MEJIGAY

ATSUSHI SAKURAI / 櫻井 敦司 60 YEARS

There are a lot of words from the official statement, from Aoi and from other band members and even from articles (that magicaly appeared "at the right time"). Most of them seem offensive. I can't say I'm not sad, that Aoi decided to leave the band. I can understand, he has his reasons and I have to respect them. I understand Ruki's, Uruha's and Kai's emotions. They have the greatest right to be angry and frustrated since the day Aoi announced his decision. But the way how is everything written at OHP and doubtful magazines, like "we are all angels and Aoi is that black sheep"... All those paparazzi photos, that appeared on social media... "Erasing" Aoi's name from OHP as if he never did anything good for the band... And now I read, that Taujan removed Aoi's collection...? It's dishonest and really painful. Maybe someone wants to get revenge on Aoi, but in reality it's harmful to the band and it's really painful for the fans to see something like that. I can't say that Aoi didn't made any mistakes or problems in the band. I don't know anything about the situation, but some of the things I've read on the internet are just too much. I understand that he and the other members unfortunately had very serious conflicts. And we will never know the reason for that. Not the REAL reason. I understand that emotions are often stronger than comon sense and Aoi is really emotional and short-tempered. But there should be some statement about what the hell is true and what is just rumours. Because all those harsh words without explanation against Aoi only create room for speculation, gossip and fabricated scandals and damage the other members and the entire face of the band.

And there are things I don't understand: If Aoi talked about leaving a year ago and left the band in September, why wasn't there an official statement then? Why does the statement at OHP seem like "We're all in shock" when they knew what was going to happen since last spring? And why today, on the anniversary? If there were-long term problems, why did they wait until today?

There are a lot of questions which only makes the situation worse. I think there was a better way how to handle the whole situation. The band and fans are still grieving and the words about Aoi's decision are painful enough in themselves. But now there is a big drama with Aoi on one side and the band members with the company on the other.

Aoi: "I did think about continuing with the band. But the death of our member REITA affected me deeply. Even though it’s our own band, we can’t make decisions ourselves, so nothing moves forward with just the members. Gradually I started to lose sight of the meaning of continuing the band.

We’re in a band, but behind the scenes we’re just being told what to do—do this, wear this, this song isn’t allowed, etc.

At first I thought maybe that was fine. But my mental health started to decline, and now I’m living on sickness benefits. I’ve been receiving counseling from a doctor, and I was told that if I could leave that environment, it would be better to do so. That’s how cornered I was."

[...]

—Jprime 2026.03

My heart just breaks reading this. To get counseling and benefits in a Japanese system where those things are not given easily, he must feel REALLY mentally bad.

What’s your take on it?

I’ve seen theories that their management is treating them badly (mejibray flashbacks) and I’ve even seen theories saying that they’re mad at Aoi? Like a part 2 of the whole “Aoi wanted to leave the gazette” drama from years ago.

Nothing from Aoi yet. I’m definitely feeling like they’re hinting at a potential disbandment. Might explain the new album delay too.

Today a release and an article about me were published on the website of the GazettE and in Weekly Woman. However these contain many statements that differ from the facts. I sincerely apologize to everyone who supports me for causing worry and I would like to take this opportunity to share the correct facts.

In April of last year I informed the other members of the GazettE of my intention to leave the band at the end of September of that year. As of that date I had already left the GazettE. Therefore I was not removed from the band through expulsion. Regarding the fact of my departure I believed I had a responsibility to properly explain it to the fans and everyone involved who had supported us. For this reason, I refrained from announcing it myself as I intended for it to be officially announced in a form agreed upon with the other members.

However the GazettE’s website has now released a unilateral statement whose content differs greatly from my understanding which I find deeply regrettable. Until the day of my departure I sincerely dedicated myself to my activities with the GazettE. I have never abandoned or obstructed the band’s activities nor have I committed any act that could be considered a betrayal. I was also never attached to holding representative authority within the management company. The “demands for money” mentioned in the GazettE’s release and the weekly magazine article were simply requests for unpaid compensation and for payments that had already been agreed upon with the management company. They were in no way improper.

First of all bc the situation has become confusing I believed it was necessary to convey the facts to every1 who supports me which is why Im explaining things in this way. I sincerely apologize/causing concern to all the fans and everyone involved who have supported me until now.

March 10 2026

Aoi"

I always find stuff like this so gross. Partially we have that typical Japanese ”loyalty towards your company” attitude that’s toxic. Saying that you’re expelling him? Even though he literally asked to leave? If he wanted to leave, and be compensated for his work, let him. But this whole ”Aoi’s betrayal” narrative is gross coming from the management but also from the remaining members. You have fans who care for all of you deeply, let Aoi leave with dignity.

And here’s my issue with how Ruki, Kai and Uruha are handling this. Sure their posts addressing this seem normal. The usual ”gazette is forever” vibe. However, I made a post a few months ago about how weird their tweets were recently and how Aoi was the only one who wasn’t tweeting like that. And some fans thought they were talking about him. Turns out those fans were right?? Cause these grown ass men really were vagueposting about how pissed they were about Aoi and making fans get worried as if these grown men have any business fighting like teenagers online. Embarrassing behavior and truly ruining their legacy.

What’s your take on it?

I’ve seen theories that their management is treating them badly (mejibray flashbacks) and I’ve even seen theories saying that they’re mad at Aoi? Like a part 2 of the whole “Aoi wanted to leave the gazette” drama from years ago.

Nothing from Aoi yet. I’m definitely feeling like they’re hinting at a potential disbandment. Might explain the new album delay too.

also am I stupid or has this been here for long? can’t believe I haven’t stumbled upon this earlier here in tokyo

(shitty sneaky photos sorry) edit: this is in Laforet btw which is why I’m surprised