Ryuichi Sakamoto's Final Piano Solo 'Opus' Under the Night Sky — Osaka's Umekita Park Transforms into a 'One-Night-Only Cinema Space'

OUTDOOR THEATER JAPAN (Backyard Inc., Raccol Inc.), which has been revitalizing local areas through outdoor film events under the concept of 'making anywhere in Japan a theater,' will cooperate in hosting a special outdoor screening of 'Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus', a film recording Ryuichi Sakamoto's final piano solo performance, on May 6, 2026 (Wed, Holiday) at Rohto Heart Square Umekita in Umekita Park, Osaka. This event is free of charge and attracted approximately 5,000 visitors last year. It is a special project where an urban park is transformed into a giant cinema space for one night only.

*Scenes from last year's event

*Scenes from last year's event

An Urban Park Transforms into a Giant Cinema for One Night, Gathering Around 5,000 People

A large screen will be set up in the central square of Umekita Park, Osaka, offering a cinematic experience in an open space. Last year, the square was filled with spectators, creating a huge buzz.

As dusk falls, a massive screen emerges, and thousands of spectators sit on the grass, quietly listening to the music under the night sky. The delicate tones of the piano will echo through the city night.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the nighttime economy utilizing public spaces such as urban parks and squares. This event is an initiative that creates a new cultural experience in the city at night, encouraging visitors to stroll and stay, thereby leading to the creation of a lively atmosphere and improved walkability for the entire area.

*Scenes from last year's event

Experience Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'Final Piano Solo' Outdoors

The screened work, 'Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus,' is a record of the last piano solo performance Ryuichi Sakamoto filmed before his passing.

Comprising 20 tracks, from his representative piece 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' to tracks from his final album '12', and the masterpiece 'Tong Poo' from the YMO era, it traces the trajectory of his musical life.

Trailer video for this work: https://youtu.be/O_hh8c7w630?si=DMNMiMwV4wXVxYMV

Surround Sound Enveloping the Entire Venue

This year, a surround sound system that envelops the entire venue will be introduced. It will provide an immersive acoustic experience unique to the outdoors, where you can feel even the fingertips striking the keys and delicate breaths.

A Free Cultural Event Open to Everyone

This event will be held as a free screening that anyone can freely attend.

It is a special cultural experience for one night only, planned with the hope that the next generation will feel a new breath through Ryuichi Sakamoto's performance, and that those seeds will connect to the future.

*Scenes from last year's event

A Special Project Ahead of 'KAGAMI' Arriving in Japan

This screening is held as a prelude to the Japanese premiere of the Mixed Reality work 'KAGAMI', which will be staged at the cultural facility 'VS.' in Grand Green Osaka from June 27, 2026.

Capturing Ryuichi Sakamoto's performance in three dimensions and bringing it to life in a mixed reality space, this work has garnered a massive response, with tickets selling out globally, starting with New York.

OUTDOOR THEATER JAPAN aims to 'promote the nighttime economy' and 'create and revitalize new culture in public spaces' through outdoor films.

Opportunities to share such a quiet musical experience in the city are rare, so we highly encourage you to experience this special night.

Event Overview

Event Name: Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus Special Moonlit Screening Date and Time: May 6, 2026 (Wed, Holiday) Screening starts at 19:00 Venue: Umekita Park, Rohto Heart Square Umekita Screened Work: 'Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus' (2024 / 1 hour 43 minutes) Admission: Free

Related Information

Ryuichi Sakamoto & Tin Drum KAGAMI+

Exhibition Period: June 27 - October 12, 2026 Venue: VS. 6-86 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 530-0011

Official Website: https://sakamoto-kagami.com/

OUTDOOR THEATER JAPAN

A group of outdoor film professionals. We completely produce the planning and creation of outdoor film events and drive-in theater events. In addition to assisting PR and customer attraction for companies and organizations through the entertainment of film, we also focus on regional revitalization through initiatives to 'bring a cinema to towns without one' and 'hold outdoor films at scenic spots across Japan.' We produce outdoor film events in various locations across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Amami Oshima in the south.

・Website http://outdoortheater-japan.com