What is the best Ryuichi Sakamoto album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Async" (2017). It's the most representative of what makes Ryuichi Sakamoto worth hearing.

What are the best Ryuichi Sakamoto albums?

The essential Ryuichi Sakamoto albums include "The Sheltering Sky", "SUNSHOWER" (1977), "Go Ahead!" (1978), "Thousand Knives" (1978) and "Tokyo Joe" (1978).

How many albums does Ryuichi Sakamoto have?

Ryuichi Sakamoto has 102 releases in their discography, including 63 albums and 7 EPs.

Photo: Joi Ito · CC BY 2.0

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Q: Who is Ryuichi Sakamoto for?

If you're into techno, Ryuichi Sakamoto is worth your time. Layered synths and acoustic elements intertwine with moments of stark silence, creating an atmosphere that oscillates between tension and release.

Layered synths and acoustic elements intertwine with moments of stark silence, creating an atmosphere that oscillates between tension and release.

techno

Japan

Read about Ryuichi Sakamoto on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Async (2017)

Presents a blend of electronic textures and acoustic elements, showcasing Sakamoto's innovative sound in a cohesive listening experience.

The song

“Forbidden Colours”

An engaging piece that highlights Sakamoto's signature style with its memorable melody and emotional depth, making it an excellent standalone introduction.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Summer Connection" — from SUNSHOWER (1977)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"LOVE CELEBRATION" — from Go Ahead! (1978)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"永遠のFULL MOON" — from MOONGLOW (1979)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"THE THEME FROM BIG WAVE" — from Big Wave (1984)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Open the Door" — from The Last Emperor (1987)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Heartbeat" — from Heartbeat (1992)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Ryuichi Sakamoto

Ryuichi Sakamoto matters for his profound influence on the landscape of modern music, merging elements of traditional Japanese sounds with avant-garde electronic innovation.

His work has not only shaped contemporary classical and electronic genres but also challenged listeners to engage with sound as a fluid medium, inviting a deeper emotional connection beyond mere melody. Sakamoto's approach is characterized by a relentless curiosity and an embrace of technology, blending organic instruments with synthesized textures. This fusion creates immersive soundscapes that often defy conventional structure, allowing the listener to experience music as a living entity rather than a static composition. His willingness to traverse various styles while remaining true to his artistic vision has set a precedent for future generations of musicians who seek to explore the boundaries of sound. Thematic explorations in Sakamoto's music frequently revolve around nature, human emotion, and social commentary, delivered through both introspective and expansive narratives. His writing often balances sincerity with a sense of irony, inviting listeners into contemplative spaces where personal reflection meets broader cultural observations. Sakamoto's storytelling is impressionistic, using tone and texture to evoke feelings rather than relying solely on lyrical narrative.

63 studio albums· 102 total releases· 4 decades· Japan