Obituary: Japanese Utaite Luz Dies at 32

Japanese utaite and artist luz (帯刀光司) died suddenly on August 19, 2025, at the age of 32. His management company ESPERANZA announced his passing on August 20, expressing deep sorrow over the unexpected loss and extending gratitude for the support he had received throughout his career.

His Final Days

In his final social media post on August 6, luz wrote a deeply troubling message: "I'm really at my limit with everything. When will I be released from this curse? There's been no light for a long time now". This message, posted just two weeks before his death, reflected the mental struggles the artist had been facing in recent months.

Luz had been working toward what would have been a milestone celebration: his 15th anniversary concert titled "luz ANNIVERSARY LIVE 'XV (Fifteen)'" scheduled for August 31 at the Shinagawa Intercity Hall. The concert was to mark his journey from a teenage cover singer to a professional artist, but has now been canceled following his passing. Ticket refunds and other arrangements are being handled by his management company.

Career Highlights

Born on July 23, 1993, in Fukui Prefecture, luz began his career in 2010 at age 17 by posting song covers on Niconico Douga. He quickly gained popularity in the utaite community - a scene of singers known for performing covers of Vocaloid songs and original compositions. His career spanned various projects including his leadership of the group XYZ and his role as the vocalist for Royal Scandal until 2024.

Throughout his career, luz held numerous solo tours and concerts, including his "9th TOUR -AMULET CEREMONY-" in 2023, which featured guest appearances by prominent utaite artists such as un:c, Sou, and Kanone69. His live performances were known for their theatrical "light and darkness" aesthetic, contrasting with his naturally gentle personality that occasionally revealed his Fukui dialect.

His YouTube channel accumulated over 350 million total views with 644,000 subscribers, while his X (formerly Twitter) account had 785,000 followers, reflecting his significance in Japan's online music over his 15-year career.

Recent Struggles

Luz's career faced significant challenges in early 2024 when he was arrested on drug possession charges, leading to his departure from Royal Scandal and the suspension of his music distribution. He received a suspended sentence of one year and eight months with three years of probation in May 2024. Despite these setbacks, he had been working toward rebuilding his career since late 2024, announcing the anniversary concert as part of his comeback efforts.

Impact on the Utaite Community

As one of the pioneering figures in the utaite scene, luz influenced countless artists and fans. His collaborations with other prominent utaite singers such as mafumafu, soraru, un:c, and members of groups like Urashimasakatasen helped define the genre. The community events like Hiki Fes demonstrated not only his talent but also the strong relationships he maintained with fellow artists who respected and supported his work throughout his career.

A Personal Loss

As chief editor of The Once Times, I write this with profound sadness. Luz was the first utaite I encountered, and his music introduced me to this vibrant community. His voice and artistry touched countless lives, bringing light to many during their darkest moments. While his final message spoke of a world without light, his legacy continues to shine through the music he created and the joy he brought to so many fans worldwide.

The cause of death has not been disclosed, respecting the family's wishes for privacy. His funeral will be held privately with close family members only.

Thank you, luz, for 15 years of beautiful music and for brightening our world. May you rest in peace.

Signed,
Matthew H.
Chief Editor, The Once Times