Exceleration Music, NexTone Acquire Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Catalog

US-based independent music company Exceleration Music has acquired the recording and publishing catalog of Ryuichi Sakamoto in a joint venture with Tokyo-based rights administrator and distributor NexTone Inc.

Why it matters:

• Sakamoto is a cultural icon in Japan, nicknamed Kyoju – “the Professor” – for his wide-ranging achievements.

• A pioneer of electronic music and co-founder of highly influential synth-pop trio Yellow Magic Orchestra, he also had a prolific career in film scoring.

• He became the first Japanese composer to win an Academy Award, a GRAMMY and a Golden Globe for his score to 1987’s The Last Emperor.

• Over the course of his career he collaborated with David Bowie, David Sylvian, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Alva Noto, to name a few.

• The deal marks Exceleration’s first major acquisition in the Japanese market.

• Sakamoto passed away in 2023.

The deal:

• Exceleration will oversee rights management and revenue collection outside of Asia.

• NexTone will handle the catalog within Asia, collaborating with Fuji Pacific on the administration of publishing rights.

• The companies will work closely with Sakamoto’s management company KAB to preserve the composer’s legacy and oversee future posthumous releases.

• Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

What they said:

• The Estate of Ryuichi Sakamoto: “Music belongs to time, not to possession. We welcome those who will carry it forward.”