Mikio Fujioka, guitarist for the Japanese metal-pop fusion group Babymetal, has died at the age of 36, according to an official post from the band.
“The ‘Little’ Guitar Kami of #BABYMETAL‘s #Kamiband has passed away in the METAL GALAXIES,” Babymetal announced on its social media accounts, referencing his nickname “Ko-Gami,” which translates to “Little God.”
Fujioka had toured with Babymetal since 2013, as one of four guitarists in the live band. This included dates opening for Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers last year.
Numerous sources including Metro.co.uk and NME report Fujioka died on Jan. 5 from injuries sustained after falling from an observation deck on Dec. 30, though this has not been confirmed by the band.
Babymetal’s post concluded with a salute to guitar virtuoso Allan Holdsworth (who died last year) and a quote from Babymetal’s song “The One:” “We are the one. Together. We’re the only one. You are the one. Forever.”