RUKI, vocalist of visual-kei rock band the GazettE, was rushed to the hospital on September 23 after experiencing impaired consciousness, the band announced through its official social media accounts.
According to the announcement, RUKI underwent examinations and observation at a medical facility and is currently hospitalized to focus on his recovery. No further details about his condition have been disclosed, with the band saying additional updates will be shared as the situation develops.
HERESY Inc., the company representing the GazettE, released a statement saying, “He is currently under the care of medical professionals, and we are hoping for a swift recovery. We would appreciate your understanding and warm support as we wait to hear more.” The band has not announced any impact on upcoming activities or schedules at this time.
Who is RUKI and the GazettE?
the GazettE is a visual-kei rock band formed in 2002 that made its major-label debut in December 2005 with the single “Cassis.” The band has since headlined some of Japan’s biggest venues, including the Nippon Budokan in 2006 and the Tokyo Dome in 2010, and has toured internationally, including the 2016 world tour “DOGMATIC -TROIS-” and overseas dates supporting its 2018 album “NINTH.” RUKI serves as the band’s vocalist and has been a member since its formation. The GazettE marked its 18th anniversary in 2020, and in 2024 the band lost bassist REITA, who passed away that April.
Fans reacted with concern to the news online, with many sending messages hoping for RUKI’s quick recovery.
Author’s Comment
A rushed hospitalization announcement with almost no details is exactly the kind of statement that sends Japanese fandom into a spiral of worry and speculation, and I get it. But let’s take the band’s word for it here: this is a health scare, not a mystery to be solved in the replies. Japanese agencies are famously tight-lipped about medical specifics, partly out of respect for the artist and partly out of sheer habit, and that vagueness always reads scarier than intended. What I do know is that the GazettE has already weathered real tragedy with REITA’s passing, so you’ll forgive the fandom for being extra jumpy right now. My advice: send good vibes, skip the doom-scrolling, and wait for the follow-up statement like everyone else.
