Famous Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has died at the age of 71 after suffering from cancer.

Famed Japanese composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto has passed away at the age of 71 after battling cancer, his management company Cap America Inc. confirmed to CNN in a statement Sunday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that artist and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away on March 28, 2023,” the statement read.

“While undergoing treatment for cancer that was discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his studio whenever his health allowed. He lived with music to the very end,” the statement read.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the United States who did everything they could to treat him,” the statement read.

In accordance with Sakamoto’s wishes, a funeral was held with his close family members, his management team said. While many will share the loss, they said in the statement, “we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during times of grief.”

“Finally, we would like to share one of Sakamoto’s favorite quotes: ‘Ars longa, vita brevis. “Art is long, life is short.”

This is a breaking news story. More to track.

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