/skmtlibrary (check official channels for the latest).
Each slot is for one person only. Cancellations are accepted until the day before; after that, the full fee applies. Reservations cannot be transferred or resold.
What to Expect and Rules to Follow
The library enforces a few simple guidelines to keep the space respectful and quiet:
- No photography of any kind (including book covers or spines).
- The address remains private — do not share location details.
- Bags are checked at the entrance; bring only essentials.
- Silence is required in the reading room. Step outside if you need to speak.
- Read one book at a time and return it carefully to its original spot.
- Order at least one drink (available inside).
- Wi-Fi and power outlets are provided. Original merchandise and select books are available for purchase.
- You may briefly leave and return within your 3-hour window.
These rules ensure the library stays an intimate, contemplative place rather than a tourist spot.
In an era of large-scale tributes and exhibitions, the Sakamoto Library offers something different: direct access to the printed ideas that helped shape one of Japan’s — and the world’s — most respected composers. For those who book a slot, it provides a rare chance to connect with Sakamoto’s intellectual world on his own terms.
