Description

 “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” is a 1983 instrumental work by BAFTA, Golden Globe, Grammy & Academy Awards-winning Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952–2023), recorded for the film of the same name.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (戦場のメリークリスマス, Senjō no Merī Kurisumasu) also known as Furyo (Japanese for ‘prisoner of war’), is a 1983 war film co-written and directed by Nagisa Ōshima, co-written by Paul Mayersberg, and produced by Jeremy Thomas. The film is based on the experiences of Sir Laurens van der Post (portrayed by Tom Conti) as a prisoner of war in Japanese-occupied Java (Indonesia) during World War II. It stars David Bowie, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kitano, and Jack Thompson. This film is about pain, betrayal, honor, sacrifices, suffering, forgiveness, resolution, resolving, and friendship.

This piece was selected as the choice piece by the Handbell Ringers of Singapore for the 2024 International Handbell Symposium at Hamamatsu (Japan).
Note from the Publisher: The International Handbell Symposium is a unique and special opportunity to bring humanity, friendship, music, and cultural exchanges when visiting 8 countries in 16 years. One must not forget why this symposium was established 40 years ago: World Peace thru the Spirit of Music (IHC, 1990). Thus, thru this song, let us all remember that “NEVER AGAIN” (Hiroshima, 1945) shall we allow the past to repeat itself. Let us Come Together as One, Resolve our Differences, Love One Another and Bring Together a new chapter of World Peace thru Handbell Music.