Usagi, former vocalist of menhera metal visual kei band Lyrica, has issued his first public statement since abruptly vanishing earlier this year, apologising to the band’s members, fans and others affected by his absence. The two-page handwritten message was posted to his social media pages on July 25th.
In his statement, Usagi accepted responsibility for cutting off communication and disappearing without explanation. He said several overlapping circumstances had left him temporarily unable to continue band activities from the beginning of the year until around April, but did not disclose what those circumstances were. While he stopped short of announcing a return, he said there was still music, words, and a world he wanted to share, and asked for one more opportunity to do so if fans were willing to forgive him.
The statement was published exactly three years after Lyrica formally began activities with their launch show at the Sugamo Shishio live house in Tokyo on July 25th, 2023, and one day after the date originally announced for the band’s third-anniversary one-man concert at club Asia. There is no indication that Usagi chose either date deliberately.
Usagi’s full translated statement:
“To everyone who supported Lyrica, and to everyone involved.
2026.7.25 Usagi
First of all, I am truly sorry for suddenly disappearing from all of you. I would also like to once again offer my deepest apologies for the long period of time that has passed before I was able to share this statement with you.
Between the beginning of this year and around April, various circumstances overlapped, leaving me temporarily unable to continue band activities. However, regardless of the circumstances, it was entirely my responsibility that I suddenly cut off contact and disappeared without being able to tell any of you anything.
As a result, I caused a great deal of worry and trouble for many people. I also placed an enormous burden on and caused a great deal of trouble for the members, as we were no longer able to carry out the various activities that had been planned, including the one-man show and overseas performances that had already been confirmed. Above all, I sincerely apologise that the result was that I betrayed the expectations of everyone who had been looking forward to them.
There was also a period when I thought that perhaps I should remain out of the public eye. However, I now believe that allowing everything to end without saying anything would itself be the greatest betrayal of those who supported me and everyone who loved Lyrica’s music.
I fully understand that there are criticisms and harsh words directed towards me. I will sincerely accept them, and from now on, I want to demonstrate through my actions that I can regain the trust I have lost. I will also reflect on who I have been until now and strive never to repeat the same thing again.
Even so, there are still things I want to express. There is music, there are words, and there is a world that I want to share with all of you. If you are willing to forgive me, I would be grateful if you could give me just one more opportunity to share that music with you.
Once again, I am truly sorry for causing such a great deal of trouble and worry.”
RELATED: Lyrica to disband following vocalist Usagi’s disappearance, European shows cancelled
Lyrica announced their disbandment in February after being unable to contact Usagi. The band first revealed on January 17th that he had been unreachable for several days, leading to a string of cancelled live shows, including birthday events for drummer Mona, bassist Kakeru, and Usagi. On February 12th, the band confirmed Usagi was safe following contact from a family member, but concluded that continuing with him would be difficult and announced they would disband.
Their final one-man show, titled “Disband”, took place on March 13th at Zirco Tokyo and went ahead without Usagi, staged by guitarist Mime, Kakeru, and Mona. Scheduled European dates in Cologne were cancelled.
The name Lyrica comes from the painkiller of the same name. Usagi explained at the launch show that music could not heal someone’s wounds on its own, but that he hoped it might offer temporary relief and help listeners begin moving forward.
