Ryuichi Sakamoto diagnosed with throat cancer

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  • The Japanese composer has cancelled all upcoming shows to focus on his recovery.
  • Ryuichi Sakamoto diagnosed with throat cancer image
  • Influential Japanese artist Ryuichi Sakamoto has been diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Sakamoto, a founding member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra and a renowned composer, musician, artist, actor and activist, announced today that he is cancelling all shows and other professional activities until further notice, according to the Wall Street Journal. He is also stepping down from the board of directors of the Sapporo International Art Festival. A constant and innovative presence in electronic music, Sakamoto has worked with the likes of Alva Noto, Fennesz, David Sylvian and others, as well as being a prominent campaigner against Japan's anti-dancing fueiho laws. Though his agency Avex Music Creative said they didn't know when Sakamoto would be able to return to making music, he sounded confident in a statement on his website, promising to come back "after a full recovery." "I deeply regret causing so many people considerable inconvenience," he adds. "However, the first wealth is health, and hence this bitter decision."
RA