Sketch Show (band)

Sketch Show was a Japanese electronic music duo consisting of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi. Formed in 2002, they were an offshoot of the earlier trio, HASYMO (Human Audio Sponge, Yellow Magic Orchestra). Their music is characterized by its blend of electronic textures, experimental soundscapes, and melodic compositions, often incorporating elements of ambient, techno, and pop.

Sketch Show released two full-length studio albums, Audio Sponge (2002) and Loophole (2003). Both albums were critically well-received and showcased their collaborative approach to music production. They often collaborated with other artists, including Towa Tei and Cornelius, further enriching their sound.

Following their studio releases, Sketch Show continued to perform and release music in various forms, including contributions to compilations and collaborations. In 2007, they officially reunited with Haruomi Hosono as Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), effectively folding Sketch Show back into the larger group. While no longer performing under the Sketch Show name, the musical ideas and collaborative spirit that defined the project heavily influenced YMO's later work. Ryuichi Sakamoto's passing in 2023 makes a reunion unlikely.