The music and presence of late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto return to Japan in an unprecedented form this June through KAGAMI+, a mixed reality exhibition that reconstructs his piano performance in three-dimensional space. Running from June 27 to October 12, 2026, at VS. in Osaka’s Umekita district, the expanded exhibition marks the first Japanese presentation of this groundbreaking work that allows audiences to encounter Sakamoto’s artistry as an immersive spatial experience rather than a distant memory.
Originally conceived over the final four years of Sakamoto’s life in collaboration with director Todd Eckert and production studio Tin Drum, KAGAMI premiered at The Shed in New York in 2023 before touring internationally across London, Manchester, Taipei, Singapore, Melbourne, Italy, and Hong Kong to widespread acclaim. The Japan premiere features an expanded version developed specifically for this presentation, offering multiple ticket options and complementary exhibitions that showcase Sakamoto’s interdisciplinary artistic legacy through sound installations and collaborative works that extend beyond traditional concert formats.
The Mixed Reality Experience and Technical Innovation
KAGAMI+ utilizes proprietary dimensional capture technology to create a three-dimensional reconstruction of Ryuichi Sakamoto performing at his grand piano. Audiences wear optically transparent headsets that allow them to see both the physical exhibition space and the digitally rendered performance simultaneously, creating a hybrid reality that The Guardian described as “a magical experience.”
The performance emerges within the physical space accompanied by visuals that respond dynamically to the music, creating an encounter that transcends the distance inherent in traditional concerts. This technological approach represents a significant evolution in how recorded performances can be experienced, transforming passive viewing into active spatial engagement.
Beyond the visual and auditory elements, KAGAMI+ incorporates multiple sensory layers, including video, photography, text installations, and a scent personally blended by Sakamoto himself. This multisensory environment unfolds as audiences move through the space, allowing individual exploration rather than fixed viewing positions.
The exhibition was developed through years of collaboration between Sakamoto, director Todd Eckert, and Tin Drum, a New York-based production collective founded in 2016 that specializes in mixed reality experiences. Eckert previously directed The Life featuring Marina Abramović, establishing his credentials in creating large-scale MR performance works.
Two distinct ticket types offer different levels of engagement with KAGAMI+. The RED TICKET provides the complete approximately 60-minute experience along with a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl record titled “An edition for the KAGAMI+ RED 2026,” exclusive to visitors and available only during the exhibition period.
The BLUE TICKET offers a condensed 30-minute version of the experience, making it accessible for those with time constraints or budget considerations. A student discount option is available for the BLUE TICKET, reflecting efforts to make the exhibition accessible to younger audiences who may be discovering Sakamoto’s work for the first time.
Beyond KAGAMI+ itself, the exhibition includes several related works that present Sakamoto’s music across multiple contexts. TIME, TIME, a collaboration between Sakamoto and visual artist Shiro Takatani, will be featured alongside Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2026 – D and newly presented sound installations that provide additional dimensions to understanding Sakamoto’s creative process and artistic philosophy.
Commemorative Streaming Event and Sakamoto’s Legacy
To commemorate the Japan premiere, a special YouTube premiere of “Ryuichi Sakamoto: PTP04022020 – YouTube Edit” will stream on May 7 at 21:00 JST via the commmons official channel. This one-time shared viewing experience will not be archived, creating a momentary collective encounter that mirrors the ephemeral nature of live performance.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, born in Tokyo in 1952, established himself as one of Japan’s most internationally recognized composers across multiple disciplines. After completing his master’s degree at Tokyo University of the Arts, he made his solo debut in 1978 with Thousand Knives while simultaneously participating in the formation of Yellow Magic Orchestra.
His film music career earned him the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy, and BAFTA Award for The Last Emperor, along with the BAFTA for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. His solo albums including async and 12 continued pushing sonic boundaries throughout his career.
Beyond music production, Sakamoto engaged deeply with environmental and social causes, founding the forest conservation organization “more trees” and establishing the Tohoku Youth Orchestra to support children affected by disasters. He passed away on March 28, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond conventional artistic boundaries.