Kansai Airports is pleased to announce a special exhibition linked to the “KIX CULTURE GATE Project”, an initiative based at Kansai International Airport that showcases the diverse and rich culture of the Kansai region and Japan, featuring “KAGAMI”, the innovative mixed reality work created by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, internationally acclaimed musician and artist.
This initiative carried out under the concept of “KIX CULTURE GATE Project”, aims to create new cultural experiences by using the airport’s public space as a venue. The exhibition will feature an automated piano installation on the first floor of Terminal 1. The world of “KAGAMI+” will be presented through LED monitors, while the grand piano on display will play a special program based on Sakamoto’s preserved performance data. By reproducing Sakamoto’s distinctive sound as recreated from this data, we will offer a new cultural experience from the airport.
The Kansai Airports Group will continue to enhance the appeal of airports as platforms for cultural expression and create exciting passenger experiences.
– Exhibition period: Until 30 September 2026 (planned)
– Location: Public Area, First Floor, Kansai International Airport Terminal 1
– Musical pieces:
1. Aqua
2. energy flow
3. put your hands up
4. Railroad Man
5. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence
In cooperation with: Yamaha Music Japan, Ushio Lighting, Xebec
Artist profile
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Born in Tokyo in 1952, Ryuichi Sakamoto completed a master’s degree at Tokyo University of the Arts. He made his solo debut with “Thousand Knives” in 1978. The same year, he participated in the formation of YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra). After the group disbanded in 1983, he released albums such as “Ongaku Zukan “, “BEAUTY”, “async”, and “12”, earning worldwide acclaim for his pursuit of innovative sound. In film music, he won awards such as the British Academy Award for Best Film Music for “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”, and the Academy Award for Best Original Score, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy Award for “The Last Emperor”, among others. He actively expanded into the art world through stage productions such as “LIFE” and “TIME,” as well as large-scale installation exhibitions in South Korea, China, and Japan. He also addressed environmental and peace issues, founded the forest conservation organization “more trees,” and established the Tohoku Youth Orchestra to support the musical activities of children in disaster-affected areas. He passed away on 28 March 2023.
https://www.sitesakamoto.com/
RYUICHI SAKAMOTO & TIN DRUM | KAGAMI＋
“KAGAMI” is a work that captures Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano performance in three dimensions and recreates it within a mixed reality (MR) space.
Co-created by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tin Drum — the production and visual design studio led by Todd Eckert — over Sakamoto’s final four years.
Wearing a special see-through headset, viewers come face-to-face with the figure of Ryuichi Sakamoto, precisely recreated through a unique 3D imaging technology. As he approaches the iconic grand piano, his figure rises into the space alongside Tin Drum’s ethereal 3D visuals that resonate with the music, his presence so vivid that viewers feel they could almost reach out and touch his white hair. At a distance impossible in a real concert setting, visitors face a refined performance — a truly unprecedented immersive experience awaits.
The exhibition space also features imagery, photography, text, and the distinctive fragrance created by Sakamoto himself. The entire space will gently awaken the senses of those who visit.
Serene, yet filled with a deep, lingering resonance: “KAGAMI”.
It is a quiet, mirror-like work that reflects the music of Ryuichi Sakamoto.
– Exhibition period: Saturday, 27 June 2026 – Monday, 12 October 2026
– Venue: VS.
https://sakamoto-kagami.com/
KIX CULTURE GATE Project
A project based at Kansai International Airport (KIX) —where travelers from around the world pass through every day— to share the diverse and rich culture of the Kansai region and Japan with a global audience. By evolving the airport into a venue for encounters with various cultures, we create a space that not only air travelers but also allows residents of surrounding communities to enjoy cultural experiences in their daily lives.
https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/shop-and-dine/culture