Exceleration Music and Tokyo-based rights administrator NexTone Inc. have jointly acquired the recording and publishing catalog of the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, marking the US independent music company’s first major acquisition in the Japanese market.
Sakamoto, a cultural icon often called “the Professor” (Kyoju), co-founded the influential synth-pop group Yellow Magic Orchestra and built a prolific film scoring career. He became the first Japanese composer to win an Academy Award, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe for his score to the 1987 film The Last Emperor. His collaborators included David Bowie, David Sylvian, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Alva Noto.
Under the joint venture, Exceleration will oversee rights management and revenue collection outside of Asia, while NexTone will handle the catalog within Asia. NexTone will work with Fuji Pacific on publishing administration. Both companies will collaborate with Sakamoto’s management company, KAB, to preserve his legacy and manage future posthumous releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The Estate of Ryuichi Sakamoto stated: “Music belongs to time, not to possession. We welcome those who will carry it forward.”
