5 Facts About Ryuichi Sakamoto's Album *async*

Recorded over eight months in 2016 The album async was recorded between April and December 2016.

A solo project Sakamoto worked on the album largely alone, without a band or frequent collaborators.

Inspired by his cancer diagnosis The album reflects his thoughts on mortality and life after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

Features field recordings and prepared piano Sakamoto incorporated everyday sounds and manipulated piano strings to create an intimate, textured sound.

No traditional melodies The album avoids conventional song structures, focusing instead on ambient textures and abstract compositions.