Ryuichi Sakamoto’s ‘KAGAMI+’ Japan premiere transforms legacy into immersive art experience

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s artistic legacy is returning home in a way that redefines how audiences experience music, memory, and technology. The late composer’s groundbreaking mixed reality installation, “Ryuichi Sakamoto & Tin Drum | KAGAMI+,” is set to make its long-awaited Japan premiere, offering visitors an immersive journey into one of the final creative works of one of Japan’s most celebrated musicians.

Running from June 27 to October 12 at VS. in Osaka’s Umekita district, the exhibition introduces Japanese audiences to an expanded version of the globally acclaimed “KAGAMI,” transforming Sakamoto’s piano performance into a living, three-dimensional experience that places visitors directly within his music.

Immersive legacy redefined

Originally developed during the final four years of Sakamoto’s life in partnership with director Todd Eckert and production studio Tin Drum, “KAGAMI” first debuted at The Shed in 2023 before captivating audiences across major cities including London, Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong.

Using advanced dimensional capture technology and optically transparent headsets, the installation reconstructs Sakamoto’s presence at the piano, allowing audiences to move through an interactive performance space where visuals, sound, and sensory design respond dynamically to his compositions. The exhibition goes beyond conventional concerts by integrating photography, video, text, and even a signature scent personally crafted by Sakamoto, creating an emotional and deeply personal artistic environment.

This Japan premiere introduces “KAGAMI+,” an expanded version designed specifically for Osaka, further enriching the original concept and elevating the experience into a full-scale multimedia tribute.

Expanded Osaka showcase

Visitors will have access to multiple ticket options tailored to different levels of engagement. The RED TICKET offers the full 60-minute KAGAMI+ experience, along with a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl exclusive to attendees, while the BLUE TICKET provides a condensed 30-minute experience with student discounts available.

Beyond the flagship installation, the exhibition also includes companion works such as “TIME, TIME,” Sakamoto’s collaboration with Shiro Takatani, “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2026 – D,” and newly unveiled sound installations that further showcase the breadth of his experimental artistry.

To commemorate the launch, a special one-time YouTube premiere of “Ryuichi Sakamoto: PTP04022020 – YouTube Edit” will stream via the commmons official channel, extending the celebration of his artistry to global audiences.

As “KAGAMI+” arrives in Japan, it positions Sakamoto’s music not simply as a remembered archive, but as a living, immersive experience that bridges technology, emotion, and artistic innovation. For longtime admirers and new audiences alike, the exhibition stands as a powerful reminder that Sakamoto’s creative influence continues to evolve far beyond his lifetime.