Ryuichi Sakamoto’s estate announces removal of music from Israeli streaming platforms
The estate joins artists like Arca, Massive Attack & Yaeji in supporting the No Music For Genocide initiative
The estate of the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has announced that it is removing his music from digital streaming and download services in Israel.
In a statement shared on X on October 17, the estate said it supports the No Music For Genocide initiative and has taken steps, where possible, to withdraw Sakamoto’s catalogue or request that labels do so.
The post added that much of this process has already been completed.
The Estate of Ryuichi Sakamoto supports the 'No Music For Genocide' initiative. Ryuichi Sakamoto's music is owned and distributed by various parties. To the extent possible, the Estate has removed or issued formal requests to labels to remove his music from all DSP (streaming and… pic.twitter.com/jqAUVpmEPY
— ryuichi sakamoto (@ryuichisakamoto) October 17, 2025
The No Music For Genocide campaign launched in September and calls on artists and labels to apply geo-restrictions on their music in Israel.
Read this next: BDS campaigners urge for boycott of Radiohead 2025 tour
The campaign, backed by BDS/PACBI, says it aims to pressure the Israeli state over its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Read this next: Dystopian techno thriller directed by Ryuichi Sakamoto's son released in the UK
More than 400 artists and labels have joined the boycott so far, including Primal Scream, Arca, Yaeji, Massive Attack, Vegyn, Fontaines D.C., and Oklo, as well as imprints such as PAN, Black Acre, and N.A.A.F.I.
The campaign frames these removals as a collective action by the global music community.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, who passed away on March 28, 2023, at the age of 71, was also known for his environmental and humanitarian advocacy alongside his acclaimed musical career.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
Cut through the noise—sign up for our weekly Scene Report or follow us on Instagram to get the latest from Asia and the Asian diaspora!
