Re-release of 'Ryuichi Sakamoto: Tokyo Melody' Showcases the Musician's Intimate Performances

The documentary 'Ryuichi Sakamoto: Tokyo Melody' will be re-released in a restored 4K version in Taiwan. Often referred to by fans as a 'time capsule,' this film is set to debut on the big screen on June 13. Directed by American visual artist Elizabeth Lennard, the documentary captures Sakamoto’s life during the creation of his album 'Music Book' using 16mm film. Not only does it document his interactions with YMO members Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, but it also features precious footage of spontaneous performances with his second wife Akiko Yano at home, offering an intimate glimpse into the artist's life.
In the film, Sakamoto reflects on how he gained international attention for his role in the film 'The Prisoner' and learned to face the gaze of the public from David Bowie. Director Lennard recalls how Sakamoto observed Bowie’s composure under the limelight and incorporated that attitude into his own life. This commitment to 'being oneself' may have been the reason behind Sakamoto's move to New York, allowing him to escape the pressures of Japanese society and focus on creativity.
Lennard emphasizes, 'Staying true to who you want to be is crucial, and being able to live life that way is exceedingly rare.' Ryuichi Sakamoto is indeed one such rare artist.
The documentary also focuses on the cultural pulse of Japan in the 1980s, highlighted by the details of Yano's finger bandaged with a Band-Aid, showcasing their deep musical connection. The re-release of 'Ryuichi Sakamoto: Tokyo Melody' will give audiences a chance to witness young Sakamoto's determination to stay true to himself and seek balance in music and life.