A Close Encounter with Ryuichi Sakamoto at KAGAMI
By Bree Pagliuso|
KAGAMI, a groundbreaking fusion of music and technology created by the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and mixed reality pioneer Tin Drum is here at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) until 16 March. Sakamoto’s legendary work spans his electronic days with Yellow Magic Orchestra to his Oscar-winning soundtracks for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, The Revenant, and The Last Emperor.
No ordinary show, this is the future of live performance
With KAGAMI, the boundaries between audience, music, and artist disappear. You’re not just watching—you’re part of the show alongside Sakamoto in a performance that defies expectations.
"Audiences are invited to wear glasses that fuse three-dimensional moving images with the real world. The result is an intimate encounter and a groundbreaking mixed-reality performance experience." shared a spokesperson Arts Centre Melbourne.
Bold, immersive, and visionary
KAGAMI is one of the crown jewels of Asia TOPA 2025 , Australia’s major triennial of Asia-Pacific performance. Running from 20 February to 10 March, this city-wide celebration transforms Melbourne into a junction of creativity, connecting us with the best art, culture, and ideas from across the Asia-Pacific.
"Melbourne, celebrated for its avant-garde cultural scene and love for blending tradition with modernity, is the perfect host for a production that redefines art, technology, and human connection. A fusion of digital art and live music aligns seamlessly with our reputation for radical ideas and an audience's appetite for daring and imaginative experiences," said a spokesperson from Arts Centre Melbourne.
And where better to host such a transformative experience than MCEC?
"Long part of Melbourne’s cultural pulse, MCEC provides the perfect place for visionary works like KAGAMI. With flexible event spaces, advanced audiovisual infrastructure, and a commitment to supporting bold, forward-thinking art, MCEC perfectly complements the technical demands of the show."
For the curious
Even if you’ve never encountered Ryuichi Sakamoto’s music before, KAGAMI offers an experience unlike anything you’ve seen or felt. This is a performance that shatters boundaries and ignites the soul.
Don’t just attend—be the experience.
