We regretfully announce that Reita, bassist of the legendary Jrock band the GazettE, passed away on April 15, 2024, at the age of 42.
the GazettE staff account released an official notice on Twitter (X), sharing a link to the official website, to notify fans of Reita’s passing.
We would like to inform this very important notice to everyone who have been supporting the GazettE. This is the saddest news we have to inform that the GazettE’s bassist REITA passed away on April 15, 2024.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all fans who supported and love him and all partners who supported and took care of REITA in his career as the GazettE bassist.
We are in great confusion and sadness over the loss of REITA but we believe that his passion for the band “the GazettE” will never change and will continue to shine even more brightly in the future.
The memorial service is planned to be held with only close relatives.
We’re grateful for your respect and kind consideration to the privacy of the relatives and the people involved.
The notice comes as a sudden shock, as even just the day before, Reita himself was posting on social media. No official cause of death has been announced.
-
- Reita
Formed in 2002, the GazettE’s unique visual kei style and uncompromising heavy rock sound captivated Japanese and international audiences alike. It would not be an exaggeration to consider the GazettE a pillar of the visual kei music scene. Reita, in particular, was well known for his trademark facial coverings, which ranged from bandanas to nose bands to striking leather masks. The iconic look has inspired countless lookalikes and cosplays within the Jrock community.
Reita will be deeply missed. Fans and fellow artists all over the world are already sharing their heartfelt messages on social media.
JROCK NEWS would also like to express our deepest condolences to Reita’s family, bandmates, and fans. May he rest in peace.
Additionally, our own editor NBT wanted to share his thoughts:
Reita was not only one of the driving forces behind the GazettE, but a driving force that kept me doing the work I do on JROCK NEWS for the past decade.
With his charisma as a musician, down to earth personality, and inextinguisable passion for rock; Reita was the initial spark that won me over to the Jrock and visual kei community.
I remember having just discovered the GazettE through their music videos and being impressed by Reita’s stage presence, thinking, “there’s no way they’d be this good live”. However, after seeing their concert footage—and later in person too—I was completely sold and glad I was proven wrong.
I’m truly thankful for the irreplacable interactions I’ve had with Reita, both as a fan and as a reporter, especially those silly moments…even though it all feels bittersweet in the moment of writing. I’m proud to have been able to share the music that he’s been part of and hopefully convinved others of the GazettE’s and Reita’s eminence.
Without a doubt, Reita has and will continue to be an inspirational figure in the world of rock.
Your spirit will live on.