Rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet announced that founding drummer Chihiro Kamijou has left the band as of December 31, 2025, marking the end of the group's four-member lineup after more than two decades.
According to a statement published on the band's official website, the decision followed repeated discussions among the members and with Kamijou himself. The statement explained that, after careful consideration, they concluded there was "no other option but for Kamijou to leave 9mm Parabellum Bullet," leading to his departure effective at 11:59 p.m. on December 31. The band appeared earlier that day at COUNTDOWN JAPAN 25/26 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, which served as their final performance under the existing lineup.
Vocalist and guitarist Takurou Sugawara, guitarist Yoshimitsu Taki, bassist Kazuhiko Nakamura, and agency representative Sayoko Takagi jointly addressed fans in the announcement, saying, "Over the course of these 21 years, the band has been able to overcome both joyful and difficult moments thanks to the support of our fans. We are deeply sorry to have to share this kind of news."Looking ahead, the statement emphasized the group's intention to continue. "We see this decision as a turning point, and from here on, the three of us will continue 9mm Parabellum Bullet's activities with sincerity and determination," the members said. They also confirmed that all previously scheduled solo shows and announced festival appearances will proceed as planned, thanking event organizers and related parties for their understanding.
Reflecting on the band's history, the statement added, "We will never forget the 21 years of 9mm Parabellum Bullet that began with four members, and we will continue moving forward. If our fans continue to walk alongside us, it would give us tremendous strength."
Formed in Yokohama in March 2004, 9mm Parabellum Bullet debuted under the EMI Music Japan label in 2007 with Discommunication e.p. and went on to hold landmark performances at Nippon Budokan, including their first show there in 2009 and a two-day concert celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2014.
In addition to their activities as a rock band, 9mm Parabellum Bullet has maintained a notable presence in anime music. The group performed the opening theme songs for the Berserk sequel and its second season, which aired in 2016 and 2017, respectively, as well as the opening theme for the RD Sennou Chousashitsu (Real Drive) original anime in 2008. Outside of the band, vocalist Takurou Sugawara and lead guitarist Yoshimitsu Taki formed the two-member unit Kitsunetsuki, which performed the ending theme for the 2018 anime Killing Bites.
Following Kamijou's departure, the band has already announced its next step. On January 8, 2026, 9mm Parabellum Bullet will hold their first live performance as a trio, titled Secret Free Live 2026, at a live house in Tokyo. The concert will be open exclusively to members of the band's official mobile fan site, 9mm MOBILE, with venue details and application information to be announced through official channels.
Source: Music Natalie, Sponichi Annex, CD Journal
