Sports Hochi – March 2, 2008

Translated by: sweiled (@LJ)
Please do not copy, take, redistribute, retranslate or repost this translation without my permission. Thank you~


Singer Gackt made a surprise appearance at Satake High School’s graduation ceremony in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 1, 2008. This was the school attended by ex-Malize Mizer drummer Kami, who passed away from hemorrhage in 1999.

Gackt appeared at the end of the graduation ceremony and said in a choked voice, “You only live this life once. You will never get back the time that you lost. (Kami and I) often fooled around and quarreled with one another while struggling with the unknown future. If he was still alive, I think he would come here to give you all encouragement (lit. push your backs). So today, I would like to do that on his behalf.”

After a heartfelt performance of 野に咲く花のように (No ni saku hana no you ni), Gackt told the students, “A dream is not something to be dreamt, but something to be fulfilled. Be strong-minded. Congratulations on your graduation.”

Gackt visits Kami’s grave and house on his death anniversary (June 21) and on his birthday (February 1). On this day, (Kami’s parents) donated Kami’s favourite drum set to the school. Gackt was seen hugging Kami’s parents, who also attended the ceremony, after the graduation ceremony was over.

Daily Sports Online - March 2, 2008

Singer Gackt (age unknown) stood up for his deceased friend. On the 1st of March, Gackt made a surprise visit to Satake High School’s in Hitachioota City, Ibaraki Prefecture during its graduation ceremony. This was the same school attended by Malice Mizer drummer Kami, who passed away in 1999. On Kami’s parents’ behalf, Gackt donated Kami’s favourite drum set to his alma mater.

“A great, important (lit. big) person has come all the way from Tokyo for you.” And with that announcement right at the end of the ceremony, Gackt walked in along with his bodyguards amidst screams of surprise and excitement.

The surprise visit was all due to Kami’s parents. Gackt was a member of Malice Mizer band along with Kami before he decided to turn solo.

Kami passed away from hemorrhage in June 21, 1999, when he was only in his late twenties. Gackt never fails to visit his grave on his death anniversary and birthday. This year marks Kami’s 10th year death anniversary and his parents told Gackt that they would like (him) to donate Kami’s old favourite drum set to Kami’s alma mater. After agreeing to Kami’s parent’s request, Gackt then decided that he would hold a graduation concert that would convey Kami’s thoughts (to his juniors).

Gackt told his juniors, “Ten years ago, filled with insecurities, we struggled with the unknown future. If Kami was still alive, I think he would come here to give you all encouragement (lit. push your backs). I would like to do that on his behalf today,” and he started singing his hit single 野に咲く花のように (No ni saku hana no you ni)

“There is a line that your senior used to say. A dream is not something to be dreamt about, but something to be fulfilled. You have a bright future ahead of you. Congratulations on your graduation.” That was Gackt’s last message, said on behalf of a friend who has shared many ups and downs together with him.

Kami’s parents who were in the hall hugged and thanked Gackt as tears ran down their cheeks. Gackt only stayed for 20 minutes, but I am sure that his friend in heaven was pleased.

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