Globally acclaimed composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto said Thursday that he has throat cancer and is canceling all professional commitments to focus on treatment.
In written statements posted in both English and Japanese on his official website, the New York-based Sakamoto, 62, said he had an unusual feeling in his throat checked out at the end of June and was diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer.
"I deeply regret causing so many people considerable inconvenience. However, the first wealth is health, and hence this bitter decision," he said in the statement, pledging to make a comeback after returning to full health.