Japanese metal-pop band Babymetal announced Tuesday (Jan. 9) that their guitarist Mikio Fujioka had died at age 36. “The ‘Little’ Guitar Kami of #BABYMETAL‘s #Kamiband has passed away in the METAL GALAXIES,” the band announced on Twitter.
According to numerous reports, Fujioka died from injuries he sustained after falling from an observation deck last month, but the band has not confirmed.
Fans of the band have taken to Twitter to pay their respects to the guitarist. Many were surprised by the unexpected news and shared memories from past Babymetal performances. See how fans reacted below:
R.I.P. Mikio ‘Ko-Gami’ Fujioka. I got to see him perform live with @BABYMETAL_JAPAN and I was blown away by his technical ability. One of the cleanest shredders out there. You will be missed — pic.twitter.com/QtISFOVHxk
— Graham Hartmann (@grahamwire) January 9, 2018
So hard to believe this is true. Not sure how many people realize just how gifted & advanced Mikio was, but he was on another level. Condolences to his family & friends at such a devastating time. He will never be forgotten. Thank you for the memories good sir, RIP — pic.twitter.com/EjK0vZ0dbS
— — Lee-Metal — (@GeneraLee1988) January 9, 2018
Our deepest condolences to Mikio Fujioka’s family, friends and @BABYMETAL_JAPAN. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/WCpPsIXH6A
— Electric Factory (@EFactoryPhilly) January 9, 2018
I usually don’t post about celebrities passing away but one of Babymetal’s guitarists just died recently. Mikio Fujioka was a really great guitarist, and one of the best musicians from Japan. RIP — pic.twitter.com/6bkZYvEqLh
— Mongoose135 (@mongoose_stuff) January 9, 2018
Waking up to the news of Mikio’s passing was not what I expected. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP. —
— L!|ly-METAL! —- (@lilmetaldeath) January 9, 2018
I’m taking Mikio’s death extremely hard. I just can’t accept it.
— Xanthon (@Xanthons) January 9, 2018
When your absolute favourite band makes the news, but for all the wrong reasons. #BABYMETAL #RIPMikioFujioka https://t.co/dv7n6Q1wGg
— Teu-METAL —- (@TeuchterLoon) January 9, 2018
Mikio Fujioka Playing ukulele. Let’s celebrate his life, and jam out to all of our favorite moments with him. RIP https://t.co/Y4DmBCtpFR
— N?????O???R?A????D??????-?M??ET??A????L (@MetalNcarnet) January 9, 2018
When Japanese people ask me why I came to Japan, I reply “because I like Japanese guitarists.” When they ask me “who?”, my reply is always “Mikio Fujioka.” The world has lost a musical treasure.
— Alfie Bradic (@AlfieBradic) January 9, 2018
I cant believe this. Every family member, every friend and every fan will miss you. Really, thank you for everything you have done. Rest In Peace Mikio. #BABYMETAL pic.twitter.com/6Lsak4JJ5B
— Austin (@AustinBarnette7) January 9, 2018
R.I.P. Mikio Fujioka Go-Gami.
You will never be forgotten.
God of Guitar pic.twitter.com/tNFyfypoRt— salad heaven (@saladheaven) January 9, 2018