Ryuichi Sakamoto has returned with a new album. 

On 17 January, the iconic Japanese composer and musician released his latest album 12, which comes six years since his critically acclaimed record, async, via Milan Records. 

12
by Ryuichi Sakamoto

Jan. 17th, 2023https://t.co/HlBexpt2EO#skmt12 #skmtnews #坂本龍一 #ryuichisakamoto#NewRelease#newalbumrelease pic.twitter.com/RApfgGW2MN

— ryuichi sakamoto (@ryuichisakamoto) January 14, 2023

The album features 12 compositions written and recorded during Sakamoto's two-year-long battle with Stage 4 cancer. Described as his "sonic diary" with each track titled after the date it was made, 12 serves as an intimate glimpse into this period of the musician's life. 

In a statement made ahead of the album release, Sakamoto shares, “In early March 2021, I finally “came home” to my new temporary housing after a big operation and a long stay in the hospital. Around the end of March, just as my body was feeling a little lighter, I found myself reaching for the synthesizer. I had no intention of composing something, I just wanted to be showered in sound. I just had a feeling that it’ll have a small healing effect on my damaged body and soul."

"Up until then, I barely had the energy to listen to music, let alone play anything. But after that day, I began to occasionally touch the keys of the synthesizer and piano and I began to record little sketches of sounds as if to write a diary. I tried choosing 12 of my favourite sketches for this album. There are no adornments—I’m intentionally putting them out as is. From now on, until my body gives out, I’ll probably continue to keep this kind of 'diary'," he continued.

In December 2022, Sakamoto aired a livestream concert for his Playing The Piano series, which featured footage recorded in 2020 where he performed his best works through the years. 

Listen to Ryuichi Sakamoto's 12 here.