Ryuichi Sakamoto, a Japanese musician, and composer widely regarded as one of the pioneers of electronic pop music, died at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by his management company, which released a statement saying that Sakamoto had passed away after a long battle with cancer.


Sakamoto first rose to prominence in the late 1970s as a member of the influential electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra. The group's fusion of traditional Japanese music with electronic pop sounds helped to establish the genre of "technopop" and influenced countless musicians in Japan and around the world.


In addition to his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto had a successful solo career as a composer and musician, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with artists such as David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Brian Wilson. He was also known for his film scores, which included the soundtracks for "The Last Emperor," "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," and "The Revenant," among others.


Sakamoto was widely respected for his experimentation with sound and his ability to blend different musical styles and genres. He was also known for his activism on environmental and political issues and was a vocal advocate for peace and human rights.


The news of Sakamoto's passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow musicians around the world. Many have praised his contributions to the world of music and his impact on the electronic pop genre, while others have remembered him as a tireless advocate for social justice and environmental causes.


Despite his passing, Ryuichi Sakamoto's legacy as a pioneering musician and composer will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.