Artist page · 05/07/2026
About
13 vinyl albums spanning ambient, electro, soundtrack, and classical genres with key releases from 1978 to 2024.
Ryūichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer and multi-instrumentalist whose 13 vinyl albums reflect a rich exploration of ambient, electro, soundtrack, and classical music. Starting his career in the 1970s, he co-founded Yellow Magic Orchestra, an influential electronic pop group. His solo works mix piano, electronic soundscapes, and classical elements, often used in film scores. His catalog includes landmark albums such as "Async," "Thousand Knives Of," and the Grammy-winning soundtrack for "The Last Emperor." He remained active until his passing in 2023, with releases like "Coda" in 2024 continuing his sonic legacy.
Collectors can find diverse pressings and editions of his works spanning labels such as Milan, Wewantsounds, and Sony Classical, in formats including LPs and double LP…
Playlist
The tracks that sum up 坂本龍一's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
A defining ambient album blending acoustic instruments and electronic textures representing a shift towards experimental sound.
Sakamoto's solo debut showcasing early electronic experimentation and classical influences establishing his signature style.
A recent classical-focused release continuing Sakamoto’s exploration of orchestral composition and modern classical forms.
Go further
Artists who share part of 坂本龍一's musical DNA.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
I never fall into easy solutions or lose myself in technology; my work remains rooted in a sensitive Eastern aesthetic.— Ryūichi Sakamoto
In 1983, Sakamoto composed and performed the soundtrack for the film 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,' marking his acting debut alongside David Bowie and launching a prolific film scoring career.
Sakamoto co-wrote and performed the soundtrack for 'The Last Emperor' in 1987, earning a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe, and extensive critical acclaim internationally.
In 1978, Sakamoto co-founded Yellow Magic Orchestra with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, pioneering electronic music in Japan and beyond.
He created a multimedia performance combining piano and computer art called 'Music plays X images play music' with Toshio Iwai, blending live instrumental and digital art.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Ryūichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer, pianist, and electronic musician known for his pioneering work in ambient, film scores, and experimental music.
Essential vinyl albums include 'Async,' 'Thousand Knives Of,' and 'Opus,' spanning ambient, electronic, and classical genres.
He started composing and playing music from a young age, studying composition at Tokyo University of the Arts and launching his career in the 1970s.
Labels include Milan Records, Wewantsounds, and Sony Classical, known for high-quality pressings of his albums.
Vinyl records by Sakamoto are available through specialized music stores and online marketplaces that feature Japanese and international vinyl releases.
Pressings vary by label, country, and edition, often including remasters, gatefold sleeves, 180g vinyl, and special limited editions.
He explored ambient, electronic, classical, musique concrète, and soundtrack genres with wide stylistic range and innovation.
Yes, he collaborated with international musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists, creating a diverse and innovative body of work.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
[title]
[message]Love it? Add to your wishlist
Your favorites, all in one place. Shop quickly and easily with the wishlist feature!
