On September 20th, singer-songwriter Sayuri passed away at the age of 28.
Known for her numerous J-pop and rock hits, raw acoustic guitar talent, and a hauntingly beautiful connection to a generation grappling with isolation and uncertainty, Sayuri’s passing was announced on September 27th by her husband, musician Amaarashi, through her official social media accounts. In his message, Amaarashi expressed gratitude for the kindness and support she had received throughout her life and urged fans to carry forward the love she poured into her music.
さユりに関するお知らせ pic.twitter.com/nmFo9YHUgJ
— 酸欠少女 さユり (@taltalasuka) September 27, 2024
Her sudden death has left fans and the music community mourning the loss of an artist who, despite her young age, made a lasting mark on Japan’s music history. A private funeral was held in accordance with her family’s wishes, attended only by close relatives and friends.
A Young Talent Emerges in Fukuoka
Born in Fukuoka on June 7, 1996, Sayuri began performing at a young age. Inspired by the Japanese boy band Kanjani Eight, she picked up the guitar in middle school and quickly discovered a passion for songwriting. She honed her skills through street performances and live house gigs, developing a unique stage presence by donning her now-iconic ponchos and performing barefoot. Even after her major debut, she continued performing on the streets, telling JaME World in a 2018 interview, “I don’t want to forget the feeling I get when I sing in the busy streets”.
In 2012, at just 15 years old, Sayuri won the grand prize at the 5th Music Revolution, one of Japan’s largest amateur music contests, performing her original song ‘Ru-Rararu-Ra-Rurararu-Ra-‘. She was the youngest contestant to ever receive the award. This pivotal win led her to drop out of high school and move to Tokyo to pursue music full-time. Sayuri would later re-release the track as a digital single in 2016, and it became the title track of an EP that topped Japan’s iTunes album chart.
Performing under the moniker Sanketsu Shoujo Sayuri (Hypoxia Girl Sayuri), she came to embody what she called the “oxygen-deprived generation”—a cohort of teens and young adults who felt both pride and insecurity in their unconventional perspectives and values. Through her concept as a “2.5D parallel singer-songwriter”, Sayuri’s music bridged the gap between reality and the digital world, speaking to a generation struggling with isolation and a sense of suffocation. Her lyrics captured the feelings of those trying to navigate the uncertainties of life, offering a voice that embraced their loneliness while providing hope.
In early 2015, at 17, Sayuri made her solo concert debut at Tokyo’s Tsutaya O-East, setting the stage for her major breakthrough.
Major Debut and Breakthrough in Anime Music
Sayuri’s rise to prominence began in 2015 with her major debut, ‘Mikazuki’, the ending theme for Fuji TV’s anime Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace. Originally written for herself, Sayuri later realized that the song had the potential to connect with a much broader audience after its tie-in with the anime. “My debut song ‘Mikazuki’ was originally written for myself, but then it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime… and that’s when I realized that the potential of a song could expand beyond its initial purpose”, Sayuri expressed in an interview with natalie.
Her melancholic and deeply emotive style struck a chord with listeners, instantly setting her apart and marking the beginning of a promising career defined by introspective, emotionally rich music. Reflecting on this turning point, Sayuri shared, “I’d kept my music mostly to myself, but here it became part of something larger—a part of a work, and by extension, a part of society”.
In 2016, her second single, ‘Sore wa Chiisana Hikari no Youna’ (‘It’s Like a Small Light’), the ending theme for the anime Erased, further showcased her ability to convey vulnerability through her passionate delivery. This song, composed by renowned musician Yuki Kajiura, allowed Sayuri to explore new possibilities as a singer. “I thought, ‘Now I can explore the possibilities of myself as a singer’. The process of change connected across the singles”, Sayuri reflected. The success of ‘Sore wa Chiisana Hikari no Youna’ not only broadened her fanbase but also garnered international attention, solidifying her reputation as a distinctive voice in the anime music scene.
Furaregai Girl and Sayuri’s Growing Recognition
Later that year, her collaboration with RADWIMPS frontman Yojiro Noda on the track ‘Furaregai Girl’ became a pivotal moment in her career. Noda, who wrote the song, described how the character of Furaregai Girl had come to him, but he felt he wasn’t the right person to bring her story to life. “I kept wondering—who is this mysterious girl? Who should be the one to sing this song?” he explained.
It wasn’t until Noda heard Sayuri’s music that he realized she was the one meant to sing it. “When she followed the lyrics and began to sing, the blurry figure of Furaregai Girl that had only been faintly visible came to life, 100% fully realized”, Noda reflected. Sayuri’s voice gave the song a depth that resonated with listeners, and this collaboration cemented her position as a rising star. Noda praised her unique style, saying, “Her singing, while awkward in some ways, has such a wide emotional range”.
Parallel Line and Debut Album Success
Sayuri’s connection to anime deepened as her career progressed, with her contributions to several high-profile series becoming a hallmark of her success. In March 2017, she released ‘Heikousen‘ (‘Parallel Line‘), the ending theme for both the anime and live-action adaptations of Scum’s Wish. The emotional depth of the series, particularly the protagonist Hanabi’s vulnerability, resonated with Sayuri, who channeled these themes into her songwriting. In an interview with series creator Mengo Yokoyari, Sayuri shared, “While writing the song, I thought it would be great if I could also change and grow in the process”. The track was a breakthrough for Sayuri, marking her first entry into the Top 10 on both the Oricon and Japan Hot 100 charts.
Just two months later, on May 17th, 2017, Sayuri released her debut full-length album, ‘Mikazuki no Koukai’ (‘Crescent Moon Voyage’). The album represented a culmination of her artistic journey up to that point. Reflecting on its creation, Sayuri said, “Each single I released helped me evolve and change, and now I can release an album that brings them all together”. The album’s title was deeply symbolic for her, with Mikazuki (Crescent Moon) representing her sense of incompleteness. “Even though I’m incomplete, I still want to move forward”, she explained, a sentiment that resonated with fans who connected with the album’s themes of self-acceptance and resilience.
One standout track, ‘Birthday Song’, served as a poignant farewell to her teenage years. “It’s the song I wrote at the end of my teenage years, where I decided to present my answer to the world”, Sayuri shared. The album’s message of embracing imperfections and striving forward inspired many listeners, with Sayuri remarking that her work was just beginning: “I’ve only expressed about 3% of what I want to say… There’s still 97% left to express”.
Sayuri’s Global Rise and Final Album Release
Days after the album’s release, Sayuri returned to her roots with a street performance at Suica Penguin Square near the south exit of Shinjuku Station, where she had often performed as an emerging artist. Nearly 2,000 fans gathered to watch as she performed barefoot against the backdrop of Shinjuku’s skyscrapers. Sayuri shared a heartfelt message, saying, “I believe we all live to smile. I sing with a prayer that the path ahead for each of you will be filled with warmth”. She closed the set with her debut single ‘Mikazuki’, bringing her journey full circle.
As her career continued to soar, Sayuri would hit milestone after milestone. Her 2018 collaboration with MY FIRST STORY on the single ‘Reimei’ (‘Dawn’)—the opening theme for the second season of Golden Kamuy—took her on a creative adventure that allowed her to explore new musical horizons alongside the band. In 2019, ‘Koukai no Uta’ (‘About a Voyage’), the ending theme for the fourth season of My Hero Academia, introduced her music to an even broader international audience. Her final single, ‘Hana no Tou’ (‘Tower of Flower’), released in 2022 as the ending theme for Lycoris Recoil, achieved gold certification and remains her most-streamed track.
This momentum culminated in her second and final studio album, ‘Sanketsu Shoujo’ (‘Hypoxia Girl’), released in August 2022. The 11-track album was a showcase of Sayuri’s growth as both a songwriter and artist, with every track—except the co-produced ‘Reimei’—written and composed by her. The album peaked at no. 13 on the Oricon charts, and ‘Hana no Tou’ received multiple awards and nominations for its impact on the anime community.
Love, Illness, and Tragic Loss
In March 2024, Sayuri announced her marriage to musician Amaarashi, a member of the duo Misekai. The couple shared the news on social media, expressing their deep connection and mutual support. Sayuri described her decision to propose as a moment of feeling safe and at peace for the first time, saying, “That warmth is irreplaceable to me”. Amaarashi, in turn, expressed his desire to support her not only as her husband but as someone who loves her music.
However, in July 2024, Sayuri revealed that she had been diagnosed with a functional voice disorder, a condition that severely impacted her ability to sing. She shared her struggles with her fans, explaining how her voice would tremble, crack, or become raspy due to a lack of coordination in her throat muscles. “I’ve always used my voice to express myself and connect with the world, and now I feel cut off from many things”, she admitted. Despite the difficulties, Sayuri remained determined to work toward recovery, undergoing rehabilitation with the help of speech therapists and vocal trainers. She asked fans to be patient as she focused on her health, expressing hope that she would eventually return to music.
Sadly, on September 20th, 2024, Sayuri passed away at the age of 28. Her husband, Amaarashi, announced her passing a few days later, sharing a message of gratitude for the support Sayuri had received throughout her life. He asked fans to continue to carry her love and music with them. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed, and the family requested privacy as they mourn her loss.
Memories and Legacy: A Farewell to Sayuri
Although Sayuri’s life and career were tragically brief, her music has left an undeniable impact on fans both in Japan and across the world. Following the announcement of her passing, many took to social media to share memories of her iconic street performances and videos from her final tour in China in May.
Her deeply personal lyrics and unfiltered, heartfelt performances continue to resonate across generations, cementing her as an irreplaceable voice in modern Japanese music. Though her journey was cut short, the love and emotion she poured into her work will forever remain in the hearts of those who listened.
By giving voice to a generation grappling with isolation and uncertainty, Sayuri’s legacy will continue to speak to those who feel lost in the noise of modern life.
