The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo prepares to unveil an unprecedented exhibition exploring the complex artistic legacy of Ryuichi Sakamoto. seeing sound, hearing time promises a comprehensive journey through the late composer's interdisciplinary work, blending sound, visual art, and spatial design.
Spanning multiple museum spaces—including the sunken terrace and courtyard—the exhibition represents the first extensive Japanese survey dedicated to Sakamoto's expansive creative universe. Visitors will encounter a carefully curated collection that interweaves his most celebrated pieces with previously unrealized conceptual works Sakamoto had envisioned before his death.
The exhibition's unique approach stems from Sakamoto's lifelong commitment to artistic exploration beyond traditional boundaries. Key collaborations with prominent artists amplify this vision, featuring works developed alongside Shiro Takatani, a long-time artistic partner, experimental media artist Daito Manabe, visual artist Carsten Nicolai, filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and other notable contemporary creators.
Sakamoto's trajectory defied simple categorization. As a musician, he emerged in the late 1970s with Yellow Magic Orchestra, fundamentally reshaping electronic music's landscape. His musical innovations extended across genres—from pop and ambient to classical and experimental compositions. Beyond music, he established himself as a film composer, earning international acclaim with scores for "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" and "The Last Emperor".
The exhibition meticulously traces Sakamoto's artistic evolution, highlighting not just his musical achievements but his broader cultural contributions. His environmental activism and commitment to addressing climate change through artistic expression will also be prominently featured, reflecting his belief in art as a medium for social discourse.
seeing sound, hearing time represents more than a retrospective; it's an immersive exploration of Sakamoto's philosophical approach to creativity. By integrating sound installations, visual projections, and interactive elements, the exhibition invites audiences to experience art as a multisensory conversation.
Scheduled from December 21, 2024, to March 30, 2025, the exhibition offers an opportunity to engage with Sakamoto's profound artistic legacy. Detailed information about tickets and visiting hours is available on the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo's website.
Location Details: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo 4-chōme-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0022, Japan
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.