The Oscar-winning Japanese composer and actor Ryuichi Sakamoto on Thursday revealed his diagnosis of rectal cancer and the completion of surgery via his official account on China's Twitter-like social platform Weibo.
Sakamoto said in a statement that he had been treated for throat cancer from 2014 and gradually recovered over the past six years. However, he was later diagnosed with rectal cancer.
Fortunately, he said, the surgery was a success, and he is currently receiving treatment under medical professionals' care. He also extended appreciation for the medical staff that has undergone a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He then said he'd continue his work while receiving treatment. However, given the current health condition and the pandemic's impact, he cannot carry out work that requires long-distance travel. It's also likely that he might cancel some of the work, for which he expressed his apologies.
"From now on, I will be living with cancer," he said.
Sakamoto is noted for his original score for the film "The Last Emperor," a 1987 epic biographical drama film telling the life story of Chinese last imperial ruler, Puyi. The score won him an award at the 60th Academy Awards. Also, his score for the film "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" (1983) won the best score at the 37th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).
