A special collaboration has emerged between POTR and sakamotocommon, presenting a collection of visually striking tote bags that pay homage to the extraordinary legacy of Japanese musical innovator Ryuichi Sakamoto. These unique carriers, designed with a practical capacity for 12-inch vinyl records, showcase artistic interpretations of Sakamoto's influence. Each bag is accompanied by an exclusive LP featuring previously unreleased material, further enriching the tribute to his profound artistic contributions. This release is strategically timed to coincide with a significant exhibition in Osaka, creating a comprehensive experience for admirers of Sakamoto's illustrious career.
This innovative partnership between POTR and sakamotocommon serves as a profound commemoration of Ryuichi Sakamoto's artistic journey. The collection of graphic tote bags is being introduced to the public in conjunction with the 'sakamotocommon 1970/2025/OSAKA/RYUICHI SAKAMOTO' exhibition, hosted at VS. (Bunka Souvenirs) in Umeda, Osaka. The exhibition aims to encapsulate the breadth of Sakamoto's work, ranging from his early experiments to his most revered compositions.
Central to this collection are the thoughtfully designed shoulder bags, crafted to perfectly house a 12-inch record, symbolizing Sakamoto's enduring connection to the world of music. The artistic vision for these bags comes from designer GOO CHOKI PAR, who has translated the late artist's essence into captivating visuals. These designs portray Sakamoto in mid-performance, utilizing various layers and color palettes to yield four distinct styles. A notable aspect of the design features is the use of futuristic blue and red colorways, subtly referencing the World Expos of 1970 and 2025, thereby linking different historical eras through a visual narrative. Additionally, a black and white rendition is available, intended to evoke the profound 'silence of sound' that was often a hallmark of Sakamoto's minimalist compositions.
An exceptional element accompanying each tote bag purchase is a complementary LP titled 'Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Baschet.' This special recording holds immense significance as it captures Sakamoto's re-enactment of the Baschet sound sculpture, a piece he first encountered and was deeply moved by during his childhood visit to the 1970 Osaka Expo. This LP represents the first instance of unreleased material from Sakamoto's archives being made public since his passing in 2023, offering fans an intimate new glimpse into his creative genius. Throughout his distinguished career, Sakamoto was celebrated for his compelling film scores and his expansive musical output, which spanned an impressive range of genres including solo piano, jazz, electro-funk, glitch, and ambient music. Towards the close of 2024, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo hosted 'Ryuichi Sakamoto: seeing sound, hearing time,' a seminal exhibition that comprehensively reviewed his most impactful and groundbreaking works, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.
The eagerly anticipated Ryuichi Sakamoto x POTR collection will be available for in-person acquisition starting Saturday, August 30, 2025. Enthusiasts and collectors can find these limited-edition items at the PORTER store and at the aforementioned exhibition located at VS. (Bunka Souvenirs). This launch provides a unique opportunity for fans to acquire a tangible piece of Sakamoto's artistic spirit, merging functional design with profound musical heritage, and connecting the contemporary world with the timeless influence of a true visionary.