R.I.P. KAMI

R.I.P. KAMI, drummer for the band Malice Mizer, was found dead on 25^th Of June. 

I regret to inform you that KAMI, or Ukyou Kamimura (神村 右京), the esteemed drummer of Malice Mizer, was found dead on 25^th Of June. The authorities have surmised that the late KAMI had departed this mortal coil some three to four days prior to the discovery of his earthly remains (died on the 21th of June – edit). It is with deep sorrow that we report the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

Upon thorough examination, the medical professionals have determined the cause of death to be a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a most grievous affliction of the brain.

R.I.P. KAMI

It is with great pleasure that we recount the life and times of the esteemed KAMI. On the 17th of March, in the year of our Lord 1993, KAMI officially assumed the role of percussionist for the musical ensemble Malice Mizer, succeeding the former drummer, Gas.

Born in the prefecture of Ibaraki, KAMI cultivated a profound appreciation for the traditional arts of Japan. He devoted himself most assiduously to the practice of Japanese calligraphy, attaining a level of considerable proficiency. Concurrent with his cultural pursuits, a passion for music began to blossom within his breast. It was not uncommon to find the young KAMI sequestered in the music room after school hours, immersing himself in the melodious strains of recorded music for extended periods

In his formative years, KAMI found inspiration in the works of several British New Wave ensembles, as well as the musical stylings of Culture Club and Duran Duran. During this period, he also dedicated his leisure hours to the pursuit of tennis, a pastime for which he harboured great fondness.

It was during his secondary education that KAMI’s ardour for percussion began to manifest. He formed a musical group with a compatriot and commenced part-time employment to accumulate the necessary funds for the acquisition of his own drum kit. With unwavering determination, KAMI devoted five hours each weekday and the entirety of his Sundays to honing his craft. In due course, he resolved to pursue a career in the field of professional musicianship.

Recognising that his scholastic ensemble would not provide the avenue for success he so earnestly desired, KAMI made the momentous decision to relocate to Tokyo. He briefly aligned himself with a punk ensemble before discovering the visual kei aesthetic. This discovery led to his involvement with the promising musical collective known as Kneeklid Romance.

KAMI’s percussive prowess soon caught the discerning eye of Yuki, the bassist of Malice Mizer, as the group’s former drummer, Gaz, had departed (subsequently joining Kneeklid Romance). Initially, KAMI displayed a certain reticence towards joining Malice Mizer, despite the persuasive efforts of one of the band’s guitarists. However, after a period of informal collaboration spanning six months, during which he performed as a backing musician, KAMI at last acceded to becoming a permanent member of the ensemble.

Thus began a most illustrious chapter in the annals of Japanese musical history.

May his soul find eternal rest, and may his musical legacy continue to resound through the annals of time.

Gackt wrote two songs in memory of Kami on his album Mars: “Emu~for my dear~” and “U+K” Közi

Yu~ki dedicated their joint song “Memento” (2004) to Kami.