Ryuichi Sakamoto Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Ryuichi Sakamoto, a Tokyo University of the Arts graduate affectionately known as “Professor,” became a household name through his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra, formed in 1978.
In 1987, he became the first Japanese recipient of the Academy Award for Best Original Score for the film The Last Emperor.
What are the rankings of SAKAMOTO’s most popular songs on the global stage?
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Ryuichi Sakamoto Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
Ryuichi Sakamoto MedleySakamoto Ryuichi15rank/position
This piano medley is packed with renowned masterpieces by Ryuichi Sakamoto, whose name resonates around the world.
Spanning a broad musical spectrum from classical to contemporary, it brings together a collection of wonderful pieces that everyone has heard, all woven into a single medley.
OtowaSakamoto Ryuichi16rank/position
Ryuichi Sakamoto, a world-renowned musician known for his energetic range of activities.
The piece “Otowa” was chosen as the theme for the commercial of Audi’s sports car, the R8 Spyder.
It is included on the compilation album “Year Book 2005–2014,” which gathers previously unreleased tracks.
The title was reportedly inspired by the archaic feel of the Japanese language and the imagery of wings.
Sakamoto has said he aimed to harmonize sound with a sense of speed, and the track’s beauty, lightness, and elegance conjure up scenes of cityscapes and nature alike—an arresting number.
I think it pairs perfectly with moments when you want to spend quality time.
THE JAPANESE SOCCER ANTHEM ~ The Song of Japanese SoccerSakamoto Ryuichi17rank/position
Ryuichi Sakamoto, the artist known as “the Professor,” blends a foundation in classical music with elements of folk and popular music.
Born from a commission by the Japan Football Association as part of the bid activities for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, “THE JAPANESE SOCCER ANTHEM” is now heard in a wide variety of football-related settings.
From its fanfare-like opening to the grand string ensemble, its melodies stir the heart and lift the players’ spirits.
Though an instrumental piece, it carries a palpable message of encouragement—an enduring masterpiece.
The Sheltering SkySakamoto Ryuichi18rank/position
Among Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano works, one of the most popular is The Sheltering Sky, composed as the theme for the film of the same name.
Its delicate, emotive piano melody and ambient soundscape are striking, showcasing Sakamoto’s distinctive musical sensibility.
The piece beautifully evokes the vast desert vistas and the characters’ solitude, and it continues to be cherished as a memorable masterpiece that lingers in the listener’s heart.
Its bittersweet melody—so moving it could bring you to tears—and its romantic tone make it perfect for immersing yourself in your own world at the piano.
With a relaxed tempo and relatively few notes, it’s also welcoming for beginners.
Why not conjure a scene from the film and perform your own version of The Sheltering Sky?
andanteSakamoto Ryuichi19rank/position
“andante,” included in composer Ryuichi Sakamoto’s final album 12, is a simple and beautiful piano piece that evokes the pulse of life.
The term “andante,” meaning “slowly and calmly,” aptly captures the world of this piece.
Its wistful melody offers a glimpse of Sakamoto’s stance as he faced his battle with illness, as if rendering the delicate shifts of his heart in sound.
The consistent tempo and resonant touch highlight the work’s elegant poise.
With a coexistence of vital melody and silence that guides listeners into a meditative realm, it is a piece that prompts reflection on life and death.
Sweet IllusionSakamoto Ryūichi & Kakutōgi Sesshon20rank/position
The album Summer Nerves drew attention for its unique concept of having fusion and rock musicians jam together on the same instruments.
This track, included on that album, is characterized by a funny yet smooth arrangement.
Ryuichi Sakamoto Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceRyuichi Sakamoto (Sakamoto Ryūichi)21rank/position
Ryuichi Sakamoto, affectionately nicknamed “the Professor,” boasts a wide-ranging musical background centered on classical music while embracing folk and popular traditions.
His piece Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence—also known from the film of the same name—is likely a tune everyone has heard at least once.
Its oriental-tinged melody and classical ambience create such a powerful impression that vivid scenes come to mind even though it’s an instrumental with no lyrics.
The delicate piano phrases soothe the heart, making it a timeless masterpiece you’ll want to listen to again and again.