Remembering Mei Nekozuki: A Celebration of a Passionate Guitarist’s Craft

The rock and instrumental music community received heartbreaking news with the sudden passing of guitarist Mei Nekozuki (猫月めい). In a live music landscape where support musicians often form the invisible backbone of high-energy performances, Nekozuki was an artist who commandingly made her presence felt.

From X [Obituary] To all those who have always supported Nekotsuki Mei, we regret to inform you that Nekotsuki Mei has passed away. On behalf of Nekotsuki Mei, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the warm support and encouragement you all gave her during her lifetime. We deeply apologize for this sudden announcement and ask for your understanding. The planned birthday live performance and bar event have been cancelled. Information regarding ticket refunds will be provided at a later date once preparations are complete. We are currently contacting all relevant parties in order. Due to the suddenness of this event, we apologize if we have not yet been able to contact everyone, and we ask for your patience. The funeral will be held privately with only close family members in attendance. We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Nekotsuki Mei up until now. July 26, 2026 Nekotsuki Mei and her family

Known for her precision, technical flair, and magnetic stage energy, Nekozuki carved out a respected and vibrant space for herself across several distinct musical projects. Fans of modern Japanese rock and anime media-mix projects knew her versatility well. Whether she was driving the heavy, melodic rhythm and lead lines for BanG Dream! support units like millsage and Ikka DumbRock!, bringing undeniable drive to C2 Kikan 1MYB (the official Kan Colle girl band), or stepping boldly into her next major creative chapter with the newly formed girl band The Last Diamond (終末のダイヤモンド), her dedication to the guitar was always front and center.

Musical Footprint and Career History

Support & Live Frameworks: Nekozuki built her reputation as a reliable and fiercely talented live support guitarist, powering through intense technical setlists for prominent media-mix projects, notably BanG Dream! backing units like millsage and Ikka DumbRock!
C2 Kikan 1MYB: She expanded her reach into official game-associated music culture as a key guitarist for C2 Kikan 1MYB, showcasing her ability to blend stylistic rock execution with thematic, high-speed gaming arrangements.
The Last Diamond (終末のダイヤモンド): Most recently, she joined The Last Diamond—a fresh project formed alongside voice actor/artist Anna Suzuki and other notable musicians. The band was on the absolute cusp of their official launch, scheduled to release their debut digital single, "Air Yomanai!" (空気読むな！).

The Tragic Timing and Community Impact

For those who follow guitar-driven music closely, losing an artist right as they are hitting their stride is uniquely painful. Her passing occurred just days before her scheduled birthday solo live event and the much-anticipated debut single release of The Last Diamond. The sudden nature of the news stunned fans, peers, and fellow musicians who had been following her career trajectory and eagerly looking forward to watching her step into a permanent frontline member role.

Tributes poured out across musician forums, social channels, and media outlets globally. Bandmates in "The Last Diamond" and project organizers shared heavy hearts, expressing deep condolences and noting that discussions regarding future activities would be handled carefully out of respect for her memory.

The Last Diamond / Kuki Yomuna! (Watch on YouTube)