Pipa performer Xia Yuyan. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"I have lots of musical instruments made in Wuhan and they are great, with high quality," he said. "I don't think music can cure people but I believe that music keeps you company, especially when you are struggling with your life. Music can soothe an anxious mood."

Since the outbreak began, Sakamoto has been voicing his concern about public safety, especially that of children, in China. On Feb 3, he said on the Chinese microblogging platform, Sina Weibo, that "it is a time when you are faced with a series of difficulties but don't panic ... stay together and help each other."

On Feb 22, he was invited to take part in an online charity event co-organized by the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation (BCAF), which aims to help Chinese parents and children pull through the influence of COVID-19. During the event, Sakamoto played the song Aqua, a famous piece from his 1999 album BTTB.

Sakamoto rarely performs in China. He performed in Beijing in 1996 as part of his Trio World Tour, in support of his album, titled 1996, arranged for piano, cello and violin.