Back in 2014, beloved Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto was diagnosed with throat cancer. Though he announced that he was in "great shape" following successful treatment in 2015, he has now been diagnosed with cancer a second time
Sakamoto has revealed that this time he has been diagnosed with rectal cancer in a new note posted to his website. In the statement, he said, "From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer."
Read his full statement below.
I was relieved after the throat cancer that I had in 2014 went into remission after six years. However, unfortunately, I have been diagnosed with cancer again—this time, rectal cancer. The news was disheartening, but thanks to the excellent doctors I met, the surgery I underwent was a success. I am now undergoing treatment.
Amid the overwhelming hardships that the medical institutions and healthcare workers face during this unprecedented pandemic, the sincerity with which everyone involved cares for their patients is nothing short of admirable. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude.
Due to these circumstances, traveling long distances for work will be difficult. Still, I will continue to work as much as I can while in treatment.
There may be instances where I have to cancel work.
I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause to those who are involved in ongoing projects.
From now on, I will be living alongside cancer.
But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.
Thank you all so much for your continuing support.
Sakamoto's last proper album remains 2017's masterful async, though he has released several soundtrack efforts since then.
Sakamoto has revealed that this time he has been diagnosed with rectal cancer in a new note posted to his website. In the statement, he said, "From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer."
Read his full statement below.
I was relieved after the throat cancer that I had in 2014 went into remission after six years. However, unfortunately, I have been diagnosed with cancer again—this time, rectal cancer. The news was disheartening, but thanks to the excellent doctors I met, the surgery I underwent was a success. I am now undergoing treatment.
Amid the overwhelming hardships that the medical institutions and healthcare workers face during this unprecedented pandemic, the sincerity with which everyone involved cares for their patients is nothing short of admirable. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude.
Due to these circumstances, traveling long distances for work will be difficult. Still, I will continue to work as much as I can while in treatment.
There may be instances where I have to cancel work.
I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause to those who are involved in ongoing projects.
From now on, I will be living alongside cancer.
But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.
Thank you all so much for your continuing support.
Sakamoto's last proper album remains 2017's masterful async, though he has released several soundtrack efforts since then.
