News
London, December 3, 2024 — At the Rose d’Or Awards Ceremony held on the 2nd in London, NHK documentary “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days” was awarded a Rose d’Or in the Arts category. This is the second time that an NHK program was awarded the Rose d’Or, and the first time was back in 1970.
Rose d’Or for Arts Category
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days
(1x 59 min., 2024, Produced by NHK)
In March 2023, musician Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away. As a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto catapulted into international fame with his innovations in electro music. The Oscar-winning composer was also known for his pursuit of a wide range of styles. In his final years, Sakamoto filled his diary with honest directness. "It's a death sentence." "Better to choose euthanasia?" "Music may be the only way to keep my sanity." "Music to leave behind, Music not to leave behind.” His hitherto unknown relationship with other YMO members, his unreleased music―with incredible access to his diaries and private footage provided by Sakamoto’s bereaved family, the program follows how one of the greatest musicians of the era grappled with death and lived out his final days.
NHK’s Kensho OMORI, the program director expresses his delight upon hearing the news, “Receiving this award comes as a wonderful surprise. This very valuable documentation of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s last days would not have been possible were it not for the tremendous help and cooperation from his family and friends, and all the staff members who took part. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this program and once again offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and all his fans around the world. Sakamoto-san’s life was full of art right up to the end, and I hope his story will bring inspiration to many.”
About NHK
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public service media organization. Funded by receiving fees from Japanese households, it has a reputation for impartial, high-quality programs including news, documentaries, children’s and educational programs, music, entertainment, culture,animation, and drama. Known asthe pioneer of HDbroadcast, NHK now actively produces programsin4Kand 8K.
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