New York via Tokyo composer Ryuichi Sakamoto began his music career playing keys in the highly popular and influential electro J-pop band Yellow Magic Orchestra. After the band broke up in 1978, Sakamoto began releasing work as a solo artist and his first release included an impressive cast of collaborators, including David Byrne, Iggy Pop and David Sylvian. The avant-pop musician began to receive tremendous acclaim amongst other musicians and an American audience throughout the 80s and finally decided to work on film scores along with his experimental pop. After harnessing an Academy Award for The Last Emperor, Sakamoto tried his hand at acting and managed this with much success. He also is notable for winning the first ever MTV "Breakthrough Video Award" for his song with Iggy Pop "Risky," which revolved around a surrealist robot falling in love with one of Man Ray's Parisian models. Today, Sakamoto continues to release albums and perform to throngs of fans worldwide.
