sumika postponed its upcoming concerts after its guitarist, Junnosuke Kuroda, died.
sumika's official website confirmed the tragic news about Kuroda's death, saying that its band member and guitarist passed away on Feb. 23 at the age of 34.
"We would like to inform all of you who have always supported sumika," it said. "We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness shown to Junnosuke Kuroda during his lifetime and to offer our heartfelt condolences with all of you."
Junnosuke Kuroda's cause of death remains unknown as of press time. But the devastating news led sumika to cancel its scheduled concerts and delay its 10th-anniversary documentary.
The camp session at Billboard live concerts, titled "Sugar Salt Pepper Green Release Party," were scheduled on March 20, 24, and 25. The band confirmed the dates' cancelation and posted the ticket refunds on its website.
Before Kuroda's death, the band was already gearing up ahead of its performance at the Okayama: CONVEX Okayama (EIGHT BALL FESTIVAL 2023) on April 2.
The same happened to the supposed screenings of sumika's documentary film, sumika 10th Anniversary The Movie. The screening on April 8, 9, and 10 also got postponed.
Meanwhile, sumika's mini-album, "Sugar Salt Pepper Green," will still be released on March 15 as scheduled.
sumika is yet to confirm the status of its 10th anniversary concert in Yokohama on May 14.
The band's representative said the schedule adjustments would be done after April 2.
Remembering Junnosuke Kuroda
Fans, on the other hand, shared their outpouring tributes to the late guitarist online.
One fan wrote, "Thought sumika was trending cuz of their 10th anniv, but saw the sad news that their guitarist Junnosuke Kuroda died at age 34... I love watching this band's live videos since they're always a happy bunch while performing... hope he's happily strumming away in heaven."
3 days after this announcement, Junnosuke the guitarist passed away.
— Rois (@RoisulUmam) February 26, 2023
Rest in Peace, Junnosuke Kuroda. https://t.co/xxSeou3w3t
READ ALSO: Loretta Lynn Dead: Country Icon Left THIS Advice to Lee Ann Womack Before Passing
Kuroda founded sumika alongside the three other members in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa prefecture, in May 2013. The band notably performed theme songs of several anime series and movies, including "My Hero Academia the Movie - Heroes: Rising," "I want to eat your pancreas," "Pretty Boy Detective Club," "A Couple of Cuckoos," "Mix: Meisei Story," and "Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku."
Before Kuroda died, he was still able to share updates with fans. He posted several sumika's music videos that went on sale a day that day.
READ MORE: The Beatles 'Yesterday' Meaning: Song's Backstory Still Piques Fans' Curiosity
