Ryuichi Sakamoto warns fans of “untruthful” person masquerading as his “disciple”

The Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto

The composer has released a warning online.

Ryuichi Sakamoto has warned his fans of someone “causing trouble” in China by claiming to be his disciple. The pioneering artist confirms that he has no such type of following. A statement from his team reads: “We have received a few reports from fans in China that have become aware of individual(s) claiming to be disciples of Ryuichi Sakamoto.”

“This person seems to be creating trouble for Ryuichi’s fans there. If you meet or see someone claiming to be Ryuichi’s disciple, please know this person is being untruthful.”

The statement affirms that Sakamoto “has never had a disciple or apprentice, always preferring to pursue his musical adventure alone now and in the future.” It’s not known whether the purported claims are from one individual or a collective of people. Read the full statement below.

 

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Dear Friends and Fans: We have received a few reports from fans in China that have become aware of individual(s) claiming to be disciples of Ryuichi Sakamoto. This person seems to be creating trouble for Ryuichi’s fans there. If you meet or see someone claiming to be Ryuichi’s disciple, please know this person is being untruthful. Ryuichi has never had a disciple or apprentice, always preferring to pursue his musical adventure alone now and in the future. Ryuichi Sakamoto Management Team + 坂本龍一を応援くださるみなさまへ: 先日、中国のファンの方から「坂本龍一の弟子と名乗って活動する音楽家がいるのだが、それは本物か?」との質問がありました。坂本は弟子を持ったことは一度もなく、またインターンなども雇い入れたことはありません。もし「坂本龍一の弟子」と名乗る人物に遭遇した場合、それはニセモノですのでご注意ください。 坂本龍一はこれからも1人で音楽に向き合い、制作をつづけてまいります。今後ともご支援くださいますよう、よろしくお願いいたします。 坂本龍一 マネージメントチーム

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Sakamoto recently scored the Smithereens episode of the latest Black Mirror series. The soundtrack was released in June via Milan Records. Earlier this year in February, the artist was featured in Opening Ceremony’s AW19 lookbook, which celebrated leading Asian and Asian-American figures. He appeared alongside author Jenny Han, artist Chella Man, actress Greta Lee and designer Anna Sui.