Ryuichi Sakamoto has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time

Ryuichi Sakamoto has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time.

In 2014 the Japanese composer was diagnosed with throat cancer which went into remission after six years, but he has now been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

In a note published on his website, Sakamoto wrote: “The news was disheartening, but thanks to the excellent doctors I met, the surgery I underwent was a success. I am undergoing treatment.

“Amid the overwhelming hardships that the medical institutions and healthcare workers face during this unprecedented pandemic, the sincerity with which everyone involved cares for their patients is nothing short of admirable. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude.

“Due to these circumstances, traveling long distances for work will be difficult. Still, I will continue to work as much as I can while in treatment.

“There may be instances where I have to cancel work. I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause to those who are involved in ongoing projects.

“From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.

“Thank you all so much for your continuing support.”

Earlier this month, London radio station NTS broadcast a 1983 conversation between Ryuichi Sakamoto & David Bowie.

The chat that was first broadcast on Japanese radio station NHK FM in the year that the Second World War film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, which both artists star in and Sakamoto wrote the soundtrack for, came out.