Renowned Oscar-winning Japanese composer/musician Ryuichi Sakamoto known for his groundbreaking body of work in Yellow Magic Orchestra and as a solo artist has been diagnosed with rectal cancer.
According to a statement posted on his website, Sakamoto, 69, received the diagnosis in 2020. He says he underwent surgery earlier this month and is currently recovering.
“I will continue to work as much as I can while in treatment,” Sakamoto said in the message.
“Due to these circumstances, travelling long distances for work will be difficult. Still, I will continue to work as much as I can during treatment … From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.”
Sakamoto was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. He took a one-year hiatus to focus on treatment.
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