The autograph score (sketch) of "Asience" is inscribed with "Kao CM 20030722". This piece was composed in 2003 as commercial music for "Asience", a product of Kao Corporation. The client requested music similar to "Tong Poo". "Tong Poo" is a work written in 1978 by Ryuichi Sakamoto, who was active as part of Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), drawing inspiration from Chinese records and the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. "Asience" possesses a unique emotional quality, reminiscent of "Tong Poo", that feels both oriental and stateless. In contrast to the original piece's sense of speed, the later arranged piano solo is slow and lyrical. Both are included in the album "/04", released in 2004.

"Asience" is characterized by its half notes and sense of modulation. Although in 4/4 time, the melody sings in half-note units from the beginning. The sense of modulation is primarily created by the use of chords. It begins in C minor, shifts to G-flat major in the middle section, and soon returns to C minor. Within this, borrowed chords and non-harmonic tones frequently appear, creating a sensation of floating between tonalities when played (or listened to).

Ryuichi Sakamoto's distinctive style is evident in both the vertical sonorities/chords and the horizontal lines/melodies. An analysis of the chords reveals the presence of jazz and blues sonorities. Furthermore, the nostalgic atmosphere evoked by the pentatonic scale adds significant charm to the piece. It is in a minor key, imbued with a certain poignancy, and at times features clashes between notes. Nevertheless, Sakamoto's music, which ultimately leads to a pleasant resolution, brings a kind of catharsis to performers and listeners alike.

Major References

• Yamashita, Kunihiko (ed.). Ryuichi Sakamoto no Ongaku (The Music of Ryuichi Sakamoto). Tokyo: Tokyo Shoseki, 2008.