the GazettE: Innocent, Guilty, or Simply Human?
For any Sixth Gun, the word "family" wasn't just a slogan; it was the foundation of our connection with the GazettE. We were sold the idea of an unbreakable brotherhood that would last "forever." However, nothing in human mortal life is "forever"—or at least, not physically. For me, March 10, 2026, that illusion didn't just end because of a member's departure, but because of the way the humanity behind the music was handled.
1. The Omen: The Mirror Test on Radio Jack
Sometimes, the truth leaks out in the most unexpected moments. In late 2024, during episode 181 of Radio Jack, Uruha and Aoi performed a personality test based on choosing mirrors. Aoi’s result was staggeringly accurate:
"The round mirror represents a full circle of fulfilled lives, both physically and mentally. No matter what do you, you always put the very best. You always put the best in relationships, truly loved your loved ones, and enjoy the life to the fullest. But sometimes you're under pressure of being in a centre of situations, but please don't be afraid to reach the end goal and fulfil your lives."
The most revealing part wasn't the test itself, but the reaction. Aoi admitted that it described him perfectly. And that was where we saw the last spark of genuine support, Uruha responded with a:
"well, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, okay?"
Looking back, that moment wasn't just a simple test; it was the silent cry of someone who could no longer handle the mental burden, and a bandmate who, perhaps, already saw the collapse coming.
2. Prioritizing Health: An Act of Treason?
Since 2024, following the devastating loss of Reita, Aoi’s behavior on social media and on Rajigaze changed. He spoke of exhaustion, of pressure, and of a darkness that wouldn't let go. When he finally decided to prioritize his mental health, the response he received (and that we received) was not one of compassion.
While Aoi tried to heal, the narrative from the band and the company began to shift toward the corporate. His silence began to be judged as a "lack of commitment." This is where the illusion of brotherhood shattered for many: Since when did human exhaustion become an "unforgivable act"?
3. The Contrast of the Farewells
If we want to know who maintained emotional maturity until the end, we only need to read the farewell messages:
Aoi: The one who accepts and gives thanks (Peace). He said goodbye with gratitude, naming each of his bandmates and remembering that his connection with us wasn't about business, but about being five humans chasing a dream. He closed his cycle with elegance and peace.
The Band (Ruki/Kai): Those who punish and point fingers (Attack/Ego). They opted for punitive language. They used words like "dishonesty" and "we are innocent," throwing darts at someone who stood by their side for 23 years.
Uruha: The one who resigns and remains silent (Duty/Sorrow). Unlike the others, Uruha does not hurl accusations of "immorality." His discourse takes refuge in duty and mission. It feels like the message of someone who is marching by inertia because "he promised," but who has lost his soul in the process. His tone is not one of attack, but of a double mourning: for Reita and for the unity he could not save.
Each of us as Sixth Guns established a connection with the band where we forged ideals. When the expectation of that "brotherhood" clashes with cold corporate reality, the illusion breaks.
For me, the image of friends and brothers is broken. What remains is the feeling that Aoi and Uruha were the only ones to respect the loyalty to the humanity of the band.
Aoi did not need to attack anyone to say goodbye with dignity.
Uruha did not need to attack Aoi to explain the situation.
To this day, like Uruha, I maintain my follow to Aoi because I know that in every story there are three truths: your truth, my truth, and the truth.
Those who believe Aoi spoke ill of any member should re-read his tweets, his statements, and carefully read the March interview. Furthermore, it would be worth re-watching all the concerts, backstages, and re-reading Aoi's interviews spanning more than 23 years; he was always sincere with his opinions and, even in the face of conflict, he did not speak ill of anyone.
If your peace of mind requires having a villain and you need Aoi to occupy that place in the story, that’s fine. But fair is fair: the treatment Aoi received from the company and his bandmates, after more than 23 years of dedication, leaves much to be desired and speaks more about them than about Aoi.
Whoever controls the narrative decides who is the hero and who is the monster.
There will be Sixth Guns who will never care about the truth; they only need to feel righteous and pure (潔白 - Keppaku) like Ruki. They need a story where they are the "good guys," even if it isn't true.
If there isn't a clear villain, they manufacture one: they distort, they exaggerate, and they end up omitting or changing parts of the story until that narrative grants them peace. Because accepting reality implies questioning oneself, and that is something not everyone is willing to do.
If you are in a similar situation with your family, friends, or coworkers, remember that even if you do everything right, they are going to point fingers at you anyway.
In real life:
The one who sets boundaries is labeled selfish.
The one who leaves is called a traitor.
The one who grows is seen as an inconvenience.
