Late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto's retrospective opens in Taiwan with online bookings starting October 15.

A major retrospective exhibition of the late Japanese music master Ryuichi Sakamoto, titled "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Kanon. Listening to Time," is set to debut in Taiwan. The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMOFA) recently announced that this high-profile exhibition, which has attracted global attention from music enthusiasts and contemporary art lovers, will open on October 31 and run for several months. To maintain high-quality viewing conditions and manage visitor flow, the museum has implemented a primary online reservation system. The first wave of online registration will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. on October 15, with expectations of a surge in demand for tickets.

The exhibition has a notable history, having already caused a sensation during its previous run at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, drawing large numbers of visitors. "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Kanon. Listening to Time" is more than a simple art display; it serves as a comprehensive summary of the cross-disciplinary giant’s creative career. During his lifetime, Sakamoto was renowned not only for his film scores, which earned him multiple international accolades including an Academy Award and a Grammy, but also for his philosophical reflections on sound, environment, nature, and technology—assets that remain significant in contemporary cultural circles. Through the curation of this exhibition, viewers are offered a glimpse into his ultimate exploration and artistic practice regarding the essence of sound, beyond his musical compositions.

Bringing this exhibition to Taiwan and presenting it at NTMOFA is undoubtedly a landmark cultural event for contemporary art and music exchange in the region. As one of the country’s leading contemporary art museums, NTMOFA has long been committed to introducing major works by international masters. Sakamoto enjoys immense popularity and a deep fan base in Taiwan, with his musical works accompanying countless local fans through various stages of their lives. By combining spatial design, sound installations, and visual art, the retrospective is poised to deliver an immersive and profound experience for Taiwanese audiences within the museum’s high-ceilinged, modern exhibition spaces.

Given the high artistic nature of Sakamoto’s work, the specific immersive requirements of the exhibition content, and the goal of ensuring an undisturbed, tranquil space for listening and viewing, NTMOFA has carefully evaluated and decided to adopt an online reservation system. This ticketing and reservation mechanism is designed to effectively regulate the number of visitors within the venue, avoid the chaos of long on-site queues, and enhance the overall viewing experience. The museum has specifically reminded the public that the first wave of registration will officially begin at 10:00 a.m. on October 15. It is advised that visitors closely monitor NTMOFA’s official website and social media announcements to ensure they complete their registration promptly when the window opens.

As the exhibition date approaches, this major retrospective, which encapsulates Sakamoto’s lifelong dedication and artistic philosophy, has sparked significant discussion and anticipation on Taiwanese social media. Whether for long-time fans or the general public interested in contemporary sound art, this is a cultural feast not to be missed. Through "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Kanon. Listening to Time," we can not only pay tribute to the master’s musical talent again but also, through his perspective, re-examine the sonic world and natural environment we inhabit, thereby continuing the spiritual legacy he left behind. (Source: Central News Agency)