100 Quotes by Ryuichi Sakamoto

I was really into the music of Cream after I finished composing the music for 'BTTB.'

Time in our universe is always one way: no going back, no reverse. In music, you can reverse it!

In the 1980s, Josef Beuys planted the seed that activism could be considered as art. I am influenced by the idea of his idea of social sculpture.

I was aware of that theme of mortality in my music since around 2009. The decaying and the disappearance of the piano sound is very much symbolic of life and mortality. It's not sad. I just meditate about it.

I don't really know about the art world.

Asian music influenced Debussy, who influenced me - it's all a huge circle.

I have a longing for violin or organ. Is it too simple to say those sustaining sounds symbolise immortality?

We musicians often get inspiration from films and books or photographs, not only by music.

I don't get so much inspiration from other musicians. Especially alive musicians. Late musicians are good - Bach, Beethoven - yes, good.