English Edition of Ryuichi Sakamoto's Memoirs, 'Music Sets You Free' (Translated by Sam Bett), Combining 'Ongaku wa Jiyu ni Suru' and 'Boku wa Ato Nankai, Mangetsu wo Miru Darou,' to be Published in September 2026!

'Music Sets You Free,' which chronicles his life, and 'Boku wa Ato Nankai, Mangetsu wo Miru Darou' (How Many More Times Will I See the Full Moon?), which records his later years until his passing at age 71 on March 28, 2023, have been combined into a single volume. The US edition will be published by HarperVia and the UK edition by William Collins on September 22, 2026. Titled 'Music Sets You Free,' the book shares behind-the-scenes stories of his creative process, daily life, his battle with illness, and Ryuichi Sakamoto's final days. The words of a man who lived his life through music will now reach the world. US Edition: 'Music Sets You Free' (HarperVia)

'Ongaku wa Jiyu ni Suru' (Music Sets You Free) is his first autobiography, in which he vividly recounts his thoughts on music in his own words. It reflects on his life up to age 57, including memories of his father—a legendary editor—his involvement in student movements during high school, the frenzy of YMO, the struggles and glory of 'The Last Emperor,' the shock of the 9/11 attacks, and his continuous pursuit of music. 'Boku wa Ato Nankai, Mangetsu wo Miru Darou' documents his philosophy supporting his creative and social activities, his diverse cross-border work, his feelings for his family, living with cancer, and his thoughts on the world after he is gone. It is a book filled with Sakamoto's words, woven before 'that day' arrived, with the desire to leave his final footsteps for the future. Instead of an afterword by the late author, the end of the book includes a newly written manuscript by his close friend and confidant, Masafumi Suzuki, who served as the listener for his dictations. ■ About the Translator: Sam Bett Born in 1986, Sam Bett is a translator of Japanese literature. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with high honors in Japanese and English/American literature. In 2015, he won the Grand Prize at the 2nd JLPP Translation Competition. His translations include Osamu Dazai's 'Flowers of Buffoonery' and 'Beggar Student,' and Yukio Mishima's 'Star.' In collaboration with David Boyd, he has translated Mieko Kawakami's 'All the Lovers in the Night,' 'Heaven' (a 2022 International Booker Prize finalist), and 'Summer Story,' among many others. In 2025, his translation of Aki Shino's 'The Night of Baba Yaga' garnered attention for winning the CWA Dagger Award. He is also a recipient of the 2025 Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award. ■ About the Author: Ryuichi Sakamoto Born in Tokyo on January 17, 1952. He completed his master's degree at Tokyo University of the Arts. He made his solo debut in 1978 with 'Thousand Knives' and joined the formation of YMO the same year. After the band's dissolution in 1983, he released works such as 'Ongaku Zukan,' 'BEAUTY,' 'async,' and '12,' earning global acclaim for his innovative sound. His film scores won numerous awards, including a BAFTA for 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,' and an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy for 'The Last Emperor.' He actively crossed into the art world with stage works like 'LIFE' and 'TIME,' and large-scale installations in South Korea and China. He was deeply involved in environmental and peace issues, founding the forest conservation organization 'more trees' and the 'Tohoku Youth Orchestra' to support children in disaster-stricken areas. He passed away on March 28, 2023.