Ryuichi Sakamoto - CODA

Ryûichi Sakamoto is one of the most important artists of our time. In the late 70s, he invented Japanese techno-pop with the band Yellow Magic Orchestra and released his first albums as a solo artist between electronic, classical and world music. In the 80s and 90s, he composes legendary soundtracks for "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," "The Sky Over the Desert" and "Little Buddha." In 1987, he was awarded an Oscar for the film score for "The Last Emperor." Since the Fukushima nuclear disaster, he has been considered one of the spokesmen of the anti-nuclear movement in Japan.

Director Stephen Nomura Schible accompanied the composer with his camera from 2012 and created a touching portrait that, in addition to music, also deals with environmental issues and Sakamoto's serious cancer.

Image © Salzgeber & Co. Media Ltd.

Music in Japanese Film - An Inspiring Combination of Sound and Image

For almost all films, music is an essential component. A film's soundtrack underscores its atmosphere, and the title song or certain leitmotifs assigned to individual characters or storylines often create lasting memories.

This film series presents eight works created between 1985 and 2021 that are remarkable examples of the relationship between film and music.

The series opens with an anti-war drama in which a harp also plays a supporting role in terms of content (The Burmese Harp), followed by a drama and a comedy in which the composers were nominated or awarded in the "Best Music" category at the "Japanese Academy Awards" (The Movie Actress, Swing Girls). Two documentaries pay tribute to the eminent composer, pianist and music producer Sakamoto Ryûichi, who wrote legendary soundtracks and passed away on March 28, 2023. Another documentary describes the fate of a Jewish family of musicians who lived in Japan for a long time (The Sirota Family and the 20th Century). Rounding out the series are two anime: a story about the founder of Tsugaru Shamisen music (NITABOH, The Founder of Tsugaru Shamisen) and a rock musical about a gifted dancer set 600 years ago (Inu-Oh)