This Requiem is a tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto, who may no longer be here with us, but whose presence will always be felt in our hearts. It is an emotional expression of love and appreciation for a special person who shared the joy of music with us.
His music has been a tremendous source of inspiration, affirming life even during lonely and difficult times, and providing strength to our hearts.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, may you rest in peace, eternally.
After hearing the news, I began composing the piece. I started with just a vague idea of the initial chords, and from there, I let my memories guide me as I played the music hazily. I can't read sheet music, so when I create, I always move my hands while playing, envisioning the resonance the music seeks. My childhood was spent learning by watching Sakamoto-san's performances, matching the sounds I heard with the keys being pressed.
This time, I decided to create by following the memories of Sakamoto-san's songs and the music I love, and the resonance of the sounds. Starting with the chords I like from "Thousand Knives," the piece gradually evolved to resemble "Sheltering Sky," incorporating familiar resonances from "Technopolis" and "Seven Samurai." Throughout the piece, I referenced the structure of the sound from "Andata." The resonances I've received so far are treasures.
The album "async," which includes "Andata," is a collection of songs composed with the idea of an imaginary Tarkovsky film in mind. I recall the time when I watched the movie "Nostalgia" and realized that what I'm creating now is a Requiem. As I reworked the piece, wanting to do this or that, several days passed, and it eventually took its current form. Amidst the calmness, I feel emotions and sadness blending into the music.