Gackt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gackt |
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Gackt in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト, Ōshiro Gakuto) |
| Also known as | Gackt Camui (神威 楽斗, Kamui Gakuto) |
| Born | July 4, 1973 Okinawa, Japan |
| Origin | Tokyo, Japan |
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| Years active | 1993–2021, 2022–present |
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Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト, Ōshiro Gakuto, born July 4, 1973), better known as Gackt, is a famous Japanese singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He is known for his powerful voice and exciting live shows.
Gackt was born in Okinawa, Japan. He started playing piano when he was very young. He first became famous as the singer for the rock band Malice Mizer. In 1999, he began his solo career. He has released nine studio albums and many singles. Gackt holds the record for a male solo artist with the most top-ten singles in a row in Japan.
Many of his albums tell stories. His "Moon Saga" and "Requiem et Reminiscence" series are performed in amazing concerts that are like movies or plays. His 2007 single, "Returner (Yami no Shūen)," was his first to reach number one on the charts. As a solo artist, Gackt has sold over 10 million records.
Besides music, Gackt is also an actor. He has appeared in movies like Moon Child and Fly Me to the Saitama. He has also provided his voice for video games, such as Genesis Rhapsodos in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and anime series.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Gackt was born on July 4, 1973, in Okinawa, Japan. His parents were both teachers, and his father also played the trumpet. Gackt has an older sister and a younger brother. Because of his father's job, his family moved many times when he was a child.
His musical journey began at age three with classical piano lessons. He quit for a while but returned to the piano after losing a competition in middle school. He was inspired by the classical composer Frédéric Chopin. Gackt says Chopin taught him the beauty and power of music. In high school, he became interested in rock music and learned to play the drums.
Music Career
From Bands to Solo Stardom (1993–2001)
In the early 1990s, Gackt formed a band called Cains:Feel. He was the lead singer. In 1995, he moved to Tokyo and joined the popular visual kei band Malice Mizer. As their singer and pianist, he helped the band become very famous. He left the band in 1999 to start his own career.
Gackt's solo career began on January 1, 1999. His first mini-album, Mizérable, was a big success. His first full album, Mars (2000), was also very popular. He released several hit singles, including "Vanilla" and "Mirror".
In 2001, he released his second album, Rebirth. This was his first concept album, telling a story set during World War II. The album and its tour, Requiem et Reminiscence, were a huge success.
The Moon Saga (2002–2005)
In 2002, Gackt started his next big project, the "Moon Saga." This story unfolded across several albums, starting with Moon. This became his best-selling album. The story continued with the album Crescent in 2003.
During this time, Gackt's fame grew. He performed in China and appeared on Japan's popular New Year's Eve TV show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen. In 2004 and 2005, he released compilation albums and another concept album, Diabolos, which was a prequel to the "Moon Saga." His tour for Diabolos ended with a huge concert at the Tokyo Dome.
International Fame and New Projects (2006–2011)
Gackt began touring outside of Japan, with his first solo concert in Asia held in South Korea in 2006. In 2007, he formed a supergroup called S.K.I.N. with other famous Japanese musicians, including Yoshiki from X Japan. They performed in California, but did not release any music.
In 2007, his single "Returner (Yami no Shūen)" became his first song to reach number one on the charts. The song was inspired by the TV drama Fūrin Kazan, in which he acted.
From 2008 to 2009, he went on a long tour called Requiem et Reminiscence II. He also released the album Re:Born to continue the story. In 2010, he formed a new band project called Yellow Fried Chickenz and toured Europe.
Recent Years and 25th Anniversary (2012–Present)
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In 2013, Gackt held a "Best of the Best" tour to celebrate his career. He continued to release music, including his eighth studio album, Last Moon, in 2016. This album was part of his final "Visualive" tour, a special type of concert that combines music, film, and theater.
In September 2021, Gackt took a break from his career for health reasons. He returned to his activities in 2022. In 2023, he started a new tour called "Last Songs 2023."
The year 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of Gackt's solo career. To celebrate, he released live albums and held special orchestral concerts. He also reformed his band project, now called Gackt Yellow Fried Chickenz, for a limited time.
Acting Career
Gackt is a talented actor who has appeared in many movies, TV shows, and plays.
Movies and Television
His first major movie role was in Moon Child (2003), which he also helped write. He later appeared in the international film Bunraku (2010).
On television, he played the famous warrior Uesugi Kenshin in the historical drama Fūrin Kazan (2007). He also starred in the TV series Akumu-chan (2012) and Time Spiral (2014). In 2019, he starred in the hit comedy movie Fly Me to the Saitama, which earned him a nomination for a major acting award in Japan.
Voice Acting
Gackt has also lent his voice to many projects. He voiced the character Seiji in the anime New Fist of the North Star. He is well known for voicing Genesis Rhapsodos in the Final Fantasy video games Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. The character Genesis was even designed to look like him.
He has also voiced characters in the anime series Shiki and Sket Dance. He has dubbed roles in major films, including the Japanese voice for Tom Hiddleston's character in Kong: Skull Island.
Artistry and Performances
Music and Voice
Gackt's music mixes rock with classical and pop sounds. He often uses both modern instruments and traditional Japanese instruments. He calls this style "Zipangu rock." His songs often explore deep feelings like love, sadness, and hope.
He has a powerful voice and can sing in a wide range, from low notes to high notes. His singing style is often described as dramatic and full of emotion.
Visualive Concerts
Gackt is famous for his "Visualive" concerts. These are not just regular music shows. They are huge productions that tell a story using music, movies, and theatrical acting. The stage sets are very detailed, and the shows often include amazing special effects.
For example, during one tour, it rained on stage. In another concert at the Tokyo Dome, he rode a horse into the arena. These shows are very expensive and difficult to produce, but they create a unique experience for the audience.
Cultural Impact
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Gackt is a major pop icon in Japan. He is known for his unique fashion and changing appearance. Because he played the historical figure Uesugi Kenshin on TV, he was invited to play the role at the Kenshin Festival in Jōetsu city. His appearances drew record numbers of visitors to the festival.
He has appeared in many TV commercials and variety shows. He is also known for his charity work. After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, he started the "Show Your Heart" charity to help victims.
Personal Life
Gackt is from Okinawa and is proud of his Ryukyuan heritage. He speaks several languages, including Mandarin, Korean, and English. He is skilled in martial arts like taekwondo and karate.
In 2012, he moved his main home from Japan to Malaysia. He enjoys living there and has a large house outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Discography
Solo Albums
- Mizérable (1999)
- Mars (2000)
- Rebirth (2001)
- Moon (2002)
- Crescent (2003)
- Love Letter (2005)
- Diabolos (2005)
- Re:Born (2009)
- Last Moon (2016)
Malice Mizer Albums
- Voyage Sans Retour (1996)
- Merveilles (1998)
Images for kids
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Gackt with Sasaki Nozomi, Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L. Jackson at the Japanese premiere of Kong: Skull Island in 2017.
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Gackt featured on a commercial sign (left downward) in Shinjuku, Tokyo, 2019.
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Gackt interviewed in Malaysia, 2023.
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See also
In Spanish: Gackt para niños
