Chinese pianist apologises after composer Ryuichi Sakamoto warns fans of ‘fake disciple’

A young Chinese pianist has apologised to Oscar-winning Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, after the 67-year-old’s management team warned that at least one person in China was claiming to be his disciple. The legendary musician made his debut as a film score composer with the soundtrack for the 1983 film Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence and also composed the music for the 1987 film The Last Emperor. Sakamoto’s music has also featured in anime and video games. The pianist Xiao Ying said on China’s microblogging platform Weibo on Wednesday that he had written to Sakamoto apologising for the mess and clarifying that he had never said he was a disciple or apprentice. He claimed the confusion was caused by a promoter for a concert in June who advertised him as “Sakamoto’s disciple” – without his permission, Xiao said, adding that he had asked for the wording to be amended as soon as he saw it. Dark Horse Entertainment, Xiao’s management agency, also issued a statement on Weibo on Wednesday, saying some internet users had associated Xiao with the discussion on Sakamoto's “fake disciple” and hurt his reputation. “We have only advocated Xiao as ‘a young pianist Mr Sakamoto viewed favourably' and never described him as an apprentice on any occasion,” the notice said. It also strongly condemned any advertisements from agencies or media that may have hinted at such a relationship and demanded their removal. The apologies came a day after Sakamoto’s management team posted a statement on Instagram which said fans from China had reported there were “individual(s) claiming to be his disciples and warning that the claim was untruthful. “Ryuichi has never had a disciple or apprentice, always preferring to pursue his musical adventure alone now and in the future,” the notice said. Chinese internet users were quick to point the finger at Xiao after the statement was posted, uploading screenshots to Weibo which showed a number of advertisements for concerts and events describing the pianist as “Sakamoto’s disciple” and accusing Xiao of using Sakamoto’s reputation for his personal gain. View this post on Instagram Dear Friends and Fans: We have received a few reports from fans in China that have become aware of individual(s) claiming to be disciples of Ryuichi Sakamoto. This person seems to be creating trouble for Ryuichi’s fans there. If you meet or see someone claiming to be Ryuichi’s disciple, please know this person is being untruthful. Ryuichi has never had a disciple or apprentice, always preferring to pursue his musical adventure alone now and in the future. Ryuichi Sakamoto Management Team + 坂本龍一を応援くださるみなさまへ: 先日、中国のファンの方から「坂本龍一の弟子と名乗って活動する音楽家がいるのだが、それは本物か？」との質問がありました。坂本は弟子を持ったことは一度もなく、またインターンなども雇い入れたことはありません。もし「坂本龍一の弟子」と名乗る人物に遭遇した場合、それはニセモノですのでご注意ください。 坂本龍一はこれからも１人で音楽に向き合い、制作をつづけてまいります。今後ともご支援くださいますよう、よろしくお願いいたします。 坂本龍一 マネージメントチーム A post shared by Ryuichi Sakamoto (@skmtgram) on Sep 23, 2019 at 1:43pm PDT One Weibo post from 2018 that was dug up in the furore complained of a Xiao concert advertised as a “dialogue with Ryuichi Sakamoto” that consisted of Xiao playing rearranged versions of the composer’s music. An article, published in 2018 by China National Radio’s Symphony Time and Space, said Xiao resembled Sakamoto in style and quoted him recalling a personal discussion with Sakamoto when they met in 2017. “That afternoon, while drinking tea Xiao had brought from China, they discussed ‘when did they start having common characteristics’” the article said, going on to explore at length their similar experiences as actors, pianists, and in their experiments with film music. Ryuichi Sakamoto on surviving cancer, the death of close friend David Bowie, and his last wish In a Weibo post in May advertising a Xiao concert appearance, a music blogger named Zhang Jincan said: “Xiao Ying, also known as Ryuichi Sakamoto in Beijing's Chaoyang district, will play as guest star tonight”, to which Xiao replied: “I have moved to Tongzhou now, I'm Tongzhou Sakamoto”. Xiao’s response to the mounting controversy did not satisfy China’s Weibo community, with many venting their anger. “Thanks to you, the reputation of the Chinese people has fallen again. Sakamoto has just overcome cancer, please stop troubling and upsetting him. Please apologise!” one Weibo user said. “Shame, he doesn't want to perfect his music playing skills, but only wants to be popular,” another commented.

Chinese pianist apologises after composer Ryuichi Sakamoto warns fans of ‘fake disciple’

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Sakamoto statement does not identify individual but online community points finger at pianist Xiao Ying

Sakamoto statement does not identify individual but online community points finger at pianist Xiao Ying