English Edition of Ryuichi Sakamoto's Autobiographies, 'Music Sets You Free' (Translated by Sam Bett), Set for Publication in September 2026!

'Music Sets You Free,' which chronicles his life, and '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, will be 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 alongside music will now reach the world. US Edition: 'Music Sets You Free' (HarperVia)

'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. 'How Many More Times Will I See the Full Moon?' documents his philosophy supporting his creative and social activism, his diverse cross-border activities, his thoughts on family, living with cancer, and 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 footprints for the future. Instead of an afterword by the late author, the book includes a newly written manuscript by his close friend and confidant, Masafumi Suzuki, who served as the interviewer for the oral dictation. ■ Translator Introduction: Sam Bett Born in 1986. A translator of Japanese literature. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with high honors in Japanese and English 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' (shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize), 'Summer Stories,' and many others. In 2025, his translation of Akari Ogi's 'The Night of Baba Yaga' gained attention for winning the Crime Writers' Association Dagger Award. He is also a recipient of the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award (Reiwa 7). ■ Author Introduction: Ryuichi Sakamoto Born in Tokyo on January 17, 1952. 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 'Music Plans,' 'BEAUTY,' 'async,' and '12,' earning global acclaim for his innovative sound. His film scores include 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' (BAFTA Award) and 'The Last Emperor' (Academy Award for Best Original Score, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy Award). He actively crossed into the art world with stage works like 'LIFE' and 'TIME,' and large-scale installations in Korea and China. He was a vocal advocate for environmental and peace issues, founding the forest conservation organization 'more trees' and establishing the 'Tohoku Youth Orchestra' to support children in disaster-stricken areas. He passed away on March 28, 2023.