Babymetal’s Kami Band member Mikio Fujioka dead at 36

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By ( Metal Hammer ) published

Babymetal report that their Kami Band member, the guitarist Mikio Fujioka, has died at the age of 36

Mikio Fujioka, centre
Mikio Fujioka, centre

Babymetal have confirmed that their Kami Band guitarist Mikio Fujioka has died at the age of 36.

The band posted a message on Twitter which reads: “The ‘Little’ Guitar Kami of Babymetal’s Kami Band has passed away in the metal galaxies.

“We hope that he is now with his guitar master Allan Holdsworth and enjoying an epic guitar session with him.”

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Using Fujioka’s Twitter feed, his wife gave further details, reporting that he accidentally fell from an observation deck while star watching on December 30 and passed away in hospital on January 5 due to his injuries.

His wife added: “We are fortunate to have fans and people concerned. I hope you will continue to love him. Thank you.”

Fujioka was also a lecturer at a Japanese music school and published more than 10 guitar textbooks.

Scott Munro
Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.