The sudden death of Reita from Japanese rock band The GazettE

In April 2024, fans of Japanese rock were struck by tragedy, as Reita from the J-rock band The GazettE passed away.

Image: gazette05Reita / X

Reita was the bassist of the J-rock band The GazettE. The band is considered one of the biggest J-rock bands not just in Japan, but also worldwide, reports Zoom Japan.

Image: gazette05Reita / X

Reita was born on May 27, 1982, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. His real name has not been disclosed to the public, even to this day,

Image: reita_the_gazette_ / Instagram

Reita was one of the founding members of The GazettE. According to the band's official page, Reita met Uruha, the band’s eventual lead guitarist, when they both attended the same elementary school.

Image: reita_the_gazette_ / Instagram

According to Bass Magazine, Reita learned the bass in middle school. He had wanted to master the guitar but gave up and picked the bass because he thought it would be an easier instrument to play.

Image: Sony Music

In 2002, The GazettE was formed by Reita, Uruha, and Ruki. Fool’s Mate reports that the band was formed when the trio grew tired of playing for others and decided to form a band themselves.

Image: PS Company

The GazettE became a fully formed band when they recruited members Aoi and Yune in 2002, and later released their first single, ‘Wakaremichi’ in the same year, in April.

Image: PS Company

The GazettE is also known for other hit songs such as ‘SHIVER’, ‘PLEDGE’, and ‘Cassis’.

Image: PS Company

The GazettE is one of Japan’s most recognizable bands, as they were part of the second generation of ‘Visual Kei’ rock bands.

Image: PS Company

According to TimeOut, ‘Visual Kei’ bands derive from a Japanese subculture where a huge focus is placed on the theatrical appearance of musicians.

Image: King Records

Specifically, Reita was famously known for his unique appearance, often donning headwear that obscured part of his face. Initially, he wore a white cloth to cover his nose but eventually switched to a leather mask.

Image: Sony Music

Reita passed on April 15, 2024, Sankei Sports reports. The news outlet states that his death left band members and employees of The GazettE in a state of confusion due to it being "sudden and unbelievable".

Image: reita_the_gazette_ / Instagram

JRock News reported that the circumstances surrounding Reita’s passing were strange, as the bassist had been very active on social media before his passing.

Image: gazette05Reita / X

The same report from JRock News states that Reita had even tweeted: “I hope the GazettE will last forever” earlier on the same day on April 15, promoting the band’s upcoming activities and material.

Image: Sony Music

Sankei Shimbun reports that Reita’s death will be privately mourned by close relatives and requested that news outlets refrain from publishing speculative news on the nature of his death.

Image: gazette05Reita / X

Reita's death is a massive one to the J-rock world, given his legacy as one of Japan’s most prolific bassists and rockers. He is the second member of The GazettE to have passed, with the first being Yune, who passed on 28 December 2022.

Image: Sony Music

According to The GazettE's official X account, Reita's death has prompted band members to dedicate their upcoming concert to the deceased bassist. They will play on his birthday, May 27.

Image: theGazettESTAFF / X

The band was scheduled to perform on May 25th, but due to Reita's death and the decision to turn the concert into a memorial event, the event has been rescheduled.

Image: theGazettESTAFF / X

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