As one-third of Yellow Magic Orchestra and an Academy Award-winning composer for his work on the soundtrack for The Last Emperor, synth pop innovator Ryuichi Sakamoto is among the most groundbreaking artists to have emerged since the late '70s. A musician's musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto has created intriguing musical unions with artists such as David Sylvian, Iggy Pop, Bootsy Collins and many others.

'async' is Ryuichi Sakamoto's first studio album in eight years and follows a long fight against cancer.

"What kind of 'sounds/music' do I want to listen to?" 'async' is the answer to this question Sakamoto has asked himself for the past several years. This is a journey through analog synth, the sounds of things and of places; and many others musical surprises.

Sakamoto's work has been recognised with accolades including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes and a Grammy.

'async' has received some of Sakamoto's best reviews of his career: "Abstracted, dreamlike and very, very beautiful" – Mojo; "Arguably the most beautiful album you'll hear this year" – Mixmag; "Ryuichi Sakamoto has hit the temporal sweet spot with the release of async" – The Quietus.