Mikio Fujioka, guitarist for the Japanese pop-metal fusion band Babymetal, has passed away at the age of 36, according to the band’s social media accounts.
Fujioka, who passed away on January 5, was referred to by his nickname, “Ko-Gami”, meaning “The Little God”, in the announcement.
Although the band did not reveal the cause of death, his Twitter account, taken over by his wife, indicated that Fujioka succumbed to his injuries he received after falling from an observation deck while stargazing on December 30.
In 2000, at just 19 years old, he graduated from the Musicians Institute of Osaka; a bright, talented musician, he won the GIT Masters in the same year. Since joining Babymetal in 2013, Fujioka has toured with the group as one of four guitarists.
Grief-stricken fans took to social media to mourn the loss of their beloved idol.
Fujioka is survived by his wife and two children.
Featured Image via Twitter / metametal_
