WKCR announces our second birthday celebration for Japanese artist Ryuichi Sakamoto, broadcast on FM and HD radio and online 24 hours on Wednesday, January 17th, 2023. The special broadcast will run from the conclusion of Honky Tonkin’ until Som do Brasil at 12:00am on Thursday. The broadcast will preempt all regularly-scheduled Wednesday shows.

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer, musician, and record producer who had a long and successful career in the music industry before passing away this past March. Sakamoto rose to international prominence as a founding member of the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra in the late 1970s, blending traditional Japanese sounds with innovative synth-pop. Beyond his success with YMO, Sakamoto has ventured into diverse musical territories, collaborating with artists across genres and pushing the boundaries of avant-garde and experimental music. His solo career showcases a remarkable discography, featuring albums like "Thousand Knives" (1978), "B-2 Unit" (1980), and the critically acclaimed "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" soundtrack (1983). Sakamoto's avant-garde importance lies in his ability to seamlessly fuse electronic, classical, and world music influences, establishing himself as a trailblazer in the development of various musical styles and genres, including ambient, experimental, and world music.

The broadcast will feature live programming focusing on deep dives into Yakamoto’s catalog and his artistry.