New York, November 24, 2025 — NHK is delighted to announce that the music documentary “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days” was awarded an International Emmy® Award at the 53rd International Emmy® Awards Ceremony held on November 24 in New York. 

The International Emmy® Awards recognize outstanding television programs made outside the United States, and the NHK documentary was selected as the winner of the Arts Programming category. 


▶ Winner of International Emmy® Award in the Arts Programming category
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days
(2024, 1 x 59 min., Produced by NHK, Distributed by NHK Enterprises) 
 

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 after receiving a terminal diagnosis, 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 Kenichi MATSUMIYA, the Executive Producer, expressed his delight upon hearing the news: “Even when life begins to fade, can the human spirit still shine? We kept asking ourselves this question throughout the creation of this program, carrying the weight of inner conflict throughout its making. I am deeply honored that it has been recognized worldwide. Yet with that honor comes an even greater sense of responsibility. How can art and culture be portrayed in this modern age, and what role should television documentaries play in society? These are questions I will continue to explore with greater depth.” 

“Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days” has also been honored with the Rose d’Or Award in the Arts category at the 63rd Rose d'Or Awards in 2024. Furthermore, at the 77th Prix Italia Awards held in October 2025, the film received both the Prix Italia for Best TV Performing Arts and the event’s highest distinction—the Special Prize in Honour of the President of the Italian Republic, awarded to the most outstanding program across all categories.

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 as the pioneer of HD broadcast, NHK now actively produces programs in 4K and 8K.
www.nhk.or.jp/corporateinfo/

For further information, please contact
Fumina Koike (koike.f-ge@nhk.or.jp)
International Media Relations
NHK