GACKT Official Bitfan update. Translation below
On May 16, 2026, “GACKT’s Revisit to the Disaster-Stricken Area 2026 ~Requiem and Rebirth~” was held.
The venue for the wreath-laying ceremony was the Yuriage district of Natori City. The Natori City official in charge of that area was, in fact, one of the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
During a preliminary visit, we had the opportunity to hear the official’s story. We learned that he had lost his home in the tsunami caused by the earthquake, and furthermore, his beloved wife and seven-month-old son.
Pointing to the names inscribed on the memorial monument in the earthquake memorial park before us, he quietly said, “These are the names of my wife and son,” and at that moment, we were speechless.
Fifteen years have passed, and the townscape has changed dramatically. However, we were once again reminded that there is a sorrow and loss that can never be filled by time alone.
The staff member in charge, despite carrying deep sorrow, has dedicated themselves to the reconstruction and future of Natori City to this day. Their actions quietly conveyed to us the importance of not letting the memory of the earthquake fade and continuing to pass it on to future generations.
The staff member also expressed deep gratitude for GACKT’s continued visits to the disaster-stricken area, 15 years after the earthquake, to offer prayers for repose and recovery.
“We are truly grateful that he continues to visit like this,” they said, their words imbued with a heartfelt desire to prevent the memory of the disaster from fading.
Furthermore, the staff member quietly and passionately spoke of how they themselves have been supported by music throughout their life. In the deep grief of losing loved ones, music comforted their hearts and gave them the strength to move forward.
Saving, healing, and empowering people to move towards the future—
As someone who has personally experienced the “power of music,” it was clear that they deeply empathize with the message that GACKT continues to convey through his musical activities.
Passing on the memories of the earthquake. And connecting the hope found amidst that sorrow to the next generation.
The words of the official in charge deeply resonated with the theme of “passing on the legacy” that GACKT had conveyed throughout the disaster-stricken area that day, and left a strong impression on our hearts.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, GACKT greeted officials from both Natori City and Sendai City. At that time, we briefly explained the aforementioned circumstances to GACKT, and GACKT, like us, was speechless in front of the official in charge.
During that conversation, the official confessed, “I’m also a fan of GACKT’s.” He explained that he had always wanted to play the song “LAPIS,” from GACKT’s 2001 mini-album “Mizerable,” on the piano, and since there was no sheet music available, he transcribed it [transcription means writing sheet music by ear and by hand]. He brought the sheet music with him and showed it to us. Upon inquiry, it was revealed that the staff member had listened to “LAPIS” hundreds, even thousands of times.
GACKT offered to sign the sheet music.
GACKT handed over the signed sheet music, spoke a few words, and exchanged a firm handshake. At that moment, tears welled up in the staff member’s eyes.
After many years, GACKT and the staff member met in Yuriage, and a connection was truly forged through music. The scene was an incredibly warm and precious moment, beyond words.
What is lost can never be recovered. Yet, people move forward and continue to live. Perhaps one of the forces that supports that journey is music.
The staff member continues to walk steadily and powerfully down the road that stretches far into the distance, just as the lyrics of “LAPIS” suggest.
Photo by Lestat C&M Project
Text by T.NAITO
Source: GACKT Official Bitfan
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA