Sad news out of the Japanese entertainment world as singer/actor, Gackt has announced via a press release that he is suspending all of his professional activities immediately because of a health issue that he’s currently fighting.
The issues began for the mega-star back on August 6th when he reported to his management agency that he was feeling unwell after returning from a trip overseas. It was quickly determined that the neurological disease that he had been fighting since childhood had become a life-threatening issue and presented itself as a case of dysphonia or a voice disorder, making it difficult for Gackt to sing or even speak properly. In the statement, they revealed that over the last few weeks the singer has lost 22 lbs but emphasized that his condition is currently stable.
In a personal comment written by the man himself, he doesn’t reveal the exact name of the condition that he has been fighting since childhood, but he remained optimistic using language including the phrases “I will definitely be back. I’ll get stronger. I’ll become an even more amazing Gackt.”
This is obviously heavy and sad news for fans of the singer who got his start back in the 1990s with the band Malice Mizer. While doing research for this article, I went over the man’s resume and personal history and was reminded of how fascinating of a performer Gackt is and how well-rounded he is.
We have to remember that he’s only 48 years old but has released nine studio albums, almost 50 singles, and has lent his music and likeness to everything from anime to video games. Over the course of three decades, the man has become synonymous with Japanese entertainment and it’s hard to imagine the void that would be left behind should he leave us.
I know I speak for everyone on the J-List Blog staff when we wish a full recovery to Gackt! No matter how long it takes, your fans around the world will wait for you to feel better and get back to doing what you love!
Sources: SoraNews24, Kotaku, Crunchyroll News
