The band announced on their website that Shinya (real name Yamada Shinya) had passed away several days ago on February 17th after battling stage 4 colorectal cancer and a brain tumor. Family acquaintances said he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Yamada was born on January 13th, 1970, in Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture (he was only 56 years old). He is also survived by his wife Ishiguro Aya (formerly of Morning Musume; they married in May 2000), a son, and two daughters.
Following are the official band statements:
Shinya’s wife Aya also put out a short statement (below) extending sincere gratitude for all of the outpouring of condolences/sympathies. She reiterated his goals about being able to play at the March concert, but his health took a sudden turn which led to his untimely passing. She was proud of his hard working ethic and her happiness was being by his side supporting him.
Even after going on hiatus after his brain tumor diagnosis, she stated that Shinya’s wish was that “LUNA SEA must never stop”. It is basically a message to her and to his bandmates to not let the band stop (in case his health turned for the worse). This is a refrain similar to BUCK-TICK after Sakurai Atsushi passed away in 2023. It is something that was noted at LUNATIC FEST 2025 (“our journey continued”).
Whether or not the band plans to play the March 12th show (which was re-scheduled from its original December 23, 2025 date), remains to be seen (it would be very emotional all things considering). Jun-ji (Sakuma) who filled in at LUNATIC FEST, is likely going to be the one who will be asked to uphold this legacy (as one of Shinya’s pupils and his trusted drum tech before striking out on his own).
She ends the letter stating her family will continue living life to its fullest (something that I’ve been writing about recently as well) while keeping her husbands memory alive in her heart (and their children will keep the memory of their father alive in theirs). She kindly asks everyone to watch over them.
As per the wishes of the family, a private service was held. The band says a public memorial will be held in the future so that fans can offer their final farewell. They thanked their fans for all of the support especially once he made these health issues he had been facing, public back in September 2025. Ishiguro herself had been steadfast supportive in being there for her husband as he battled both of these health problems.
LUNA SEA has been a band I’ve been following for a long time (maybe not as a super huge fan, but as someone who appreciated their musical talent and artistry). Thus their music is also a part of that “soundtrack of my life” where this loss, feels even more personal (music has that way of connecting/touching the lives of so many people regardless of their background, of where they live, and what language they speak). His (irreplaceable) presence behind the drums along with his cheerful sense of humor, will definitely be missed.
I briefly touched on his recent health struggles as one of the reasons I ended up going to LUNATIC FEST 2025 a few months ago. Little did I know then that this would be the final time he would be appearing on stage (not playing but at least standing alongside his bandmates). The first day, he did move around slowly/unsteadily and sounded a bit on the weaker side. But on day 2, his walk was solid and his voice sounded really strong; it seemed he was on a path towards being able to play again in March (for their belated Xmas concert).
A few acquaintances mentioned his condition would vary day-by-day due to the tumor (which I’m guessing might have been too difficult to operate on); thus why you could see these small differences for day 1 and 2 of his appearances at the tail end of each day.
My personal take away at the time was how inspirational it was to see someone who had been undergoing various surgeries and treatment over several years, walking out on stage under his own power, then vowing to return to playing drums again in several short months time. But that unfortunately was not meant to be. As the band noted, his condition deteriorated suddenly where “he departed far too early”. The other members themselves have been shocked and heartbroken by his sudden passing (as are many fans who have taken to various online sites to express themselves/the fond memories they have had over the years).
Rest in peace, Shinya. I am grateful we were able to see him on stage with his bandmates at LUNATIC FEST in November 2025 for a final time. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the other members of LUNA SEA. Thank you for the countless precious memories.
