English Edition of Ryuichi Sakamoto's Memoirs, 'Music Sets You Free' (Translated by Sam Bett), to be Published 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 English edition, titled 'Music Sets You Free,' will be published on September 22, 2026, by HarperVia in the US and William Collins in the UK. From behind-the-scenes creative stories and daily events to his battle with illness and his final days, the words of Ryuichi Sakamoto, 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 passion for music in his own words. It reflects on his life up to age 57, covering memories of his father—a legendary editor—his student activism, the frenzy of YMO, the struggles and glory of 'The Last Emperor,' the shock of the 9/11 attacks, and his continued dedication to creating music. 'How Many More Times Will I See the Full Moon?' documents his philosophy supporting his creative and social activities, his diverse cross-border work, his thoughts on family, living with cancer, and the world after he is gone. It is a book overflowing 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, Sam Bett is 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 top 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 'Summer Stories,' 'Heaven' (a 2022 International Booker Prize finalist), 'All the Lovers in the Night,' and many others. In 2025, his translation of Aki Wangya'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. He completed his master's degree at the 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 pursuit of innovative sounds. In film music, he won the BAFTA Award for 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,' and the Academy Award for Best Original Score and the Golden Globe Award for 'The Last Emperor,' among many others. He actively crossed into the art world with stage works like 'LIFE' and 'TIME,' and large-scale installations in 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.