Ryuichi Sakamoto Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Thousand KnivesSakamoto Ryuichi8rank/position

Ryuichi Sakamoto Live in Europe – Thousand Knives

This is the title track from Ryuichi Sakamoto’s debut album, released in 1978.

An instrumental piece, it was produced using the cutting-edge technology of the time.

Employing synthesizers and computers, it’s an ambitious work that created a new “Ryuichi sound.” It’s packed with diverse musical elements, from pieces that emulate sounds of nature to tracks influenced by reggae.

A key track that marks the early stages of Sakamoto’s musical exploration, it was later self-covered by YMO.

It’s a highly experimental piece that anyone seeking to explore the possibilities of music should definitely hear.

War & PeaceSakamoto Ryuichi9rank/position

War & Peace

In March 2023, Ryuichi Sakamoto sadly passed away, much to the sorrow of many.

During his life, Sakamoto participated in various activities, especially those related to environmental conservation and peace—many of you have likely heard his words on these topics.

War & Peace, a song that confronts the opposing concepts of “war and peace” as the title suggests, is included on his 2004 album Chasm.

The lyrics of this song pose questions about peace and war, voiced from the depths of the heart.

Please listen to it together with the Japanese translation.

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Before LongSakamoto Ryuichi10rank/position

Before Long

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano piece “Before Long” is a captivating work with a calm and delicate atmosphere.

Featured at the beginning of the landmark 1996 album “NEO GEO,” it was composed at the request of American music producer Bill Laswell for “something like a prelude.” The graceful piano melody intertwined with soothing synthesizer sounds creates a musical flow that carries a lingering sense of quiet time, resonating deeply with the listener.

Simple yet profound, it is a piece that fully showcases Sakamoto’s uniquely crafted sonic world.

Mizu no Naka no BagatelleSakamoto Ryuichi11rank/position

Mizu no Naka no Bagatelle

Ryuichi Sakamoto is a composer Japan is proud to share with the world.

“Mizu no Naka no Bagatelle” is a piece performed during his online solo piano concert on December 12, 2020, and is also included on the album “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 12122020,” which features recordings from that concert.

Considered part of a best-of selection curated by Sakamoto himself, this work is an instrumental with no lyrics.

As you imagine the scenes it evokes, you can feel Sakamoto’s delicate yet richly expressive sensibility conveyed through the music.

Experience the beauty of this piece, which can also be played on the piano, for yourself.

energy flow (Ura BTTB)Sakamoto Ryuichi12rank/position

Ryuichi Sakamoto-Energy Flow

As soon as the commercial for Regain EB tablets aired on TV, it won overwhelming support from all quarters, and this extraordinary song—originally just a 30-second jingle—was even released as a CD.

It was also featured on the album “image,” and remains a quintessential work that helped launch the ongoing trends of Mellow Music and healing music.

If you’re feeling tired and haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen at least once.

Railway ManSakamoto Ryuichi13rank/position

Ryuichi Sakamoto Poppo-ya (Railroad Man)

Created as the theme song for the film “Railroad Man,” this heartwarming piece was composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto with lyrics by Tamio Okuda.

Its gentle, wistful melody beautifully captures the feeling of waiting.

Released in June 1999, the film swept the major categories at the Japan Academy Prize, including Best Picture, with Sakamoto’s music making a significant contribution.

The tender sound of the piano resonates softly, soothing the listener’s heart.

It’s perfect for relaxing before bedtime or as quiet background music while working.

And when you feel like reminiscing about someone special, why not give it a listen?

Plastic BambooSakamoto Ryuichi14rank/position

Ryuichi Sakamoto – Plastic Bamboo

This is a piece from when the Professor was still in his twenties, before he joined YMO.

In an era when sequencers and similar gear were hardly available, simply recording synthesizers this beautifully was a challenge, yet—as you’d expect from someone already regarded as a master—the result has a razor-sharp sound.