Ryuichi Sakamoto’s KAGAMI+ Brings a Groundbreaking Mixed Reality Experience to Osaka This June

The legacy of Ryuichi Sakamoto is set to take on a powerful new dimension this summer as KAGAMI+ makes its Japan premiere in Osaka. More than a traditional exhibition or concert, the project is a mixed reality experience that allows audiences to step directly into Sakamoto’s music, transforming his final performances into something spatial, immersive, and deeply personal.

Running from June 27 to October 12 at VS. in Osaka’s Umekita district, KAGAMI+ marks the first time this expanded version of the original KAGAMI project will be presented in Japan. Developed during the final years of Sakamoto’s life, the work stands as both a technological innovation and an emotional farewell, offering audiences a chance to encounter the artist’s presence in a completely new way.

A New Way to Experience Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Music

A still from Kagami event

At its core, KAGAMI+ redefines how music can be experienced. Instead of watching a performance from a distance, visitors wear optically transparent headsets that allow them to see a three-dimensional reconstruction of Sakamoto seated at a grand piano. Using advanced dimensional capture technology, the performance is rendered into the physical space, making it feel as though the composer is present in the room.

This approach blurs the line between reality and digital art. The music is not just heard but visualized, with dynamic imagery that responds to each note and movement. As audiences move through the space, the performance shifts around them, creating a deeply personal and ever-changing experience.

The installation goes beyond audio and visuals. Photography, video, and written elements are integrated throughout the environment, while even scent plays a role in shaping the atmosphere. The result is a layered sensory experience that engages visitors on multiple levels, reflecting Sakamoto’s lifelong interest in pushing artistic boundaries.

Originally conceived in collaboration with director Todd Eckert and produced by Tin Drum, KAGAMI first premiered at The Shed in New York in 2023. It quickly gained international recognition, touring major cities including London, Manchester, Taipei, Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong.

Critics and audiences alike praised the project for its innovative use of mixed reality technology. Publications such as The Guardian described it as a “magical experience,” highlighting its ability to create an emotional connection that goes beyond traditional performance formats.

The Osaka exhibition introduces KAGAMI+, an expanded version developed specifically for this Japan premiere. While the core concept remains the same, the updated version enhances the experience with additional elements and refinements, making it the most complete iteration of the project to date.

Ticket Options and Additional Installations

Tin Drum and Ryuichi Sakamoto (Credit – National Theater & Concert Hall, Photography by Chen-Chou Chang)

Visitors to KAGAMI+ will have two ticket options to choose from, each offering a different level of immersion. The RED TICKET provides the full 60-minute KAGAMI experience, along with a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl record created exclusively for the exhibition. This option is designed for those who want to fully engage with the work and take home a tangible piece of the experience.

The BLUE TICKET offers a shorter 30-minute version, making it more accessible while still capturing the essence of the installation. A student discount option is also available, ensuring that younger audiences can engage with the project.

Beyond KAGAMI+, the exhibition will feature additional works that showcase Sakamoto’s music in different contexts. These include TIME, TIME, a collaboration with Shiro Takatani, as well as Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2026 – D, and newly presented sound installations. Together, these pieces create a broader exploration of Sakamoto’s artistic legacy.

A Special Premiere and Tribute to a Legendary Artist

To mark the Japan premiere, a special one-time YouTube screening of Ryuichi Sakamoto: PTP04022020 – YouTube Edit will take place on May 7. The event is designed as a shared viewing experience, with no archive available afterward, emphasizing its ephemeral nature.

This approach aligns with the themes of KAGAMI+, which focuses on presence and immediacy rather than permanence. It reflects Sakamoto’s philosophy of art as something that exists in the moment, even when mediated through technology.

Sakamoto, who passed away in March 2023, remains one of the most influential composers of his generation. From his early work with Yellow Magic Orchestra to his award-winning film scores such as The Last Emperor, he consistently pushed the boundaries of music and interdisciplinary art. His work in environmental activism and collaborative projects further expanded his impact beyond traditional music.