Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer, keyboardist and actor who changed modern music. Born in Tokyo in 1952, he learned piano at six and began composing at ten. As a student, he loved classical music, jazz and rock, and he studied electronic music at university. In 1978 he helped form Yellow Magic Orchestra, a band that used synthesizers to create exciting new sounds, influencing later styles such as techno, hip hop and dance music.

Sakamoto also worked alone. His albums used electronic instruments and mixed different traditions, showing that music can travel across the world and still feel fresh. He collaborated with many artists, meaning he worked with them to make music. He composed film scores too. For Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence he also acted, and for The Last Emperor he won an Academy Award. He later earned a BAFTA, a Grammy and Golden Globe Awards.

Sakamoto cared about more than fame. He supported environmental causes and believed artists should use their voices wisely.