In their official website, his bandmates wrote:
In Memory of ShinyaTo our fans and the global community,
It is with a heavy heart and profound grief that we announce the passing of Shinya, the eternal heartbeat and drummer of LUNA SEA. He peacefully departed his life at 6:16 PM on February 17, 2026.
Since 2020, Shinya had been courageously fighting Stage 4 colorectal cancer and a brain tumor discovered last year. Through seven surgeries and relentless treatment, he continued to battle with a strength that inspired us all. Though he has now drawn the curtain on his 56 years of life, his journey was defined by a resilience that transcended his illness.
Until the very end, Shinya remained committed to his rehabilitation, driven by his will to play the drums at our performance in March. His sudden departure has left a void that words cannot fill.
Shinya believed more strongly than anyone that “the five of us will return to stage once more.” Even in the face of his greatest trials, his faith never wavered. His unyielding spirit and his radiant, sun-like smile had been a source of hope for his fellow band members and our entire staff.
The soulful rhythms he cast for over 35 years and his boundless devotion to music will resonate forever within the legacy of LUNA SEA. His rhythm will never fade.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the fans who have supported Shinya with such warmth and love.
In accordance with the wishes of his family, a private funeral has been held with close relatives. We plan to create an opportunity in the near future for fans to gather and offer their final farewells. Details will be shared once they are finalized.
We ask that you join us in offering your prayers, so that Shinya’s soul may rest in eternal peace.
February 23, 2026
RYUICHI, SUGIZO, INORAN, J / LUNA SEAsource: https://www.lunasea.jp/en/news_en/LUN_news_20260223en
RIP to an amazing musician who seemed to have stayed grounded surrounded by divas. I’m glad I got to watch them in their Eden and Mother rerecord tour back in 2022 and 2023. Went on a day trip to Sendai to catch the Style rerecord tour too, but didn’t get to ballot for the rest of their discography’s rerecording tours which remains one of my biggest regrets.
Have you ever seen Luna Sea live, ONTD?
Sorry for forgetting the cut the first time around, Mods~!
