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音樂使人自由
國際知名音樂家坂本龍一第一部正式自傳。
親身敘述，57年的大半人生，不斷迴盪在生命中的音樂。
小時候，我就感到非常納悶，人怎麼會知道自己「將來要做什麼」。——坂本龍一
坂本龍一親口描述自己的人生與音樂，從幼稚園的首次作曲體驗、對於嚴父的記憶、高中罷課、YMO的狂放歲月、《末代皇帝》的幕後花絮與榮耀、九一一恐怖攻擊事件的衝擊，以及全新音樂的成形經過。
全書選錄自歷時2年又2個月的長篇專訪。
坂本龍一的首部口述自傳。
『國小的時候，我迷上了巴哈的音樂，接著又陸續喜歡上貝多芬、德布西，以及所謂的現代音樂，感覺像是一路跟著時代變遷，聽著這些西洋音樂；而到了六○年代快要結束時，我逐漸愛上了與我出現在同一個時代的音樂。西洋音樂的歷史與我個人的生涯相互交錯，赫然發覺自己與作曲家身處在相同的時間中。這也代表著，我自己與這些音樂家感受到的問題能夠達成一致了。
這個時候已經接近高中生活的尾聲，我當時正投身於學生運動，試圖瓦解學校與社會的制度，而同時代的作曲家也正運用極端的形式，力圖打破現有的音樂制度與結構。當時，我一直在思考著，西洋音樂已經發展到了極致，我們必須從傳統音樂的束縛中，讓聽覺獲得解放。那個時候正是「解構的年代」。』——坂本龍一
坂本龍一在敘述自身的過往時，雖是本著個人的記憶，但字裡行間讀者仍可深刻感受到交織其每段人生的音樂和歷史氛圍，如六○年代末曾經歷日本國內的學潮與左派抗爭，西洋音樂的解構與變革，目睹911的恐怖攻擊，以及地球所遭受的前所未有的破壞，凡此種種都帶給作者帶來人文的省思，也促使他近年來積極以音樂投入環境保護和推動世界和平等工作。
※本書附有許多珍貴的作者個人照片，讓讀者可更親近了解坂本龍一的成長歷程。
親身敘述，57年的大半人生，不斷迴盪在生命中的音樂。
小時候，我就感到非常納悶，人怎麼會知道自己「將來要做什麼」。——坂本龍一
坂本龍一親口描述自己的人生與音樂，從幼稚園的首次作曲體驗、對於嚴父的記憶、高中罷課、YMO的狂放歲月、《末代皇帝》的幕後花絮與榮耀、九一一恐怖攻擊事件的衝擊，以及全新音樂的成形經過。
全書選錄自歷時2年又2個月的長篇專訪。
坂本龍一的首部口述自傳。
『國小的時候，我迷上了巴哈的音樂，接著又陸續喜歡上貝多芬、德布西，以及所謂的現代音樂，感覺像是一路跟著時代變遷，聽著這些西洋音樂；而到了六○年代快要結束時，我逐漸愛上了與我出現在同一個時代的音樂。西洋音樂的歷史與我個人的生涯相互交錯，赫然發覺自己與作曲家身處在相同的時間中。這也代表著，我自己與這些音樂家感受到的問題能夠達成一致了。
這個時候已經接近高中生活的尾聲，我當時正投身於學生運動，試圖瓦解學校與社會的制度，而同時代的作曲家也正運用極端的形式，力圖打破現有的音樂制度與結構。當時，我一直在思考著，西洋音樂已經發展到了極致，我們必須從傳統音樂的束縛中，讓聽覺獲得解放。那個時候正是「解構的年代」。』——坂本龍一
坂本龍一在敘述自身的過往時，雖是本著個人的記憶，但字裡行間讀者仍可深刻感受到交織其每段人生的音樂和歷史氛圍，如六○年代末曾經歷日本國內的學潮與左派抗爭，西洋音樂的解構與變革，目睹911的恐怖攻擊，以及地球所遭受的前所未有的破壞，凡此種種都帶給作者帶來人文的省思，也促使他近年來積極以音樂投入環境保護和推動世界和平等工作。
※本書附有許多珍貴的作者個人照片，讓讀者可更親近了解坂本龍一的成長歷程。
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2009
About the author
Ryuichi Sakamoto
51 books25 followersRyuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer, record producer, and actor who pursued a diverse range of styles as a solo artist and as a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra. With his bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, Sakamoto influenced and pioneered a number of electronic music genres. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 13, 2026
thoughts, later
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for an advance copy of this memoir by a gifted artist, a composer, a creator of soundtracks, a person ahead of his time in many ways, about his life, his work, and living his last years in art and grace.
I love music and regret that I never really learned how to read music, nor play an instrument. In I think middle school my parents let me sign up for band, but I later learned this was more of a scam than anything else. Parents paid in advance for instruments, and kids would leave after a week or two, a couple of hundred bucks wasted. At least in my case. My instrument was clarinet, no idea why I would pick it, maybe because my dad liked jazz. Nothing has stayed with me, just something about reeds. I wish I had continued especially since music became so important to me and mental health later on. Music has helped me deal with life. For Ryuichi Sakamoto it gave him life, made him want to stay in life, and at end of his life, gave him comfort and clarity. All of which is told in this really wonderful book. Music Sets You Free by Ryuichi Sakamoto is a biography told in two parts, of life and learning about music, and facing the end, the many gifts that music gave Sakamoto, a clarity that few get.
Ryuichi Sakamoto was born in 1952, in Japan, that was dealing with the consequences following the war. Sakamoto's parents both worked, his father as an editor to many author who later became famous, and his mother as a hat designer. Sakamoto was pretty much alone in the world. Making his own meals in kindergarten, traveling by bus to a school across Tokyo. While he had friends in school, at home he spent much of his time playing by himself or watching TV. Something which carried over into his later life. Music was something he came to care about, taking lessons from a television star and appearing on her show. Music gave him a future, one he never really thought about, and everything he did, schooling, work, even family was for the music. Sakamoto created the electronic band YMO, which was influential, giving them a wider audience than most Japanese bands, letting him work with artists all over the spectrum. In addition Sakamoto began to do movie soundtracks, and act in some films. Life was going well, until in the early 2000's Sakamoto was told he had cancer, which even with treatment soon spread throughout his body.
A book that is about a life in music, more than about the music. If one is looking for studio tales, or equipment lists, or even where song ideas came from, Sakamoto really doesn't share much. The book is a combination of a biography, published in 2009, and later articles dealing with cancer and eventual passing. The first bit is a little cold and removed. There are marriages, separations, acclaim, albums made, but not much is discussed about them. Feelings about music are discussed, but there are no stories about their creation. This is more of a mediation on life. The book really picks up after the cancer diagnosis, where Sakamoto really looks at his life, his influences, and all the works that he is afraid will be undone. The writing here is warmer more of a look back, and an understanding about everything that he has gone through.
I enjoyed this quite a bit, the stories about Japan in the 60's and 70's were interesting, and Sakamoto lived a very Zelig-like existence, crossing paths with writers, future politicians, and other musicians. Talking about his illness though was really warm, inspiring, sad, and life affirming. Much more than I expected. A very interesting book by a gifted artist, one who came to appreciate his gifts later in life, and one who came to a better understanding of who he was.
I love music and regret that I never really learned how to read music, nor play an instrument. In I think middle school my parents let me sign up for band, but I later learned this was more of a scam than anything else. Parents paid in advance for instruments, and kids would leave after a week or two, a couple of hundred bucks wasted. At least in my case. My instrument was clarinet, no idea why I would pick it, maybe because my dad liked jazz. Nothing has stayed with me, just something about reeds. I wish I had continued especially since music became so important to me and mental health later on. Music has helped me deal with life. For Ryuichi Sakamoto it gave him life, made him want to stay in life, and at end of his life, gave him comfort and clarity. All of which is told in this really wonderful book. Music Sets You Free by Ryuichi Sakamoto is a biography told in two parts, of life and learning about music, and facing the end, the many gifts that music gave Sakamoto, a clarity that few get.
Ryuichi Sakamoto was born in 1952, in Japan, that was dealing with the consequences following the war. Sakamoto's parents both worked, his father as an editor to many author who later became famous, and his mother as a hat designer. Sakamoto was pretty much alone in the world. Making his own meals in kindergarten, traveling by bus to a school across Tokyo. While he had friends in school, at home he spent much of his time playing by himself or watching TV. Something which carried over into his later life. Music was something he came to care about, taking lessons from a television star and appearing on her show. Music gave him a future, one he never really thought about, and everything he did, schooling, work, even family was for the music. Sakamoto created the electronic band YMO, which was influential, giving them a wider audience than most Japanese bands, letting him work with artists all over the spectrum. In addition Sakamoto began to do movie soundtracks, and act in some films. Life was going well, until in the early 2000's Sakamoto was told he had cancer, which even with treatment soon spread throughout his body.
A book that is about a life in music, more than about the music. If one is looking for studio tales, or equipment lists, or even where song ideas came from, Sakamoto really doesn't share much. The book is a combination of a biography, published in 2009, and later articles dealing with cancer and eventual passing. The first bit is a little cold and removed. There are marriages, separations, acclaim, albums made, but not much is discussed about them. Feelings about music are discussed, but there are no stories about their creation. This is more of a mediation on life. The book really picks up after the cancer diagnosis, where Sakamoto really looks at his life, his influences, and all the works that he is afraid will be undone. The writing here is warmer more of a look back, and an understanding about everything that he has gone through.
I enjoyed this quite a bit, the stories about Japan in the 60's and 70's were interesting, and Sakamoto lived a very Zelig-like existence, crossing paths with writers, future politicians, and other musicians. Talking about his illness though was really warm, inspiring, sad, and life affirming. Much more than I expected. A very interesting book by a gifted artist, one who came to appreciate his gifts later in life, and one who came to a better understanding of who he was.
December 23, 2022
probablemente uno de los seres humanos más interesantes que ha existido
September 30, 2026
I've been a fan of Sakamoto for as long as I can remember. His work is foundational to just about everything I've ever made, and yet it's not until this year that I've actually sat down and listened through to all of his records. It's been a wonderful, inspiring, eye-opening experience, spurred on by an impulsive viewing of Tokyo Melody earlier this year, followed by Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence a day or two later. The latter is the one that prompted my girlfriend to start diving into both his and Oshima's bodies of work for the first time, and it's been amazing to re-experience this foundational figure along with her as we've both let this obsession take us over in the last few months.
All of this to say that the release of this english translation could not have come at a better time, and the fact that it was accompanied by a wave of screenings around NYC, of movies either soundtracked by or about him, has made the experience all the more special. I was able to get an advance copy of this at one such screening. I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and the little bite-sized pieces of this have made a perfect treat for my long commutes, usually accompanied by whatever album he most recently mentioned. This is one of the joys of the book: using it as a curated playlist, reading him talk about the effect of Debussy, or Riley, and listening alongside him.
Anything beyond that is hard to speak on. I cried a lot reading this, and those emotions are both universal and very personal and I can't think of much to say about them other than that I miss this man I never knew so so much, and reading about all that he gave us and all that he still wanted to give broke my heart and made me want to create and create and create for as long as I am able.
ars longa, vita brevis
All of this to say that the release of this english translation could not have come at a better time, and the fact that it was accompanied by a wave of screenings around NYC, of movies either soundtracked by or about him, has made the experience all the more special. I was able to get an advance copy of this at one such screening. I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and the little bite-sized pieces of this have made a perfect treat for my long commutes, usually accompanied by whatever album he most recently mentioned. This is one of the joys of the book: using it as a curated playlist, reading him talk about the effect of Debussy, or Riley, and listening alongside him.
Anything beyond that is hard to speak on. I cried a lot reading this, and those emotions are both universal and very personal and I can't think of much to say about them other than that I miss this man I never knew so so much, and reading about all that he gave us and all that he still wanted to give broke my heart and made me want to create and create and create for as long as I am able.
ars longa, vita brevis
February 10, 2022
YMO 音樂對我來說有點 city pop 混一點 jazz fusion
坂本龍一也滿多有趣的創作
雖然理想的體驗是看完這本書再看紀錄片《坂本龍一 終章》，反過來卻有找尋彩蛋的驚喜
音樂讓創作者和聽眾能自由交流，能得到的迴響卻來自本身的心態和歷練，全共鬥也許造成日本民眾對政治的冷漠，但反動卻以不同形式殖入人心，當時高中的坂本龍一更混了一些中二，卻也是之後創作的涵養
書中敘述與柄谷行人交好應該是80-90年代左右彼此都建立名聲後吧
傳記有種私小說型式，知識量也滿多的
坂本龍一也滿多有趣的創作
雖然理想的體驗是看完這本書再看紀錄片《坂本龍一 終章》，反過來卻有找尋彩蛋的驚喜
音樂讓創作者和聽眾能自由交流，能得到的迴響卻來自本身的心態和歷練，全共鬥也許造成日本民眾對政治的冷漠，但反動卻以不同形式殖入人心，當時高中的坂本龍一更混了一些中二，卻也是之後創作的涵養
書中敘述與柄谷行人交好應該是80-90年代左右彼此都建立名聲後吧
傳記有種私小說型式，知識量也滿多的
October 19, 2026
“How many more times will I watch the full moon rise?”
Ryuichi Sakamoto is an artist I’ve put on a pedestal for a long time; someone I’ve been enamored with because I see so much of myself in him. Maybe more importantly, someone I aspire to be like one day.
Like many, I was first introduced to Sakamoto through his soundtrack for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. From there, I dove deep into his discography, interviews, documentaries, and just about any form of Sakamoto media I could consume. That curiosity eventually led me to explore the work of his collaborators and contemporaries, from his Yellow Magic Orchestra bandmates Yukihiro Takahashi and Haruomi Hosono to David Sylvian, Alva Noto, and beyond. When I learned that his memoir was being released, I made a trip to my local bookstore the day it came out.
I spent that entire afternoon discovering a side of Sakamoto I had never known, tracing his life from his early childhood and college years to the formation of YMO and the decades of creative exploration that followed.
What intrigued me most was just how multifaceted he was as an artist. He cites Debussy as an influence, but speaks with equal enthusiasm about Jean-Luc Godard, Kraftwerk, and even artists of my own generation, like Oneohtrix Point Never and Flying Lotus. His curiosity seemed boundless, never confined to a particular discipline, genre, or generation. He lived fearlessly, created until the very end, and continually found ways to give back.
I had always known Sakamoto was vocal in his opposition to nuclear power in Japan, but I came away with an even deeper respect for him after reading about his efforts to support the Tōhoku region following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Having family members who were affected, and having seen firsthand some of the towns that were devastated, this part of his story felt especially personal. Learning that Sakamoto regularly traveled to the region, spoke with local politicians, contributed financially to recovery efforts, and even helped lead the Tōhoku Youth Orchestra was very moving.
I finished this book with an even greater admiration for someone I already held in such high regard. Beyond his extraordinary body of work, it was his curiosity, generosity, and commitment to the things he believed in that stayed with me most.
Hands down, one of my favorite artists 🌙
Ryuichi Sakamoto is an artist I’ve put on a pedestal for a long time; someone I’ve been enamored with because I see so much of myself in him. Maybe more importantly, someone I aspire to be like one day.
Like many, I was first introduced to Sakamoto through his soundtrack for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. From there, I dove deep into his discography, interviews, documentaries, and just about any form of Sakamoto media I could consume. That curiosity eventually led me to explore the work of his collaborators and contemporaries, from his Yellow Magic Orchestra bandmates Yukihiro Takahashi and Haruomi Hosono to David Sylvian, Alva Noto, and beyond. When I learned that his memoir was being released, I made a trip to my local bookstore the day it came out.
I spent that entire afternoon discovering a side of Sakamoto I had never known, tracing his life from his early childhood and college years to the formation of YMO and the decades of creative exploration that followed.
What intrigued me most was just how multifaceted he was as an artist. He cites Debussy as an influence, but speaks with equal enthusiasm about Jean-Luc Godard, Kraftwerk, and even artists of my own generation, like Oneohtrix Point Never and Flying Lotus. His curiosity seemed boundless, never confined to a particular discipline, genre, or generation. He lived fearlessly, created until the very end, and continually found ways to give back.
I had always known Sakamoto was vocal in his opposition to nuclear power in Japan, but I came away with an even deeper respect for him after reading about his efforts to support the Tōhoku region following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Having family members who were affected, and having seen firsthand some of the towns that were devastated, this part of his story felt especially personal. Learning that Sakamoto regularly traveled to the region, spoke with local politicians, contributed financially to recovery efforts, and even helped lead the Tōhoku Youth Orchestra was very moving.
I finished this book with an even greater admiration for someone I already held in such high regard. Beyond his extraordinary body of work, it was his curiosity, generosity, and commitment to the things he believed in that stayed with me most.
Hands down, one of my favorite artists 🌙
December 17, 2022
閱畢，明天就是Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2022的日子了。
大家都說這或許是最後一次聽他的演奏會。
大家都說這或許是最後一次聽他的演奏會。
April 27, 2023
光是註釋就能讓人看好久的一本書⋯提及了很多20世紀具影響力的音樂家，喜歡近代音樂，乃至古典樂、現代歌曲，只要接觸過這些音樂的人應該都對這本書多少有些共鳴。書裡也可以看到坂本龍一作品和他身處環境的關聯，雖然他謙虛說道自己是很懶惰、被動地做著有關社會的曲子，但他的創作和關懷議題的連結性很強，透過音樂傳達某些呼喊的這種感覺我很喜歡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2026
A really beautiful insight into the mind and life of one of my favourite musicians. While the first half of the memoir was written and originally published while Sakamoto was alive, reading them both now in the context of his passing a few years ago lends to a really exhausting but worthwhile experience. For me, personally, living with the looming shadow of cancer over my mother earlier this year - this book pierced me in ways both expected and unexpected.
It's also an inspiring read. Hearing someone who I've long put on a pedestal for being a musical genius talk about their tastes, methods and audible affinities in such frank and normal terms is heartening. As we all know - I'm no genius myself.
I had a feeling going in that this would make me emotional and it did. But where I thought I'd be sad upon completing my read, I actually feel quite hopeful.
It's also an inspiring read. Hearing someone who I've long put on a pedestal for being a musical genius talk about their tastes, methods and audible affinities in such frank and normal terms is heartening. As we all know - I'm no genius myself.
I had a feeling going in that this would make me emotional and it did. But where I thought I'd be sad upon completing my read, I actually feel quite hopeful.
Read
October 26, 2026Ryuichi Sakamoto used to have all nighters playing mahjong with Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki and that means a lot to me
Wonderful memoir of a truly great artist and human
Wonderful memoir of a truly great artist and human
October 9, 2026
As a musician and poet I loved this book. Sakamoto was a modern day da Vinci, at least in the musical sense. It’s rare to find someone with the resume of this man, and I found it inspirational.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Did I know anything about Ryuichi Sakamoto going in? No. Did I enjoy my time learning about his life? Most definitely.
Music Sets You Free is broken into multiple parts. The first bit is kind’ve a history of Sakamoto’s life, while the back half is post-cancer diagnosis and features a lot of commentary and nostalgia.
I thought that learning about Sakamoto’s life was very interesting, and was kind’ve surprised by the very matter-of-fact tone. There is not a ton of emotional commentary (i.e. he gets married, and thats pretty much the extent of the sentence on that), but there is a fair amount of commentary on music and film and how he came to be in both fields throughout his life (which, I guess duh).
Then we get to the second part of the book, titled How Many More Times Will I Watch the Full Moon RIse? Which I feel like really sets the tone well for how reflective this part of the book becomes. The commentary on cancer and all of the very complicated emotions and frustrations that come with that diagnosis (twice!) were captured really well. I also thought that hearing his thoughts on terrorism from 9/11 and nuclear power from Fukushima was incredibly interesting. Hearing how heavy topics are processed is not something this book shies away from, and I think it touches on a lot of different heavy grief topics really well.
I loved hearing about the music scene in Japan, Sakamoto’s life in Japan and all around the world, and just general music comments. And then to get the second part really filled everything out, especially the continued commentary on 9/11 and the story of Sakamoto’s connection with Fukushima. The image of the Tsunami Piano is famous for a reason, and that section of the book was probably my favorite to read about.
If you are looking for a book from one of the greats in the music industry, that covers both his life, as well as his loves, losses, and everything in between, this one is for you.
Thank you so much to HarperVia, NetGalley, and Ryuichi Sakamoto-san for the eARC of this book.
Music Sets You Free is broken into multiple parts. The first bit is kind’ve a history of Sakamoto’s life, while the back half is post-cancer diagnosis and features a lot of commentary and nostalgia.
I thought that learning about Sakamoto’s life was very interesting, and was kind’ve surprised by the very matter-of-fact tone. There is not a ton of emotional commentary (i.e. he gets married, and thats pretty much the extent of the sentence on that), but there is a fair amount of commentary on music and film and how he came to be in both fields throughout his life (which, I guess duh).
Then we get to the second part of the book, titled How Many More Times Will I Watch the Full Moon RIse? Which I feel like really sets the tone well for how reflective this part of the book becomes. The commentary on cancer and all of the very complicated emotions and frustrations that come with that diagnosis (twice!) were captured really well. I also thought that hearing his thoughts on terrorism from 9/11 and nuclear power from Fukushima was incredibly interesting. Hearing how heavy topics are processed is not something this book shies away from, and I think it touches on a lot of different heavy grief topics really well.
I loved hearing about the music scene in Japan, Sakamoto’s life in Japan and all around the world, and just general music comments. And then to get the second part really filled everything out, especially the continued commentary on 9/11 and the story of Sakamoto’s connection with Fukushima. The image of the Tsunami Piano is famous for a reason, and that section of the book was probably my favorite to read about.
If you are looking for a book from one of the greats in the music industry, that covers both his life, as well as his loves, losses, and everything in between, this one is for you.
Thank you so much to HarperVia, NetGalley, and Ryuichi Sakamoto-san for the eARC of this book.
December 31, 2021
Autobiografia hecha a partir de unas entrevistas realizadas durante varios meses en una revista japonesa, nos ofrece una aproximacion muy buena a Ryuichi, a su concepcion del arte y de la musica, su genialidad, tanto en solitario, como con la YMO y en otros proyectos conuuntos con otros artistas (musica para peliculas, para danza).
Nos muestar tambien a la vez la evolución cultural del pais e incluso la evolución politica desde que era niño hasta finales del siglo XX.
No hay un analisis de sus obra, pero si muchas referencias a los artistas que le ha ido inspirando tanto en la musica, el arte, el teatro e incluso la filosofia.
Nos muestar tambien a la vez la evolución cultural del pais e incluso la evolución politica desde que era niño hasta finales del siglo XX.
No hay un analisis de sus obra, pero si muchas referencias a los artistas que le ha ido inspirando tanto en la musica, el arte, el teatro e incluso la filosofia.
September 30, 2025
坂本龍一の音楽は知っていたが、どんな人だったのかは全く知らなかったので、とても面白く読めた。更に、『坂本龍一』と言う人間形成に関わった人物・思想・勿論音楽・更には愛読書まで事細かに記してあり、「気が進まない」と言う割には「自分がどんな人間であるのか」に坂本自身が正面から向き合った非常に読み応えのある一冊だった。（これは有能な編集者の注解・注釈が良かったのかもしれない。）
やはり波乱に満ちた時代の、風変わりな教育・人格形成記の前半が一番面白かったが、後半の「一般的に知られる坂本像」になるまでのプロセスも興味深かった。思想的には自分とは全く違う海岸にいるのだが、なんだか「あの頃」の、と思うと納得してしまう自分がいて、それはやはりどんな人物でも文脈が大事だからなのだろうか。心に残ったのは、「葬儀のために、黙祷のために、音楽が必要になった」の一節。音楽は、芸術は、と積極的に坂本は語ろうとしなかったが、人の死・悲劇を乗り越える為、覚え、芸術によって永遠に弔う為に音楽や芸術は存在する。それ以外は全て空なのかもしれない。本来結びつくことがないものが、芸術を通して形になってしまう。そんな不可解なことが、心残りになって、でもそれ以外の方法で「そのもの」を逃す方法はないのかもしれない。
やはり波乱に満ちた時代の、風変わりな教育・人格形成記の前半が一番面白かったが、後半の「一般的に知られる坂本像」になるまでのプロセスも興味深かった。思想的には自分とは全く違う海岸にいるのだが、なんだか「あの頃」の、と思うと納得してしまう自分がいて、それはやはりどんな人物でも文脈が大事だからなのだろうか。心に残ったのは、「葬儀のために、黙祷のために、音楽が必要になった」の一節。音楽は、芸術は、と積極的に坂本は語ろうとしなかったが、人の死・悲劇を乗り越える為、覚え、芸術によって永遠に弔う為に音楽や芸術は存在する。それ以外は全て空なのかもしれない。本来結びつくことがないものが、芸術を通して形になってしまう。そんな不可解なことが、心残りになって、でもそれ以外の方法で「そのもの」を逃す方法はないのかもしれない。
July 16, 2018
Si te gusta este artista, el libro es más que recomendado. Está escrito cronológicamente en primera persona hablando de su vida, su desarrollo, su encuentro personal con la música y sus trabajos
July 4, 2023
Simplemente precioso
April 21, 2026
Una biografía sobre un músico y compositor que me ha gustado leer. Ahora escucharé su música, que me ha creado curiosidad.
October 24, 2026
Sakamoto's autobiography is composed (pun intended) of two parts. The first one goes up to around 2010 and is written in a matter-of-fact style, breezing over some milestones in the Japanese artist's education, early career, and reflections on the music and film business from his home country to the US. Chapters are short and to the point. Many relevant albums and compositions, both with Yellow Magic Orchestra and solo, get ignored. He privileges telling the reader about his political ideas, but not idealistically, just directly and succinctly, as if there were no other possible outcome for Japanese people born after the war. His politics are more informed by 9/11 (he spent most of his professional life in NYC) than, for instance, by the fall of the Berlin Wall. Then he gets cancer.
The second part is more philosophical. It deals with living with cancer, but also with his mother's passing, his appearance in a TV show where researchers trace both sides of his family tree (what a great idea for a show), Japan's 2011 earthquake and his stance on nuclear energy, but more importantly, with music and its effect on us as individuals, as people from a certain cultural background, and as a species. While the first part of the book has a lot of discourse on what is "pop" or more alternative music, the second part does not seem bothered by that and instead goes into detail about his collaborations with Alva Noto, or with the director Alejandro González Iñárritu.
The two parts of the story of his life could also be about the lead-up to and the aftermath of working with two directors: first Bertolucci in The Last Emperor, then the Mexican director in The Revenant. I've seen neither film.
What I enjoyed most about this autobiography was how little self-gratification or name-dropping there was. Fame was, for Sakamoto, a vehicle to mobilize people against deforestation and nuclear energy. I don't see virtue signaling there, just incredible consistency with his values. For reasons related to our reality as social animals, I've been listening to the playlist he compiled for his own funeral. It's serious but also joyful. It occurs to me as I write this that it's exactly like his life.
The second part is more philosophical. It deals with living with cancer, but also with his mother's passing, his appearance in a TV show where researchers trace both sides of his family tree (what a great idea for a show), Japan's 2011 earthquake and his stance on nuclear energy, but more importantly, with music and its effect on us as individuals, as people from a certain cultural background, and as a species. While the first part of the book has a lot of discourse on what is "pop" or more alternative music, the second part does not seem bothered by that and instead goes into detail about his collaborations with Alva Noto, or with the director Alejandro González Iñárritu.
The two parts of the story of his life could also be about the lead-up to and the aftermath of working with two directors: first Bertolucci in The Last Emperor, then the Mexican director in The Revenant. I've seen neither film.
What I enjoyed most about this autobiography was how little self-gratification or name-dropping there was. Fame was, for Sakamoto, a vehicle to mobilize people against deforestation and nuclear energy. I don't see virtue signaling there, just incredible consistency with his values. For reasons related to our reality as social animals, I've been listening to the playlist he compiled for his own funeral. It's serious but also joyful. It occurs to me as I write this that it's exactly like his life.
October 31, 2026
A deeply moving book about a person that will be missed dearly. I shed a tear more than once reading this and took so much inspiration and hope out of this story about a life worth of two hundred and ten years.
September 10, 2017
This book is the autobiography of Ryuichi Sakamoto, who, being sincere, I had no idea who it was until I started reading the book. It turns out that he is a Japanese musician, who, although of classical training, ended up being one of the fathers of electronics both solo and from his group, the YMO, and who has also worked adding music to many well-known films like The Last Emperor or the almodovarian High heels, as well as the inauguration of the Olympic Games of Barcelona.
And why do I read this if I did not know who this man was? I guess because the title seemed suggestive and lately I’ve reading almost everything I have at home concerning music. It has not been a bad decision, I have made known the work of Mr. Sakamoto, which is not bad, and it is interesting to read how an artist is formed practically since he was born: the relationship with his father, his experiences in the institute, the relationships he works in the university, the political context in which he is formed, etc. I've also been very struck by the part that tells how he gets to make a soundtrack (and how Bertolucci does what he wants with it). Then it gets too deep and mystical and loses interest.
I'm not sure if music makes us free, but it seems that it makes him free, and I envy him.
And why do I read this if I did not know who this man was? I guess because the title seemed suggestive and lately I’ve reading almost everything I have at home concerning music. It has not been a bad decision, I have made known the work of Mr. Sakamoto, which is not bad, and it is interesting to read how an artist is formed practically since he was born: the relationship with his father, his experiences in the institute, the relationships he works in the university, the political context in which he is formed, etc. I've also been very struck by the part that tells how he gets to make a soundtrack (and how Bertolucci does what he wants with it). Then it gets too deep and mystical and loses interest.
I'm not sure if music makes us free, but it seems that it makes him free, and I envy him.
February 14, 2022
因為這本書的書評才知道那首經典名曲《聖誕快樂勞倫斯先生》，然後就去看電影《俘虜》，看完整個迷上坂本龍一 的鋼琴曲，總算開始看這本了。
坂本龍一的媽媽是崇尚自由的帽子設計師，所以小時候就讓坂本龍一上自由學院附屬幼兒園，那是一間會叫你用水彩在窗戶上畫畫，還要大家輪流帶學校的兔子回家照顧的幼稚園，甚至，老師還叫他們為兔子做一首歌，坂本龍一就是在那時候寫下他人生第一首歌-「小兔之歌」。
（這件事讓我再次體悟到絕對不能限制小孩的創造力，因為他有可能成為創造經典名曲的音樂大師。）
坂本龍一的爸爸是出版社編輯，家裡總是有書，所以他從小就讀很多書，認識很多作家，讀到他寫情書給女生都是寫「妳就是住在死囚命運的劊子手」（到底誰看得出來這是告白？） 雖然爸爸比較一板一眼，父子倆的關係不是很親密，但爸爸也沒有限制他做什麼事，所以他一直都是活得很隨興很自我，跟很多人一樣，國高中時期很屁孩，上大學後有點自大，本人也知道。不知道是因為迷妹濾鏡開太大還是因為他很厲害有資格自大（應該都有），看他講很中二的話也不覺得煩。
這本書很薄，但資訊量超大，因為每一頁都有註釋，想忽視都難，最後還是會忍不住去看一下，有點干擾閱讀。紙本書的字超小我看不下去，電子書可以調大小跟排版後好讀不少，但註釋太長沒辦法用彈跳視窗，只好再開一個電腦畫面對照，邊看邊筆記想看的書跟電影就看好久，對照到眼花，但寫完又覺得有很大的收穫。喜歡坂本龍一的人應該都會喜歡，對音樂有興趣的人也蠻推薦的，因為資訊量很大，未來還會想重讀～
坂本龍一的媽媽是崇尚自由的帽子設計師，所以小時候就讓坂本龍一上自由學院附屬幼兒園，那是一間會叫你用水彩在窗戶上畫畫，還要大家輪流帶學校的兔子回家照顧的幼稚園，甚至，老師還叫他們為兔子做一首歌，坂本龍一就是在那時候寫下他人生第一首歌-「小兔之歌」。
（這件事讓我再次體悟到絕對不能限制小孩的創造力，因為他有可能成為創造經典名曲的音樂大師。）
坂本龍一的爸爸是出版社編輯，家裡總是有書，所以他從小就讀很多書，認識很多作家，讀到他寫情書給女生都是寫「妳就是住在死囚命運的劊子手」（到底誰看得出來這是告白？） 雖然爸爸比較一板一眼，父子倆的關係不是很親密，但爸爸也沒有限制他做什麼事，所以他一直都是活得很隨興很自我，跟很多人一樣，國高中時期很屁孩，上大學後有點自大，本人也知道。不知道是因為迷妹濾鏡開太大還是因為他很厲害有資格自大（應該都有），看他講很中二的話也不覺得煩。
這本書很薄，但資訊量超大，因為每一頁都有註釋，想忽視都難，最後還是會忍不住去看一下，有點干擾閱讀。紙本書的字超小我看不下去，電子書可以調大小跟排版後好讀不少，但註釋太長沒辦法用彈跳視窗，只好再開一個電腦畫面對照，邊看邊筆記想看的書跟電影就看好久，對照到眼花，但寫完又覺得有很大的收穫。喜歡坂本龍一的人應該都會喜歡，對音樂有興趣的人也蠻推薦的，因為資訊量很大，未來還會想重讀～
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2015
"Hasta entonces había estado en lo posible decidir: 'Voy a ir en tal dirección'. Creía que tenía que conservar tantas opciones como pudiera. Pero en ese momento, en Londres, pensé: 'Así está bien'. En realidad, quizás era la primera vez que era yo mismo quien escogía con determinación la dirección que tenía que seguir."
August 31, 2023
Music is a release for most and a means to freedom for very few - Mr. Sakamoto seems to have found absolution. I think of and sleep to his and Joe Hisaishi’s work most nights, liberal end to long thoughts
March 20, 2016
A book in my wish list. It's the word "freedom" atttacts me to read. Freedom makes our hearts to the world, not ourselves.
February 7, 2025
推薦閱讀順序：音樂使人自由→坂本龍一是誰→坂本圖書→我還能再看到幾次滿月
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March 8, 2025….im salty.
this book introduced me to some movies and music from the last century, particularly those from the 60s and 70s.
Book 12 of 2025, (2 /March)
Read indoor at home
this book introduced me to some movies and music from the last century, particularly those from the 60s and 70s.
Book 12 of 2025, (2 /March)
Read indoor at home
October 30, 2025
謝謝教授，永遠懷念
May 26, 2026
他囂張得不得了，我希望自己也能成為這種傢伙
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