Stephen Nomura Schible - Ryuichi Sakamoto: coda

One of the most important artists of our era, Ryuichi Sakamoto has had a prolific career spanning over four decades, from techno-pop stardom to Oscarwinning film composer. The evolution of his music has coincided with his life journeys. Following Fukushima, Sakamoto became an iconic figure in Japan’s social movement against nuclear power. As Sakamoto returns to music following cancer, his haunting awareness of life crises leads to a resounding new masterpiece. Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda is an intimate portrait of both the artist and the man.

I wanted this film to explore how Ryuichi Sakamoto’s awareness of environmental, social and even his personal crises brought change to his musical expression. I had the title Coda in mind since the very beginning, as I wanted the film to land with a musical ending—with the birth of a new song. My hope is that those who journey with this film may find it to be like an opening of perception, allowing for a chance to imagine how Ryuichi Sakamoto hears the world, and to witness how he ultimately triumphs to find new musical expression in the end.