Dokubari Guitarist Minato Announces Departure

The Visual Kei community is processing some unexpected news this week: guitarist Minato has announced his departure from 毒針 (Dokubari), effective July 2nd.

For those less familiar with the band, Dokubari has carved out a dedicated following within the VK underground with their dark, aggressive sound and theatrical presentation. The group has been a fixture in the Japanese rock scene, building momentum through consistent live performances and a devoted fanbase that spans both domestic and international circles. Minato’s departure marks a significant shift in the band’s lineup and raises immediate questions about their creative direction moving forward.

The announcement was shared through the band’s official social media channels, though details remain sparse at this stage. No information has been released regarding a replacement guitarist or how the departure might affect any scheduled performances or upcoming releases. This is precisely the kind of uncertainty that can either define a band’s next chapter or signal deeper shifts within the group dynamic.

Lineup changes are nothing new in Visual Kei—the genre has a long history of members stepping away, reforming, and reinventing themselves. What matters now is how Dokubari responds. Will they soldier on as a three-piece? Will they recruit a new guitarist? Will this prompt a creative refresh? These are the questions fans will be asking in the coming weeks and months.

For Western fans who’ve been following Dokubari’s journey, this is a good moment to revisit their discography and reflect on Minato’s contributions to the band’s sound. Whether you’ve been with them since their early days or discovered them more recently, his time in the group shaped the music you’ve come to love.

Keep an eye on Dokubari’s official channels for any announcements regarding their future plans, upcoming shows, and how they’ll move forward from this transition.