Ryuichi Sakamoto’s ‘Last Days’ Wins Top International Emmy for Poignant Portrait

The acclaimed Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary, “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days,” has achieved a significant milestone by winning an International Emmy Award for Arts Programming. Presented at the 53rd International Emmy Awards ceremony in New York on November 24, 2025, this profound Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary delves into the life and final days of the celebrated Japanese musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto. The film offers an intimate portrayal of his struggle with terminal cancer, capturing his continued dedication to creative work even as he confronted mortality. Utilizing his personal diaries and intimate footage, granted by his family, this Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary provides an unparalleled view of his journey, exploring his reflections and his grappling with his fate.

A Deep Dive into a Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary: His Final Chapter

Executive producer Kenichi Matsumiya accepted the award, sharing Sakamoto’s philosophy that “Art is long, life is short.” He emphasized how this sentiment, and the race against time inherent in creating meaningful work, resonated deeply throughout the production of this Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary. Matsumiya spoke of the delicate challenge in depicting death with dignity, a goal achieved by arranging Sakamoto’s own words and footage chronologically to foster a direct, conversational experience with viewers across time. Director Kensho Omori’s vision for this Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary captured the artist’s enduring creative energy and his poignant reflections on life, adding another vital story to global entertainment narratives.

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Enduring Legacy Celebrated in a Documentary

Ryuichi Sakamoto, a globally recognized artist and pioneering Japanese musician, passed away on March 28, 2023, at the age of 71. His career began with the synth-pop group Yellow Magic Orchestra, which brought Japanese electronic music to international prominence. As a solo artist, Sakamoto achieved further acclaim, notably winning an Academy Award for best original score for “The Last Emperor” in 1987, making him the first Japanese musician to receive an Oscar. His diverse musical output spanned electronic, classical, and film scores, touching countless lives. This remarkable Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary serves as a powerful tribute to his profound and lasting impact.

International Recognition for the Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary Award Winner

The International Emmy Award signifies immense global praise for “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days,” making it the sole Japanese winner at this prestigious event and highlighting NHK’s dedication to exceptional storytelling. This Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary had previously garnered significant attention, winning the Rose d’Or Award in 2024 for arts programming and securing the Best TV Performing Arts award, alongside the festival’s highest honor, at the 77th Prix Italia Awards in 2025. This consistent international acclaim underscores the universal themes of life, art, and mortality explored in the film. The success of this Ryuichi Sakamoto Documentary is a testament to Sakamoto’s enduring artistic spirit, continuing to inspire audiences worldwide through compelling narratives that resonate deeply and celebrate the profound connection between art and life.