Kami (musician) facts for kids

Ukyou Kamimura (神村 右京, Kamimura Ukyou, February 1, 1972 – June 21, 1999), known to many as Kami, was a talented Japanese musician. He was best known as the drummer for the visual kei rock band Malice Mizer. Kami passed away on June 21, 1999, in his sleep. He was 27 years old at the time.

About Kami: A Musician's Story

Early Life and Interests

Kami was born in Ibaraki, Japan, on February 1, 1972. As a young student, he loved traditional Japanese brush writing. He also enjoyed using a soroban, which is a type of abacus.

His interest in music began when he was about 10 years old. He started practicing on a drum kit in his fifth year of elementary school. Kami later took a break from drumming. He returned to it when he started high school.

Influences and Hobbies

Kami was inspired by many British new wave bands. Some of his favorites included Culture Club and Duran Duran. Besides music, Kami loved to exercise. He spent many hours after school playing tennis.

Kami's Music Journey

When Kami began high school, a friend invited him to join a band. At first, he wanted to play the guitar. But after a short time, he decided to go back to playing the drums. Later, a famous drummer named Sakura became his drum teacher.

Kami's passion for drumming grew stronger. He realized he needed his own drum kit. So, he got a part-time job and saved up enough money to buy one.

Joining Malice Mizer

After finishing high school, Kami moved to Tokyo. He knew he needed to be in a bigger city to succeed in music. He briefly played in a punk band. Then, he became interested in the visual kei music style. This led him to join a new band called Kneuklid Romance.

Kami's drumming skills caught the eye of Yu~ki, the bassist from Malice Mizer. Malice Mizer's previous drummer had left the band. They were very eager for Kami to join them. Kami was unsure at first. But a phone call from Mana, one of Malice Mizer's guitarists, convinced him.

Kami played with Malice Mizer for about six months as a support musician. Soon after, the other band members asked him to become a full member. With Kami in the band, Malice Mizer released their first album, Memoire. This was Kami's first album released to the public.

Kami's Legacy

On June 21, 1999, Kami passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. He was just 27 years old. His funeral was held a few days later. Only his bandmates, parents, and a few close friends attended. Gackt, who was on tour, learned about Kami's death about a week later.

Music in Memory of Kami

Before he passed away, Kami had started writing new music. He composed songs like "Unmei no Deai" and "Mori no Naka no Tenshi." These songs were later released on the Malice Mizer EP, Shinwa. This EP was dedicated to Kami. He also left an unfinished song called "Bara no Souretsu." This song was released on their "Beast of Blood" single.

Mana wrote the song "Saikai no Chi to Bara" for Kami after his death. The other members of Malice Mizer also honored Kami through their music. Gackt wrote two songs for Kami on his Mars album: "Emu ~For My Dear~" and "U+K." Közi and Yu~ki worked together on Közi's solo song, "Memento," dedicating it to Kami. Mana also mentioned that a song on his Moi dix Mois album, Nocturnal Opera, is dedicated to Kami.

Personal Life and Hobbies

One of Kami's famous features was his very long hair. It was so long he could sit on it! However, in 1998, he cut it short. He said it was because his hair got in the way while he was drumming.

Kami had many hobbies. He loved playing tennis and buying lottery tickets. He was also very interested in Takeda Shingen, a famous Japanese warrior. Kami attended the Takeda Shingen Festival every year. He also had a special fondness for butterflies. You can see butterflies in many of his pictures and in the "Au Revoir" music video.

Band History

• 3PMayonnaise (3Pマヨネーズ) – 1989–1991
• Kneuklid Romance – September 1992 – March 1993
• Malice Mizer – March 17, 1993 – June 21, 1999