Ryuichi Sakamoto Wins Best Classical Album at MAJ2025
Posthumous honor for composer Ryuichi Sakamoto as his classical opus wins MAJ2025 prize
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Award Night Recognition
Late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has been honored posthumously at the 2025 Music Awards Japan, where his latest classical collection Opus was named Best Classical Album. In an Instagram post on March 28, his official management account @skmtgram celebrated the achievement: “Congratulations Ryuichi. We are proud of you.” The announcement was accompanied by photos of the trophy presentation at Tokyo’s Akasaka ACT Hall, where leading figures in Japan’s classical music community gathered to applaud his enduring impact.
The Music Awards Japan ceremony, now in its 30th year, recognizes outstanding work across genres. This year’s classical category drew entries from both veteran composers and emerging talents. But it was Sakamoto’s Opus—described by fans as a “meditative journey through sound”—that captivated the judges with its blend of orchestral textures and minimalist piano passages.
Opus: Behind The Album
Opus marks Sakamoto’s return to purely instrumental composition following his 2017 release Async. The album weaves piano, strings, and subtle electronic treatments into a seamless narrative. Sources close to the production note that Sakamoto completed much of the scoring before his death in March 2023, entrusting collaborator and longtime engineer Fernando Aponte to oversee final mixes.
According to the Instagram caption, the hashtag #opus confirmed the album’s official title. Reviews in classical journals praised its emotional clarity and the way it echoes Sakamoto’s earlier film scores for The Last Emperor (1987) and Tokyo Story (1983). He won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for his work on The Last Emperor, cementing his reputation as a composer who could bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Legacy And Lasting Impact
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s career spanned over four decades. He first rose to prominence in the late 1970s as a founding member of the influential Yellow Magic Orchestra, credited with pioneering electronic pop in Japan. His solo work then explored experimental ambient music, world rhythms, and orchestral composition. He composed countless film scores and collaborated with artists ranging from David Sylvian to Christian Fennesz.
On his Wikipedia page, Sakamoto is noted for blending classical training at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music with a passion for electronic innovation. His willingness to challenge genre boundaries inspired generations of composers and producers. Opus, recorded during a period of introspection, is seen by many as his artistic swan song.
Instagram Salutes And Reactions
Fans and fellow musicians took to social media immediately following the announcement. @skmtgram’s post—complete with images of the award and a simple caption reading “Congratulations Ryuichi. We are proud of you.”—garnered over 50,000 likes within 24 hours. Comments ranged from “A fitting tribute to a legend” to “His music lives on forever.”
One follower shared, “Opus moved me to tears. So glad it’s getting the recognition it deserves.” Another wrote, “Even in silence, Ryuichi’s voice is louder than ever.” The official post can be viewed here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7K_t2RFXu/.
Looking Ahead
While Sakamoto is no longer with us, his estate and the commmons label have confirmed future releases and projects. A remastered 4K edition of the documentary Tokyo Melody is scheduled to screen in Taiwan later this year, and digital reissues of Async and other landmark albums are in the works. His management team has pledged to keep his social media channels active, continuing to share news, anniversary editions, and rare archival recordings.
Through Opus and this latest accolade, Ryuichi Sakamoto’s legacy as a boundary-breaking composer remains firmly in the spotlight. His approach—melding classical sensibility with electronic experimentation—continues to shape modern music and will no doubt inspire listeners and creators for years to come.
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