kizunaworld.org | Announcement of the new song "Requiem," written by Ryuichi Sakamoto for this occasion

Kizunaworld.org

One Year On: Ryuichi Sakamoto Unveils New Song "Requiem"

Ryuichi Sakamotoinitiated by Mr. Sakamoto and others, soliciting donations through the works of various artists from Japan and abroad.Great East Japan EarthquakeThe disaster support project, "kizunaworld.org," marked its 18th release on March 11, 2012, one year after the earthquake, with the unveiling of Ryuichi Sakamoto's new song "Requiem."

Text by KASE Tomoshige (OPENERS)

One Year On: Support Continues

"kizunaworld.org" was launched by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tomoyasu Hirano. Under the concept of "doing everything we can with individual effort," the project continues to support disaster-stricken areas by soliciting donations through a wide collection of works from artists in Japan and abroad who support the initiative.

One year has passed since the earthquake. Mr. Sakamoto and Mr. Hirano have offered new comments on this project.

A year has passed since 3.11.
While our thoughts and feelings about the reality of the situation vary,
we hope to continue supporting the recovery efforts sustainably.
We are also grateful for the cooperation of many artists.
We ask for your continued support.
Ryuichi Sakamoto & Tomoyasu Hirano

The 18th release, unveiled on March 11, is the song "Requiem," written by Mr. Sakamoto for this occasion. This piece was realized through a collaboration with musician Tomohiko Gondo, who also serves as a support member for YMO's live performances. One year after the earthquake, the reality of enduring sorrow and hardship alongside moments of brightness and solace continues. However, from this "requiem," one can perceive a faint yet undeniable warmth. Messages from Mr. Sakamoto and Mr. Gondo follow.

One year after 3.11, we offer our condolences once again,
and to stand with those who remain.
Ryuichi Sakamoto

Our feelings are the same.
It is to live together, doing what we can.
I am deeply grateful to have participated in this song.
Tomohiko Gondo

The works can be downloaded by making a donation of 1,000 yen per unit via PayPal. The entirety of the collected donations, excluding payment processing fees, will be delivered as "support needed now" in five areas: "medical care," "children," "food," "housing," and "energy," with donation recipients being reviewed as needed based on the evolving situation. Furthermore, since October 1st of last year, the recipient category for "children" has been changed to the "School Music Revival" fund, which supports musical activities in disaster-stricken areas by repairing and providing instruments to educational institutions that lost their instruments due to the earthquake.

Ryuichi Sakamoto
Debuted solo in 1978 with "Thousand Knives." Formed YMO with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi in the same year. In 1984, received the BAFTA Award for his performance and musical contribution to "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence."
In 2001, founded the artist collective "artists' power" advocating for the promotion of natural energy use, and in 2003, participated in the establishment of "ap bank" with the cooperation of Takeshi Kobayashi and Kazuhisa Sakurai. In 2006, he expressed opposition to the operation of the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and launched "stop-rokkasho.org." In July 2007, he announced the establishment of "more trees" and has been engaged in a wide range of activities, including tree-planting initiatives.
Following the earthquake on March 11, 2011, he launched disaster victim support projects such as "kizunaworld.org," "LIFE311 - by more trees," and "School Music Revival," and continues his support activities. He has resided in New York, USA, since 1990.

Tomohiko Gondo
After graduating from Nihon University College of Art, he studied abroad at Boston University, completing his master's degree. His major was electronic music and euphonium. In 2004, he formed the music collective anonymass and released four albums.
He has consistently participated as a support member in YMO's live performances in Japan and their tours in Europe and America. With his unique style using computers and wind instruments, he has participated in recordings and live performances for numerous musicians, including Love Psychedelico, The Beatniks, Chara, and UA. While possessing the distinctive aspect of being a "euphonium player who understands pop music" in Japan, he has also released numerous CMs and soundtracks as a composer and arranger.