Gackt
Gackt (born July 4, 1973) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, actor, and fashion designer, renowned for his contributions to the visual kei rock genre and his prolific solo career that has spanned over two decades.[1][2] Born in Okinawa to a musically inclined family, he began playing piano at a young age and developed an interest in rock music during high school, leading to his entry into the music industry in the mid-1990s.[1][3] Gackt's professional breakthrough came in 1995 when he joined the visual kei band Malice Mizer as lead vocalist and pianist, contributing to their rise in popularity through theatrical performances and gothic-inspired music.[4][5] He departed the group in 1999 to pursue solo endeavors, debuting with the EP Mizérable in 1999 and releasing his first full-length album, Mars, in 2000, which established his signature style blending hard rock, pop, and multilingual lyrics in Japanese, English, and other languages.[1][6] Over the course of his solo career, Gackt has released 48 singles and 19 albums, holding the record for the most consecutive top-10 singles by a male solo artist in Japan.[6][7] Beyond music, Gackt has diversified into acting, appearing in films such as Moon Child (2003), where he also served as co-writer, and Bunraku (2010), alongside international stars like Josh Hartnett, as well as television roles including the historical drama Fūrin Kazan (2007) as the warlord Uesugi Kenshin.[2][8] His elaborate stage presence, androgynous aesthetic, and ventures into fashion design and philanthropy have solidified his status as a multifaceted icon in Japanese entertainment.[1] After a hiatus due to health issues, he returned in 2018 and, as of 2025, continues to perform live, including orchestral tours like "Gackt Philharmonic," and remains one of Japan's best-selling artists with over 10 million records sold.[9][7]Biography
Early life
Gackt, born Gakuto Oshiro (real name revealed in 2017) on July 4, 1973, in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, grew up in a family immersed in education and music. His father worked as a music teacher specializing in the trumpet, while his mother served as a schoolteacher; he was the second of three children, with an older sister and a younger brother. The family environment was strict, emphasizing discipline and artistic development from a young age.[10][3] From early childhood, Gackt was exposed to classical music through his father's influence, which shaped his initial musical foundation. At the age of three, his parents enrolled him in classical piano lessons, where he developed proficiency despite the rigorous demands. He immersed himself in the works of composers such as Beethoven and Mozart, alongside traditional Japanese enka music, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse genres. Gackt has cited classical pianist Frédéric Chopin as a key early influence, highlighting how these experiences instilled a sense of musical discipline.[11] Gackt attended high school in Shiga Prefecture, where his interests shifted toward contemporary sounds during his teenage years. He became drawn to Western rock music and formed a band with school friends, experimenting with performance and composition. After graduating, he briefly enrolled in Kyoto Gakuen University but soon dropped out to focus on music full-time. At age 18, he relocated to Tokyo to pursue professional opportunities in the industry.[12]Personal life
Gackt has resided primarily in Tokyo since the beginning of his professional career in the late 1990s, maintaining a base there for work-related activities while spending considerable time abroad. In 2012, he relocated his main home to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where, in a 2017 interview, he stated he spends approximately 60% of the year, citing an immediate affinity for the country upon his first visit. He allocates about 20% of his time to Japan, balancing his lifestyle between the two locations for relaxation and professional commitments.[13][14] Gackt has never been married and keeps his romantic relationships private, avoiding public disclosure of personal partnerships. He has expressed disinterest in marriage, stating in interviews that it does not align with his current life priorities. While rumors of high-profile romances have circulated over the years, he emphasizes maintaining boundaries to protect his personal space.[15][16] In September 2021, Gackt announced an indefinite hiatus due to the exacerbation of a childhood neurological disorder that severely impacted his vocal abilities, leading to an inability to perform. His agency reported signs of improvement through intensive treatment by May 2022, and he resumed activities later that year, marking a successful recovery phase. This health challenge briefly interrupted his career but underscored his commitment to long-term well-being.[17][18][19] Gackt adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, including a one-meal-a-day regimen focused on vegetables, meat, and fish while avoiding carbohydrates for over two decades to maintain peak physical condition. He is passionate about martial arts, holding a second-degree black belt in ITF taekwondo, earned in 2012, and possessing experience in karate, boxing, and jiu-jitsu, which he incorporates into daily training. His philanthropy efforts stem from personal values of community connection and empowerment, aiming to link local initiatives in his Okinawa roots to global causes through actionable support.[20][21][22] Among his hobbies, Gackt enjoys collecting luxury cars, viewing them as motivating "toys for men" that inspire harder work, with notable ownership including a Lamborghini Aventador and a customized Ferrari.[23] His spiritual outlook aligns closely with reverence for nature as a divine force, influenced by family traditions of honoring deceased relatives as protective spirits.[24]Musical career
1993–1998: First musical efforts and Malice Mizer
Gackt's entry into the music industry occurred in 1993, when he co-formed the short-lived indie visual kei band Cains:Feel alongside guitarist You, serving as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter. The group, which blended gothic rock elements with emotional ballads, released a self-produced demo tape titled Marine Blue no Kaze ni Dakarete and performed at small venues in Kyoto, marking Gackt's initial forays into songwriting and stage presence within the underground scene.[25][26] After Cains:Feel disbanded in early 1995, Gackt was recruited by Malice Mizer's guitarist Mana to join the visual kei band as lead vocalist and pianist, following the departure of their previous singer Tetsu in 1994. Mana had been impressed by Gackt's vocal demo from Cains:Feel during auditions, leading to his official debut live performance with the band on October 10, 1995, at Shibuya's On Air West venue in a sold-out show titled Karei naru Fukkatsugeki1999–2003: Solo debut, early albums, and initial success
After departing from Malice Mizer, Gackt signed with Nippon Crown and launched his solo career on January 1, 1999, marking a pivotal transition to independent artistry. His debut release was the extended play Mizérable on May 12, 1999, which peaked at number 2 on the Oricon albums chart and spent 12 weeks there, earning a gold certification from the RIAJ for over 200,000 shipments.[33] The title track single "Mizerable," released on June 30, 1999, followed suit, reaching number 3 on the Oricon singles chart and charting for 9 weeks.[33] This period also saw the release of follow-up singles "Vanilla" on August 11, 1999 (peaking at number 6 for 11 weeks) and "Mirror" on October 27, 1999 (number 5 for 11 weeks), solidifying his initial chart presence.[33] To promote these works, Gackt embarked on his first solo tour, the 99 Gackt Resurrection, spanning 11 locations across Japan.[33] In 2000, Gackt expanded his sound with the full-length album Mars, released on April 26 by Nippon Crown, which incorporated orchestral arrangements and peaked at number 3 on the Oricon chart, charting for 13 weeks and also receiving gold certification.[34][33] The album featured tracks like "Asrun Dream," inspired by the manga Banana Fish, highlighting Gackt's affinity for narrative-driven themes often resonant with anime and visual storytelling.[33] Supporting singles included "Oasis" on February 16, 2000 (peaking at number 7 for 6 weeks) and "Seki-Ray" on March 8, 2000 (peaking at number 7 for 6 weeks).) This era established Gackt's reputation for blending rock with symphonic elements, contributing to his growing fanbase in Japan. The year 2001 brought the album Rebirth on April 25, another concept-driven work that reached number 5 on the Oricon chart for 9 weeks, again certified gold.[35][33] Hits from this period, including the single "Saikai" on May 23 (number 7 for 9 weeks), underscored his evolving style.[33] Gackt initiated his "Requiem et Reminiscence" tour in 2001, a live production that emphasized dramatic staging and would influence his later Visualive format. From 2002 to 2003, Gackt delved into romantic and introspective motifs with the albums Moon (June 19, 2002) and Crescent (December 3, 2003), both concept pieces linked thematically to explore love, longing, and celestial imagery.[36][37] The single "Last Song," released November 12, 2003, further exemplified these themes, peaking at number 5 on the Oricon chart.[33] Throughout this phase, Gackt cultivated an elegant, gender-fluid visual identity, characterized by refined attire and androgynous aesthetics that captivated fans and propelled his early success in the Japanese music scene.[27]2004–2009: Mid-career albums, tours, and collaborations
In 2004, Gackt released two companion albums that explored contrasting musical styles, marking an experimental phase in his solo career. The first, The Sixth Day2010–2017: Label changes, side projects, and final Visualive
In 2010, Gackt released his compilation album The Eleventh Day2018–2025: Hiatus, recovery, return, and anniversary activities
In 2018, Gackt marked the early stages of his 20th solo anniversary with a birthday concert at Pacifico Yokohama on April 25, featuring a performance of his hits and special guests.[58] This was followed by the announcement of the GACKT 20th ANNIVERSARY LIVE TOUR 2020 "KHAOS" in September 2019, his first national tour in about four years, which commenced in January 2020 and concluded in February after 14 dates across Japan, blending rock elements with theatrical visuals.[59] Additional anniversary projects included collaborations with VARTIX for the "XX (Double X)" initiative in April 2019, releasing limited-edition merchandise and visuals.[60] On September 8, 2021, Gackt announced an indefinite hiatus from entertainment activities due to a neurological disorder that had progressed to severe dysphonia, rendering his voice production life-threatening and necessitating full recovery focus.[18] He resumed limited activities in June 2022, sharing recovery updates, and marked his return with a livestream event "GACKT:RE birthday special" on July 4, 2022, discussing his health journey without performing vocals.[61] In 2023, Gackt resumed full musical activities with the "GACKT LAST SONGS 2023 feat. K" tour, a three-city ballad-focused series in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka from March 18 to 25, emphasizing emotional mid-tempo tracks like "Last Song" and "Sakura, Chiru" alongside guitarist K.[62] The tour highlighted his vocal recovery, with performances noted for their intimate staging and audience connection. To celebrate his 25th solo debut anniversary on April 25, he held the "GACKT ANNIVERSARY - Daimaou's Birthday Festival 2023" concert at a Tokyo venue, featuring fan interactions and retrospective elements.[63] By 2024, Gackt's recovery milestones included expanded touring with "GACKT LAST SONGS 2024 feat. K," a five-city nationwide run from February 28 to March 24, incorporating guest appearances like TUBE's Maekawa Koki and tracks such as "Sayonara."[64] In December 2024, he announced the "LAST SONGS 2025 feat. K" tour, which was held from March 11 to April 2, 2025, across seven Japanese cities, continuing the series' focus on vocal-centric sets to demonstrate sustained health progress; a DVD/Blu-ray recording was released on November 13, 2025.[65][9] In 2025, Gackt launched the "GACKT PHILHARMONIC 2025 - Maou Symphony" live concept on April 13 at Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo, fusing rock with orchestral arrangements via a 70-plus-piece ensemble from Grand Philharmonic Tokyo, performing reimagined tracks like "Returner" and "For My Dear" in a demonic philharmony theme.[62] Later that year, he revived his band project YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz (YFCz) for the 2026 "WORLD TOUR ATTACK OF YFCz," announced in October 2025, marking their first international outing in 15 years since 2011 with dates starting January 18, 2026, at KT Zepp Yokohama and extending to Shanghai, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Santiago.[66] Complementing these efforts, a special broadcast of "GACKT PHILHARMONIC 2025 - Maou Symphony" highlights aired on Yunika Vision at Seibu Shinjuku Station from November 10 to 16, showcasing full live footage of three songs to promote the project's DVD release.[67] In July 2025, Gackt announced the "LAST SONGS 2026 feat. K" tour, set for spring 2026 in five Japanese cities (Tokyo, Fukuoka, Miyagi, Osaka, Aichi), maintaining the series' focus on emotional ballads.[68]Acting career
Theatre
Gackt made his stage acting debut in 2010 with the jidaigeki play Nemuri Kyōshirō Burai-hikae, portraying the lead role of the enigmatic ronin samurai Nemuri Kyōshirō, a character known for his masterful swordsmanship and moral ambiguity in a world of corruption.[2] The production, adapted from Renzaburō Shibata's classic novels, ran for over 120 performances at Tokyo's Nissay Theatre from May to August, showcasing Gackt's transition from music to scripted drama through intense physical training and character immersion.[69] In 2012, Gackt took on a multifaceted role in Moon Saga - Yoshitsune Hiden, starring as the historical figure Minamoto no Yoshitsune while also writing the script, composing the music, and directing the production in collaboration with manga artists CLAMP.[70] This original work reimagined Yoshitsune's legend with fantasy elements, including supernatural mononoke spirits and epic battles, premiering at the Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo before a national tour that emphasized multimedia staging with projections and choreography. The play's success led to a sequel, Moon Saga - Yoshitsune Hiden Chapter 2, in 2014, where Gackt reprised his role as Yoshitsune, advancing the narrative into the Genpei War's aftermath with heightened dramatic tension and ensemble sword fights.[71] Throughout these roles, Gackt's performances blend vocal prowess with physical expressiveness, incorporating singing interludes and dynamic movements influenced by visual kei theatricality, such as elaborate costumes, symbolic lighting, and immersive audience interaction to heighten emotional depth.[2]Film and television
Gackt entered the realm of film and television acting in the early 2000s, initially through documentaries that showcased his persona beyond music. His screen debut came in 2001 with the TV documentary Fly to Madagascar, where he explored the island's culture and wildlife as host and narrator.[2] This was followed in 2002 by Hero's Hero, a short fantasy documentary series in which he portrayed a heroic figure inspired by his own image, blending personal narrative with dramatic elements.[72] Transitioning to narrative roles, Gackt made his feature film debut in 2003's Moon Child, a science fiction action film directed by Takahisa Zeze. In it, he played Sho, the protagonist and leader of a gang involving vampires in a dystopian future city, a role he also co-wrote, drawing from themes of immortality and friendship; the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight section.[73] His performance was noted for its intensity, marking his establishment as a versatile actor capable of leading dramatic narratives. On television, Gackt gained prominence in 2007 with the NHK taiga drama Fūrin Kazan (The Trusted Confidant), portraying the legendary Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin. As the "Dragon of Echigo," his depiction of the strategic and spiritually profound daimyō was critically acclaimed, earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the TV Navi Drama Awards and highlighting his ability to embody historical figures with gravitas.[74] The series, which chronicled the rise of the Takeda clan through strategist Yamamoto Kansuke's perspective, ran for 50 episodes and reached a wide audience via NHK's broadcast. Earlier TV appearances included guest spots in variety shows, but Fūrin Kazan solidified his dramatic credentials. Gackt's international exposure arrived with the 2010 action thriller Bunraku, directed by Guy Moshe, where he portrayed Yoshi, a vengeful samurai seeking retribution in a stylized, puppet-theater-inspired world. Teaming up with a drifter (Josh Hartnett) against a criminal syndicate, his role emphasized swordsmanship and quiet resolve, filmed primarily in English to appeal to global markets; the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.[75] Subsequent TV roles included the cunning prosecutor Takegami Teijiro in a 2009 episode of the Fuji TV series Mr. Brain, and the ambitious eunuch Jo Tei Gai in the 2011 historical drama Tempest (also known as Ryūkyū no Kaze), where he navigated political intrigue in the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 2012, he appeared as Date Masamune in the action series Sengoku Basara: Moonlight, adapting the video game with high-stakes samurai battles. Later projects included the dual role of teacher Takashi Shiki and the dream prince Yumeoji in the 2012 horror-mystery series Akumu-chan: The Dream's Killer, which spawned a 2014 theatrical adaptation. Gackt returned to lead comedy in 2019's Fly Me to the Saitama (Tonde Saitama), playing the flamboyant Ukon Takemoto, a Tokyo elite discriminating against Saitama natives; the satirical hit grossed over ¥2.5 billion at the box office. He reprised the character in the 2023 sequel Fly Me to the Saitama: From Lake Biwa with Love, released amid his recovery from health issues, extending the absurd regional rivalry narrative.[76] Gackt has also featured in NHK specials during the 2000s exploring visual kei culture, providing insights into the subgenre's aesthetics and his Malice Mizer tenure, such as segments in music history documentaries that contextualized his evolution from band member to solo artist. Following a hiatus from 2022 due to auditory and neurological conditions, Gackt resumed acting with a supporting role as Mido Shizuka in the 2025 film Blue Fight: The Breaking Down of Young Blue Warriors and the role of Tokugawa Munenobu in the 2025 TV drama Shin Abarenbô Shogun.Musical artistry
Voice and songwriting
Gackt possesses a versatile vocal range spanning approximately four octaves, from C♯2 to D6, enabling him to deliver deep, smoky tones in his lower register alongside piercing high notes.[78] His timbre often carries an androgynous quality, particularly in upper registers, which contributes to the ethereal and emotive character of his performances.[78] Gackt underwent intensive vocal training early in his career before joining Malice Mizer, which expanded his capabilities during his tenure with the band from 1995 to 1999, allowing him to shift from a predominantly lower voice to one capable of broad dynamic expression and falsetto mastery.[79] This training honed his ability to produce an "angelic falsetto" that conveys profound emotional intensity, a technique he refined through rigorous practice to suit the band's gothic and symphonic rock style.[80] In his songwriting, Gackt authors the majority of his material, composing both music and lyrics for most tracks across his discography, which gives his work a deeply personal and introspective stamp. His lyrics frequently explore themes of love, loss, and existentialism, delving into the pain of separation, the search for meaning, and cycles of rebirth; for instance, the debut single "Mizerable" (1999) symbolizes the torment of unrequited love and emotional desolation through its poignant narrative of longing and isolation.[81] These motifs recur in his oeuvre, reflecting a philosophical undercurrent that questions human fragility and resilience, often drawing from personal experiences to create universally resonant stories.[81] Gackt collaborates closely with producers like Chachamaru, his longtime lead guitarist and associate producer, on co-writing sessions that shape arrangements and refine compositions.[82] Chachamaru, a key figure in Gackt's backing band GACKTJob since the early 2000s, contributes guitar riffs and structural input, fostering a collaborative dynamic that has defined much of Gackt's solo output. Over time, Gackt's songwriting has evolved from raw rock foundations to more expansive orchestral integrations, evident in projects blending live band elements with symphonic orchestration to heighten dramatic tension and emotional depth.[83] His influences include classical composers, whose intricate structures inform Gackt's symphonic leanings, and rock icons, whose theatrical flair and harmonic complexity inspire his melodic phrasing and vocal delivery. Rooted in the visual kei tradition, these elements manifest in Gackt's use of both Japanese and English lyrics, allowing him to bridge cultural boundaries and amplify themes of universal human struggle—English phrases often punctuate choruses for added emotional immediacy, as in tracks like "Redemption" (2001).[84] This bilingual approach underscores his intent to evoke introspection across diverse audiences.[84]Live performances and Visualive
Gackt's live performances are characterized by high-production values that immerse audiences in elaborate spectacles, incorporating advanced lighting setups, dynamic visual effects, and pyrotechnic displays to enhance the emotional impact of his music. These shows often feature direct fan interaction, such as choreographed movements that encourage audience participation and create a sense of communal energy, drawing from his visual kei roots while evolving into more theatrical experiences.[85][86] The Visualive format, which Gackt debuted in 2001 during his Requiem et Reminiscence tour, represents a pioneering approach to live entertainment by seamlessly blending concert performances with theatrical elements and cinematic storytelling. This concept fuses music, film projections, and dramatic narratives to craft immersive, plot-driven experiences that transcend traditional concerts, allowing Gackt to explore thematic depths through visual and performative layers. A notable example is the integration of the Moon Saga project, which tied into the 2003 film Moon Child—where Gackt starred and contributed to the soundtrack—extending its vampire lore into subsequent Visualive tours as a continuous narrative arc.[87][88] Key iterations of Visualive highlighted innovative staging, such as the 2008–2009 Requiem et Reminiscence II arena tour, which revisited the original storyline with expansive arena setups at venues like Saitama Super Arena, emphasizing large-scale visuals and ensemble performances to evoke themes of resurrection and encounter. The format reached its culmination in the Last Visualive tour (2016–2017), serving as the grand finale to the Moon Saga with 42 dates across Japan and international legs, culminating in a triumphant show that combined orchestral undertones, LED-enhanced storytelling, and Gackt's commanding stage presence to deliver an emotionally charged closure.[89][90][57] Following the Last Visualive, Gackt transitioned to varied live formats that echoed its principles of narrative fusion and spectacle, including the orchestral GACKT Philharmonic 2025: Maou Symphony held at Sumida Triphony Hall, where he collaborated with the Grand Philharmonic Tokyo to reimagine his "Maou" persona through symphonic arrangements of select tracks, blending rock vocals with full orchestral swells for a spellbinding, revival-themed performance. Additionally, in 2024, Gackt revived his rock band YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz after a 12-year hiatus for limited engagements, culminating in a 2026 world tour titled Attack of YFCz, which infuses high-energy rock dynamics and band interplay into his evolving live repertoire while maintaining thematic depth. These shifts demonstrate Visualive's lasting influence on Gackt's approach, adapting its immersive ethos to orchestral and ensemble contexts.[91][92][93]Other activities
Entrepreneurship
In 2014, Gackt established the independent record label G&Lovers to achieve greater creative control over his music production and distribution, marking a shift from major labels like Avex Group.[58] The label's first release was the single "P.S. I Love U" on February 12, 2014, with subsequent albums and singles, such as Last Moon in 2016, handled under its banner and distributed by Crown Tokuma.[94] This move enabled Gackt to self-fund ambitious projects, including tours and multimedia endeavors, free from the constraints of traditional industry structures post-Avex.[95] Beyond music, Gackt ventured into fashion through branded collaborations, notably launching the DARTS jewelry line in 2009 to commemorate his tenth anniversary as a solo artist.[27] The collection featured luxury pieces like diamond-encrusted pendants, blending his aesthetic with high-end craftsmanship to appeal to fans seeking personalized accessories inspired by his visual style. These initiatives extended to clothing and other accessories via partnerships in the 2000s, emphasizing gothic and rock-infused designs that aligned with his public persona. Gackt also invested in music technology, providing the voice for the Vocaloid software Gackpoid (also known as Camui Gackpo) released in 2008 by Internet Co., Ltd., which allowed producers to create songs using a synthesized version of his vocal timbre.[96] This collaboration expanded his influence into digital music production tools, fostering a new wave of fan-created content. Additionally, he founded the personal management company VENUS around the early 2010s to oversee tours and production logistics, supporting self-directed live events like the Visualive series.[58] These entrepreneurial efforts collectively empowered Gackt to diversify revenue streams and maintain artistic autonomy throughout his career.Philanthropy
In 2007, following the Chūetsu-Oki earthquake that struck Niigata Prefecture, Gackt launched the "Save our Dears" charity initiative to support affected victims and communities. To generate funds, he personally designed keychains and bracelets sold through official channels, with proceeds directed toward relief efforts in the region.[27] Gackt's most prominent philanthropic endeavor came in response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, where he established the Show Your Heart foundation as a general incorporated association dedicated to disaster aid. The organization coordinated nationwide street fundraising events involving thousands of volunteers, international photo campaigns featuring fans displaying supportive messages, and contributions from celebrities and corporations, ultimately raising over ¥170 million. All funds were transparently donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society and local welfare groups to provide essential supplies and recovery support to victims.[97][98][99] The foundation maintains ongoing partnerships with the Japanese Red Cross for disaster response and has participated in broader Asian support projects, including charity television programs and regional welfare initiatives over the subsequent decade. It has continued efforts such as donations from the “Nescafe Gold Blend Barista GACKT Model” for the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and merchandise sales supporting the reconstruction of Shuri Castle in Okinawa.[22]Legacy
Cultural status
Gackt has been recognized as a pioneer in promoting androgynous aesthetics within Japanese rock, particularly through his solo career following his time with the visual kei band Malice Mizer, influencing the genre's emphasis on gender fluidity and elaborate visual presentation. His style, characterized by a blend of masculine and feminine elements in fashion and performance, helped shape the visual kei genre's evolution toward broader expressions of identity in the 2000s, as discussed in analyses of visual kei's hybridity and gender dynamics.[100] His media presence extends beyond music into anime and video games, reinforcing his cultural footprint in multimedia entertainment. Gackt has contributed theme songs to anime series, including "Metamorphoze" for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation and tracks for Trickster, while also voicing characters in the latter. In gaming, he appeared as a playable character in the 2024 Tekken 8 DLC alongside Hyde, a collaboration that celebrated visual kei icons and introduced the genre to international gamers, highlighting its crossover potential.[101][102] Gackt's global reach is demonstrated by dedicated fan communities across Asia and Europe, built through international tours and digital engagement, culminating in the announced 2026 YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz world tour "ATTACK OF YFCz," which includes stops in Shanghai, Mexico, and Brazil—marking the group's first overseas performances in 15 years. He has received multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards for sales achievements, including gold certifications for singles such as "Kimi ni Aitakute," underscoring his commercial impact. As a cultural icon, Gackt's androgynous persona has contributed to LGBTQ+ representation in Japanese pop culture by normalizing gender-nonconforming expressions in visual kei, fostering discussions on identity and euphoria through fashion.[103][33] In 2025, Gackt's "Maou Symphony" project innovated orchestral-rock fusion during the "GACKT PHILHARMONIC 2025" performances, integrating a 70-piece standing orchestra with his rock band to create a unified sonic experience after a decade-long hiatus from such collaborations; this approach, detailed in his ORICON interview, emphasized precise sound balancing and layered compositions to bridge classical and rock audiences, expanding his influence on multimedia artistry.[104]Works
Discography
Gackt's solo discography spans over two decades, encompassing nine studio albums, more than 40 singles, and several compilations, primarily released through labels such as Nippon Crown and his own G&Lovers imprint. His debut EP, Mizérable (1999), marked a significant transition from his work with Malice Mizer, achieving commercial success and setting the stage for a prolific career in J-rock and pop. Subsequent releases often blended rock, classical, and electronic elements, with many topping or entering the top ten on the Oricon charts. As of 2025, no new solo studio albums have been released since Last Moon in 2016.[105]Solo Studio Albums
Gackt's solo studio albums are characterized by thematic depth, often exploring concepts like love, mortality, and mythology. Key releases include:- Mizérable (May 12, 1999): His debut EP, which peaked at number 2 on the Oricon Albums Chart and spent 12 weeks in the top rankings, certified gold by the RIAJ for over 200,000 shipments.[106]
- Mars (April 26, 2000): Peaked at number 4 on Oricon.
- Rebirth (April 25, 2001): Entered the Oricon top 10.
- Moon (June 19, 2002): Reached number 4 on Oricon.
- Crescent (December 3, 2003): Peaked at number 8 on Oricon.
- Love Letter (February 14, 2005): A concept album dedicated to his late manager, charting at number 2 on Oricon.
- Diabolos
Seinaru Yoru ni(September 21, 2005): A darker-themed work that debuted at number 4 on the Oricon Albums Chart and charted for 9 weeks.[107] - Seventh Heaven (November 21, 2007): Peaked at number 3 on Oricon.
- Jesus (December 3, 2008): Entered the top 5 on Oricon.
- Last Moon (April 27, 2016): His most recent studio album, a concept piece concluding a narrative arc from earlier works, debuting at number 7 on Oricon.[55]
Solo Singles
Gackt has released 48 singles as a solo artist, with 43 consecutively entering the Oricon Singles Chart top 10, a record for male solo artists in Japan. Representative examples include:- "Mizerable" (June 23, 1999): Debut single, peaked at number 2 on Oricon and sold over 116,000 copies.[108]
- "Vanilla" (August 11, 1999): Reached number 4 on Oricon.
- "Returner
Yami no Shūen" (June 20, 2007): His only number 1 single on Oricon, used as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00. - "Metamorphoze
Metamorufōze" (September 20, 2006): Peaked at number 2 on Oricon, tied to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam remakes. - "Jesus" (March 11, 2009): Charted at number 2 on Oricon.
Group and Collaborative Works
Prior to his solo career, Gackt contributed to Malice Mizer's discography as lead vocalist from 1995 to 1999, including the album Merveilles (March 4, 1998), which peaked at number 4 on Oricon and remains a visual kei landmark. In 2007, he formed the supergroup S.K.I.N. with Hyde (L'Arc-en-Ciel), Miyavi, and Sugizo (X Japan), releasing the single "Yume no Owari ni" (2009) and the album Lost and Found (2009), which debuted at number 7 on Oricon. Gackt also collaborated with Yellow Fried Chickenz (YFCz), a hip-hop group, on the album Back to the Street (2011).[109] Additionally, in 2009, Gackt's vocals were used for the Vocaloid software Gackpoid (also known as Gackt-Poid), a voicebank developed by Internet Co., Ltd., enabling fan-created songs in his likeness.[105]Filmography
Gackt began his acting career in the early 2000s, debuting in film before expanding to television dramas and voice roles in anime and video games. His performances often feature intense, charismatic characters, drawing from his background as a musician. The following is a comprehensive overview of his credited roles across media, focusing on key appearances.[2][11][110]Films
Gackt's film roles span Japanese cinema and international productions, often portraying complex anti-heroes or historical figures.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Moon Child | Shō | Lead role in sci-fi film co-written by Gackt.[2] |
| 2009 | Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker | Joji Yuki / Narutaki | Special appearance in tokusatsu film.[2] |
| 2010 | Bunraku | Yoshi | Supporting role in English-language action film.[2] |
| 2012 | The Tempest | Jo Teigai | Lead role in 3D disaster film.[2] |
| 2014 | Akumu-chan the Movie | Takashi Shiki | Main role in horror-thriller adaptation.[11] |
| 2018 | Karanukan | Hikaru Ooyama | Main role in drama film.[11] |
| 2019 | Fly Me to the Saitama | Minister of Economy | Supporting role in satirical comedy.[111] |
| 2024 | Moshimo Tokugawa Ieyasu ga Sori Daijin ni Nattara | Oda Nobunaga | Supporting role in historical fantasy film.[2] |
Television
Gackt has guest-starred and led in Japanese dramas, including historical taiga series and modern thrillers, with appearances in documentaries highlighting his career.- Price (2002): Lead role as a young entrepreneur in the romance drama.[112]
- Fūrin Kazan (2007): Uesugi Kenshin in NHK taiga drama about the Sengoku period.[112]
- Mr. Brain (2009, episode 2): Takegami Teijiro, a death row prisoner, in the science fiction series.[112]
- Tempest (2011): Supporting role as Jo Teigai in historical drama.[113]
- Sengoku Basara: Moonlight (2012): Date Masamune in the historical fantasy series.[112]
- Akumu-chan (2012): Takashi Shiki in the horror mini-series.[113]
- Time Spiral (2014): Shuya Tatsumi in the NHK sci-fi mystery.[113]
- Wingman (2024): Guest appearance in TV series.[2]
- Shin Abarenbô Shogun (2025): Tokugawa Muneharu, supporting role in jidaigeki TV movie.[2]
- Various documentaries, including career retrospectives on NHK and Fuji TV (2005–2015), where Gackt appears as himself discussing his transition to acting.[2]
Voice Acting
Gackt's voice work emphasizes deep, resonant tones suitable for villainous or enigmatic characters in anime series, films, and video games. Anime and Animated Films:- Argento Soma (2000): Ryu Soma, the protagonist's alter ego in the mecha series.[101]
- Inuyasha: Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003): Bankotsu, leader of the Band of Seven.[110]
- Inuyasha: Light of Destiny (2004): Bankotsu in the second Inuyasha film.[110]
- Shiki (2010): Seishiro Kirishiki, a vampire noble in the horror series.[110]
- Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker (2012): Voice role in the animated fantasy film.[2]
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007): Genesis Rhapsodos, a key antagonist.[110]
- Tales of VS. (2010): Asch the Bloody, a playable character from Tales of the Abyss.[2]