Ryuichi Sakamoto Revived in Mixed Reality Space — "KAGAMI" to Premiere in Japan

"KAGAMI" is a work that captures Ryuichi Sakamoto's piano performance three-dimensionally and brings him back to life in a mixed reality (MR) space. This work is a project that Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tin Drum, led by Todd Eckert (production and visual production), created together over the last four years of Sakamoto's life. Since its world premiere at The Shed in New York in 2023, "KAGAMI" has been performed in various locations around the world, including London, Manchester, Taipei, Singapore, Melbourne, Italy, and Hong Kong, continuing to receive significant acclaim. Now, it is finally coming to Japan.

Viewers will wear special see-through headsets and witness a meticulously recreated image of Ryuichi Sakamoto through unique 3D imaging technology. His figure, seated at an iconic grand piano, will emerge in the space, accompanied by fantastical 3D visuals from Tin Drum that resonate with the music, exuding a presence so palpable that one might feel they could reach out and touch his white hair. Confronting his refined performance at a distance that would never be possible in a real concert—an unprecedented immersive experience awaits.

Furthermore, the venue will feature not only visuals, photographs, and text, but also a "scent" personally blended by Ryuichi Sakamoto. The entire space will gently open the visitor's senses.

The British newspaper The Guardian described the work as "A magical experience that many would not have been able to witness during his lifetime."

"KAGAMI," serene yet imbued with a deep resonance, is a quiet "mirror" reflecting Ryuichi Sakamoto's music.

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In reality, there is a virtual me.

The virtual me will not age and will continue to play the piano for years, decades, centuries.

Will humanity still exist then?

Will squid, the conquerors of Earth after humanity, listen?

What is a piano to them?

What is music?

Will empathy be possible?

Empathy spanning hundreds of thousands of years.

Ah, but the batteries won't last that long.

Ryuichi Sakamoto

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Ryuichi Sakamoto taught me "how to listen to the world."

In my sensitive teenage years spent in the harsh cities of America, I encountered his music. It was so beautiful, so poignant, and unlike anything I had ever heard before. It changed my concept of "possibility," both in art and in my outlook on life.

I am deeply grateful for the good fortune of knowing Ryuichi Sakamoto, and for being able to create a work that transcends the limits of life together, overcoming illness and global turmoil.

In "KAGAMI," he will continue to meet audiences eternally. This was our wish from the beginning, and as director, there is no greater honor.

Todd Eckert / Director & Producer of KAGAMI

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RYUICHI SAKAMOTO & TIN DRUM KAGAMI+

Dates:

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