View source for Sugizo

{{short description|Japanese musician (born 1969)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Sugizo
| image =  Sugizo X-JAPAN (6170908480).jpg
| alt = 
| caption = Sugizo in 2011
| image_size = 
| landscape = 
| background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
| birth_name = {{nihongo|Yasuhiro Sugihara|杉原 康弘}}
| native_name = 杉原有音
| alias = 
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|7|8}}
| birth_place = [[Hadano, Kanagawa|Hadano]], [[Kanagawa prefecture|Kanagawa]], Japan
| origin = 
| death_date = 
| death_place = 
| instrument = {{flatlist|
* Guitar
* violin
}}
| genre = {{flatlist| 
* [[Rock music|Rock]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
* [[Psychedelic music|psychedelia]]
* [[electronica]]
* [[World music|world]]
* [[experimental music|experimental]]
* [[Ambient music|ambient]]<!--Sugizo plays many different genres both solo & with each band he is in, but we have to "aim for generality" per Template:Infobox musical artist. Before adding a new genre discuss it on the talkpage.-->}}
| occupation = {{flatlist| 
* Musician 
* songwriter 
* composer 
* record producer
* actor 
* writer 
* activist}}
| discography = [[Sugizo discography]]
| years_active = 1986–present
| label = {{flatlist| 
* Cross/[[Polydor Records|Polydor]] 
* Embryo 
* [[Nippon Crown]]
* Sephirot
* [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]
* [[Avex Trax]]
* Wakyo}}
| current_member_of  = {{flatlist| 
* [[Luna Sea]]
* [[X Japan]]
* [[Juno Reactor]]
* [[The Last Rockstars]]}}
| past_member_of  = {{flatlist|
* [[Skin (Japanese band)|S.K.I.N.]]
* [[Stop Rokkasho]]}}
| website= [https://sugizo.com/ sugizo.com]
| module            = {{Infobox Chinese | child = yes
| kanji             = 杉原有音
| romaji            = Sugihara Yūne
| hiragana          = すぎはら ゆうね
}}
}}

{{nihongo|'''Yūne Sugihara'''|杉原有音|Sugihara Yūne|lead=yes}}, born {{nihongo|'''Yasuhiro Sugihara'''|杉原 康弘}} and better known by his stage name '''Sugizo''', is a Japanese musician, songwriter, composer and record producer. He is best known as the lead guitarist and violinist of the [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Luna Sea]] since 1989.

Sugizo started his solo career in 1997 and has since collaborated with a variety of different artists. He formed the [[Psychedelic music|psychedelic]] [[jam band]] Shag in 2002, the rock duo The Flare in 2004, and the [[electronica]] duo S.T.K (Sensual Technology Kooks) in 2005. In 2007 he became a member of the international [[trance music|trance]]/[[world music]] act [[Juno Reactor]], and of the Japanese rock supergroup [[Skin (Japanese band)|S.K.I.N.]] Sugizo officially joined the rock band [[X Japan]] in 2009, and became a member of the supergroup [[The Last Rockstars]] in 2022.

In addition to being known for experimenting with many musical genres, mostly rock, psychedelic and electronica, he is known for his [[Political ideologies|political views]] and for being an [[Anti-war movement|anti-war]], [[Anti-nuclear movement|anti-nuclear]], and [[Environmentalism|environmental]] [[Activism|activist]].

==Early life and musical education==
Yasuhiro Sugihara was born on July 8, 1969, in [[Hadano, Kanagawa|Hadano]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]], in Japan. His [[Manchukuo]]-born father played [[trumpet]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000110396 |script-title=ja:SUGIZO×藤原いくろう対談 『SYMPHONIC LUNA SEA -REBOOT-』から解かれる普遍的メロディ|publisher=Barks|language=ja|access-date=2017-04-21|date=2014-12-05}}</ref> in the [[Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra]], and his mother played [[cello]] in the same orchestra.<ref name="musicman">{{cite web|url=https://www.musicman.co.jp/interview/295916 |script-title=ja:第169回 LUNA SEA / X JAPAN SUGIZO 氏【前半】|publisher=Musicman|language=ja|date=2020-02-17 |access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref> He has a younger sister, who was the drummer in a band with Sugizo's future Luna Sea bandmates [[J (musician)|J]] and [[Inoran]].<ref name="musicman"/><ref>{{cite web|title=FACTORY721 CS0009 : THEMSELVES - SUGIZO |url=https://www.fujitv.co.jp/FACTORY/CS0009/sugizo.html |work=Factory 721 |publisher=[[Fuji TV]] |language=Japanese |accessdate=2025-01-18}}</ref> From a young age, Sugizo was brought up on [[classical music]] and studied classical [[music theory]]. At the age of three, by his father's initiative, he started to learn to play the [[violin]].<ref name="musicman"/> He practiced it for 3 hours per day, but without the right type of music or [[composer (music)|composer]], began to hate playing music, and coercion from his parents aggravated his feeling of repulsion.<ref name="musicman"/><ref name='jrockrevolution'>{{cite web| url=http://jrockrevolution.com/2007/10/webzine/voice-of-sugizo-a-heart-to-heart-with-jrock-revolution-208| title=Voice of Sugizo: A Heart to Heart With Jrock Revolution| work=jrock revolution.com| access-date=2010-09-10|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411053156/http://jrockrevolution.com/2007/10/webzine/voice-of-sugizo-a-heart-to-heart-with-jrock-revolution-208|archive-date=2013-04-11}}</ref> The situation persisted until the age of ten. His early favorite composers included [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven]], [[Béla Bartók|Bartók]],<ref name="Sugiblog">{{cite web|url=https://www.sugizo.com/will-us/|title=Sugizo's Will|publisher=Sugizo Official Blog|access-date=2017-04-21}}</ref> [[Franz Liszt|Liszt]]<ref name="Sugiblog" /> and [[Johann Sebastian Bach|J.S. Bach]].

When Sugizo was eleven or twelve years old, he began to play the trumpet. He preferred the trumpet's "dirty" image from the 1950s through the 1970s over playing the violin, which was seen as something for higher-class people.<ref name="jrockrevolution"/> During his junior high school days, he became exposed to non-classical music types, such as the Japanese [[synthpop]] group [[Yellow Magic Orchestra]], the British [[New wave music|new wave]] group [[Japan (band)|Japan]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/208627/new-road-sugizo|title=New road for Sugizo|date=August 24, 1997|publisher=South China Morning Post|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> [[David Bowie]]'s [[glam rock]], and the London [[punk subculture|punk scene]], forming his attraction to [[Rock and roll|rock'n'roll]].<ref name="jrockrevolution"/> Sugizo's parents divorced when he was in high school, and his father moved out. He has a good relationship with his mother and has since reconciled with his father, who has another family.<ref name="musicman"/>

==Career==
===1986–1996: Early bands and Luna Sea===
Despite his father's disapproval, Sugizo acquired a bass guitar and an electric guitar and began to teach himself how to play. He has cited three Japanese guitarists as influences; [[Masami Tsuchiya (singer)|Masami Tsuchiya]], [[Kazumi Watanabe]] and [[Yuji Adachi|You]].<ref name="lovetran">{{cite web| title = SUGIZO、亡くなった恩師「DEAD END」足立祐二さんに捧げる魂のギター「大切なメッセージを込めた」 | url=https://encount.press/archives/123813/2/| work=Encount| language=ja| date=2020-12-24| access-date=2020-12-29}}</ref> When he was around the age of 17, then in high school, Sugizo with [[Shinya Yamada|Shinya]] on drums and Tezya on vocals formed a [[power metal]] band called Pinocchio,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.j-popworld.com/Interviews/tezya.php| title=tezya Interview| publisher=J-Pop World| access-date=2014-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420165903/http://www.j-popworld.com/Interviews/tezya.php |archive-date=2013-04-20}}</ref><ref name="Whales">{{cite web| url=http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2010/10/following_up_on_our_interview.php| title=X Japan's Sugizo Wants to Save the Whales| work=[[SF Weekly]]| access-date=2012-06-03}}</ref> where he played as the bassist. Since the internal structure of Pinocchio was not cohesive, Sugizo and Shinya left and briefly joined Kashmir in 1988. On January 16, 1989, they both joined another band which performed at the same live houses, called Lunacy, formed by [[J (musician)|J]] and [[Inoran]]. With the addition of [[Ryuichi Kawamura]], vocalist from the band Slaughter, the five formed the [[visual kei]] rock unit Lunacy. Since J was already the bass player and Inoran preferred to play rhythm guitar, Sugizo became the lead guitarist and took on his stage name, which he believes Shinya came up with.<ref name="JRR interview">{{cite web| url=http://jrockrevolution.com/2008/07/webzine/interview-with-sugizo-spirituarise-244| title=Interview with Sugizo: Spirituarise| work=JRock Revolution| access-date=2013-02-28| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704213954/http://jrockrevolution.com/2008/07/webzine/interview-with-sugizo-spirituarise-244| archive-date=2015-07-04}}</ref> Soon they were discovered by [[Hide (musician)|hide]] (then lead guitarist of [[X Japan]]), who got them signed by X Japan co-founder [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki]], to his [[Indie (music)|independent label]] [[Extasy Records]], on which they released their debut album in 1991.<ref name="extasy_history">{{cite web| url= http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/eng/company.html| title=Extasy Records company history| work=extasyrecords.co.jp| access-date=2007-08-28|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070928173304/http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/eng/company.html|archive-date=2007-09-28}}</ref><ref name="JRRGodBless">{{cite web|title=LUNA SEA: God Bless You|url=http://jrockrevolution.com/2007/08/webzine/luna-sea-god-bless-you-26|work=JRock Revolution|date=2007-08-27|access-date=2013-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109153939/http://jrockrevolution.com/2007/08/webzine/luna-sea-god-bless-you-26|archive-date=2016-01-09}}</ref><ref name="metropolis" /> Upon their first album release, the band changed their name from Lunacy to [[Luna Sea]]. They became one of the most famous rock bands in Japan, selling more than ten million records, as well as performing in [[China]] and [[Taiwan]].

Sugizo's first solo activity came in 1993, when he wrote his first solo song "Revive" for the album ''Dance 2 Noise 004''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/titles-55734-revive.html|title=Revive|publisher=Jame World|access-date=2017-04-20}}</ref> featuring many musicians, including the group M*A*S*S, which consisted of hide, J and Inoran. In the upcoming three years, a variety of lesser-known musical collaborations and contributions took place.

===1997–2001: Solo career, ''Truth?''===
{{listen| filename = Sugizo - Lucifer.ogg| title = "Lucifer"| description = A 30-second sample of "Lucifer", the debut single from ''Truth?'' (1997). It is an experimental alternative rock song.
| filename2 = Sugizo - Tell Me Why?.ogg| title2 = "Tell Me Why?"| description2 = A 30-second sample of "Tell Me Why?", from ''Parallel Side of Soundtrack'' (2001). It is a hard rock song with guitar noise, and beat, featuring Lori Fine on vocals.
| filename3 = Sugizo - Synchronicity.ogg| title3 = "Synchronicity"| description3 = A 30-second sample of "Synchronicity", from ''Soundtrack'' (2002). It is an instrumental composition which predominantly features Sugizo's violin.}}

After Luna Sea went on break in 1997, Sugizo started his own solo career and opened the independent label "Cross" to produce other artists and release his own records. He points out that the opening of his record label was one of his very important projects at the time, but not anymore.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://jmignited.com/interviews/373-sugizo| title=Sugizo Interview| work=jmignited.com| access-date=2008-09-26| archive-url=https://archive.today/20110713111040/http://jmignited.com/interviews/373-sugizo| archive-date=2011-07-13| url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 9, his debut single "Lucifer" was released and reached number 8 on the [[Oricon]] singles chart.<ref name="sugizo singles">{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/22615/ranking/cd_single/| title=Sugizo singles list| publisher=[[Oricon]]| access-date=November 13, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218172936/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/22615/ranking/cd_single/| archive-date=2013-02-18| url-status=dead}}</ref> It was followed by his first solo tour Abstract Day which lasted until the final performance in August at [[Akasaka Blitz]], where he was joined by [[DJ Krush]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sus81.jp/djkrush/en/report/1998_03/report_1998_03.html|title=ANCHU-MOSAKU~THE FINAL CHAPTER~|publisher=Dj Krush Official Website|access-date=2017-04-20}}</ref> [[Masami Tsuchiya (singer)|Masami Tsuchiya]] and members of [[Japan (band)|Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aminet.or.jp/~suefuji/Japan.html|title=Abstract Day|publisher=Hisakazu Suefuji|access-date=2017-04-20}}</ref> Then on September 10 he released his second single, "A Prayer", which reached number 7 on the charts.<ref name="sugizo singles"/> On November 19, his first solo album ''Truth?'' was released, and reached number 12 on the album charts.<ref name="sugizo albums">{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/22615/ranking/cd_album/| title=Sugizo albums list| publisher=[[Oricon]]| access-date=November 13, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218153408/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/22615/ranking/cd_album/| archive-date=2013-02-18| url-status=dead}}</ref> It was met with mixed reviews, largely because of the unexpected musical style which mixed different genres with electronica beats.<ref name="JaME Profile">{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/artists-biography-60-sugizo.html| title=Sugizo Biography at JaME U.S.A| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=2017-04-21}}</ref> A variety of artists participated in the album, from [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]] and [[Mick Karn]], to [[Lou Rhodes]] and Valerie Etienne.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_SUGIZO_000000000096008/item_SUGIZO-TRUTH_528955|title=SUGIZO/TRUTH?|publisher=HMV|access-date=2017-04-20|language=ja}}</ref> Towards the end of the year, remix editions of his two maxi singles and album were released.<ref name="sugizo singles"/><ref name="sugizo albums"/>

As Luna Sea resumed activities, until the band's disbandment, Sugizo collaborated in the studio with actress [[Miki Nakatani]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.douban.com/subject/2372840/ |script-title=ja:フロンティア|publisher=Douban|access-date=2017-04-23|language=ja}}</ref> and singers [[Miu Sakamoto]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.oricon.co.jp/php/artist/ArtistTop.php?artist=A07948&album=0 |script-title=ja:坂本美雨 Produced by SUGIZO|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=2017-04-23|language=ja}}</ref> and [[Vivian Hsu]], among others. On August 11, 1999, a compilation album titled ''Grand Cross 1999'', sponsored by Sugizo's record label Cross, was released, featuring many musicians with whom he had worked with before and many for the first time.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}

He starred in Ken Nikai's movie ''Soundtrack'' and composed the music for the film.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo">{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-55399-interview-with-sugizo.html| title=Interview with Sugizo| date=2009-03-10| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=August 6, 2010}}</ref> On November 14, a compilation album inspired by the film, titled ''Parallel Side of Soundtrack'' was released, and the following year he released the single "Rest in Peace & Fly Away" featuring Bice on vocals. That same year he produced the music for, as well as danced in, ''Suichoku no Yume'', a production by the popular contemporary dance company H. Art Chaos.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saison.or.jp/english/awardees/report/report2001/art_d2.htm|title=Contemporary Theater and Dance - Artistic Creativity Enhancement Program II 3 Grantees/Total appropriations: ¥18,000,000|publisher=The Saison Foundation|access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref>

===2002–2007: ''C:Lear'', joining Juno Reactor===
Around late 2001 he formed the solo project Sugizo & the Spank Your Juice, with whom he toured with until 2004 and released three singles; "Super Love", "Dear Life" and "No More Machineguns Play the Guitar", which entered top 50 on the charts.<ref name="sugizo singles"/> In 2002, he formed the [[jam band]] Shag.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/478497 |script-title=ja:SUGIZO率いるジャムバンド・SHAG、結成20年目にして初のアルバムリリース| date=2022-05-21| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2023-07-06| language=ja}}</ref> His acting career also continued in 2002, when he starred in [[Isao Yukisada]]'s film ''Rock'n'roll Mishin'', and the television series ''RedЯum'', directed by Ken Nikai.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/22615/tv/ |script-title=ja:SUGIZOのTV出演情報|publisher=Oricon News|access-date=2017-05-09|language=ja}}</ref> In 2003, following the release of "No More Machineguns Play the Guitar", Sugizo released his second album ''C:Lear''. It peaked at the number 56 on the album charts.<ref name="sugizo albums"/>

In March 2004, Sugizo formed the rock band The Flare with vocalist Yuna Katsuki.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo"/> He also created a new record label called "Embryo", which received major distribution from [[Universal Music Group]] for the music of The Flare. They performed at [[Earth Day]] in Tokyo, Japan's largest event devoted to environmental and peaceful causes. The band would last until 2006, releasing four singles and one album.<ref name="JaME Profile"/> In May 2005, Sugizo organized the event Neo Ascension Groove, with his jam act Shag.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo"/> In the band he plays guitar, violin and percussion, while the music is avant-garde with concentration on rhythm.<ref name="jrockrevolution"/> Also in 2005, he formed the electro-acoustic duo S.T.K (Sensual Technology Kooks) with author and music producer Tetra Tanizaki.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:【ライヴレポート】SUGIZO＜聖誕半世紀祭 Day1＞、「自分には仲間がいると感じる。幸せです」| work=Barks.jp| date=2019-07-17| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000169608|access-date=2023-07-06|language=ja}}</ref> In April 2006, collaborated with trumpeter [[Toshinori Kondo]] and celebrated Earth Day by participating in three shows held on April 9, 22 and 23 at the Yoyogi Koen in Tokyo.<ref name="SugizoxToshinori">{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/56298 |script-title=ja:Sugizo×近藤等則のスピリチュアルセッション音源配信| date=2011-09-09| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-16633-sugizo-goes-green.html| title=Sugizo Goes Green| date=2006-04-20| author=MA'J| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref> He later had his first performance with [[Juno Reactor]] at the Tokyo Techno Festival, after starting talks with the band in 2005 about a possible collaboration.<ref name="Jrockeventsusa Interview">{{cite web| url=http://jrockeventsusa.com/articles/sugizo08_interview.html| title=Interview ~ Sugizo: September 26, 2008| work=jrockeventsusa.com| access-date=2008-09-26| archive-url=https://archive.today/20090523005612/http://jrockeventsusa.com/articles/sugizo08_interview.html| archive-date=2009-05-23| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In April, he played at the Nagisa Music Festival with Shag.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tower.jp/article/news/2007/03/06/100009280 |script-title=ja:〈渚音楽祭・春 2007〉東京と大阪で開催決定|publisher=Tower Records|access-date=2017-04-23|date=2007-03-06|language=ja}}</ref> On June 29, 2007, Anime Expo convention in [[Long Beach, California]], hosted the debut performance of [[Skin (Japanese band)|S.K.I.N]], a [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] consisting of Sugizo, [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki]], [[Gackt]], and [[Miyavi]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php?Itemid=1&id=62&option=com_content&task=view| title=Skin Concert Review| date=July 1, 2007| work=jrock revolution.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713122322/http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php?Itemid=1&id=62&option=com_content&task=view| archive-date=July 13, 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-2713-s-k-i-n-s-world-debut.html| title=Skin's World Debut| date=July 25, 2007| author=Sarah| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment}}</ref> In July, Juno Reactor performed as the White Stage's main act on the final day of the [[Fuji Rock Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fujirock-eng.com/frf14/history_07.html|title=History - 2007|publisher=Fuji Rock Festival|access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref> On December 5, he released the remix album ''Spirituarise'', in which artists from both Japan and overseas remixed his original tracks.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo"/><ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/4352 |script-title=ja:Sugizo、豪華アーティスト参加のリミックスアルバム| date=2007-11-27| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> On December 24, 2007, [[Luna Sea]] reunited for a one-night only concert at the [[Tokyo Dome]].<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:「いつかどこかの空の下でまた会おう」Luna Sea復活ライヴで意味深発言| work=Barks.jp| date=2007-12-25| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000036671|access-date=2017-04-23|language=ja}}</ref>

===2008–2009: ''Cosmoscape'', joining X Japan===
[[File:HeathandSugizoEdit.JPG|thumb|left|[[Heath (musician)|Heath]] and Sugizo during an X Japan concert in Hong Kong, 2009]]
On March 28 and 29, 2008, Sugizo played at [[X Japan]]'s two reunion concerts as a stand-in along [[Wes Borland]] and [[Richard Fortus]] for the deceased [[hide (musician)|hide]].<ref name="tokyograph_guitarists">{{cite web| title=Sugizo to Fill In for hide at X Japan Concerts| work=Tokyo Graph| url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/sugizo-to-fill-in-for-hide-at-x-japan-concerts/| access-date= 2017-04-23}}</ref> In April, he took part in Juno Reactor's European tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jrockrevolution.com/sugizo-on-tour-with-juno-reactor-in-europe/|title=SUGIZO on tour with Juno Reactor in Europe|publisher=Jrock Revolution|date=2008-04-17|access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref> On May 2, he reunited with Luna Sea again at the "hide memorial summit", a two-day concert in memory of hide, at the [[Ajinomoto Stadium]].<ref name="hide memorial summit">{{cite web| title=hide Memorial Summit| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-30345-hide-memorial-summit.html| access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref> On July 23, Sugizo released a greatest hits compilation album titled ''Cosmoscape''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/6946 |script-title=ja:Sugizo、ソロ活動の軌跡をまとめた初ベスト盤が登場| date=2008-05-07| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> The album featured various music genres, such as rock, trance, jazz, classic, bossa nova, among others, and spans his ten years of solo work.<ref name="Interview with Sugizo"/> During the year, Sugizo wrote a song titled "Enola Gay", [[Enola Gay|named after]] the [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress|Boeing B-29]] bomber that dropped the [[Nuclear weapon|atomic bomb]] on [[Hiroshima]].<ref name="Enola Gay">{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/54942 |script-title=ja:Sugizoが核廃絶への祈りを込め「Enola Gay」配信| date=2008-08-16| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> He wrote the song to convey his feelings and thoughts toward the people who suffered from the aftermath of nuclear war, and to the cities of Hiroshima and [[Nagasaki]].<ref name="Music Japan Interview"/> As well, that the bomb never must be dropped again, and as his live supporting drummer [[Greg Ellis (musician)|Greg Ellis]] is American, singer [[Origa]] Russian, and him Japanese, that people from former enemy states can be friends.<ref name="metropolis">{{cite web| url=http://metropolis.co.jp/arts/japan-beat/sugizo/| title=Sugizo: Time to move on, says the visual kei icon| date=2012-01-05| author=Dan Grunebaum| work=[[Metropolis (free magazine)|Metropolis]]| access-date=October 17, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118182520/http://metropolis.co.jp/arts/japan-beat/sugizo/| archive-date=2012-01-18| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In September joined Juno Reactor on the USA leg of their tour.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-36462-sugizo-with-juno-reactor-in-the-usa.html| title=Sugizo with Juno Reactor in the USA| date=2008-08-31| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref> On December 19, at the 1,500-seat [[Shibuya-AX]] concert hall, he held the solo concert "Rise to Cosmic Dance" playing songs from ''Cosmoscape'', and including the new song "Enola Gay".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/13112| title=SugizoがソロライブDVD＆スピリチュアル本を発売| date=2009-02-04| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> On December 31, Sugizo played with X Japan at their New Years countdown gig at Akasaka Blitz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-6672-x-japan-s-countdown-live.html|title=X JAPAN's Countdown Live|date=2009-01-21|publisher=Jame World|access-date=2017-04-13}}</ref>

On May 1, 2009, Sugizo officially joined X Japan as lead guitarist, violinist and backing vocalist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview with Yoshiki |url=http://www.nipponproject.com/en/article.php?id=208 |work=nipponproject.com |date=2010-09-11 |access-date=2017-04-20}}</ref> In December, Sugizo with Juno Reactor performed in the Netherlands, twice in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland.<ref name="Music Japan Interview"/> Upon returning to Japan, he released two new digital singles, "Messiah" and "Tell Me Why You Hide the Truth?", via iTunes on December 16.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/25264 |script-title=ja:Sugizoがテクノな6年ぶりオリジナル曲を本日配信開始| date=2009-12-16| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> They topped iTunes electronic music charts with first and second place.<ref name="FatDFD">{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/26878 |script-title=ja:Sugizo連続配信シングル第2弾でタイプの異なる2曲発表| date=2010-01-27| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> On December 24 and 25, he held the concert "Next Phase of Cosmic Dance" in [[Taipei|Taipei, Taiwan]].<ref name="Music Japan Interview"/>

===2010–2011: ''Flower of Life'', Luna Sea reunion===
[[File:Sugizo in São Paulo, Brazil 2011-11-09.jpg|thumb|upright|Sugizo performing with X Japan in São Paulo, Brazil 2011]]
Upon returning to Japan, on January 27 Sugizo released two digital singles, "Fatima" and "Do-Funk Dance",<ref name="FatDFD"/> another on February 24 entitled "Prana", which also topped the iTunes electronic charts,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/28225 |script-title=ja:Sugizo連続配信シングル第3弾はハードなエレクトロ楽曲| date=2010-02-24| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> and one more on March 31 named "Dear Spiritual Life".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/29826 |script-title=ja:Sugizo配信シングル第4弾は美麗スピリチュアルサウンド| date=2010-03-31| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> Sugizo was the music director and composer of the soundtrack for [[jidaigeki]] theatre stage play ''[[Nemuri Kyoshirō|Nemuri Kyoshiro Buraihikae]]'', featuring [[Gackt]] in the main role,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000058734 |script-title=ja:Sugizo、Gackt主演「眠狂四郎無頼控」で舞台音楽家デビュー| work=barks.jp|date=February 26, 2010 | access-date=2010-02-26| language=ja}}</ref> which ran for 120 performances across Japan.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000068007&p=0 |script-title=ja:Gacktの眠狂四郎、｢映画化?｣と迫られ紀里谷監督は笑顔で否| date=2011-02-28| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> In April he performed at the Nagisa Music Festival.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/28480 |script-title=ja:「渚音楽祭・春」第2弾発表でPE'Z、難波、Sugizoら追加| date=2010-03-02| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> On July 8, Sugizo announced that he would help his friend [[Mick Karn]], who was diagnosed with cancer, by remixing his song "Missing". The song was renamed "Missing Link" and was available for download in return for a donation on Mick's official website to help fund the expensive medical treatment.<ref name="7/8 Missing Feat. Mick Karn">{{cite web| url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1000249916&blogId=536848345| title=7/8 Missing Feat. Mick Karn| work=myspace.com| access-date=2010-07-08| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20121202021522/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1000249916&blogId=536848345| archive-date=2012-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shattered-tranquility.net/index.php/07/15/sugizo-helping-mick-karn/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215182641/http://shattered-tranquility.net/index.php/07/15/sugizo-helping-mick-karn/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 15, 2010|title=SUGIZO helping Mick Karn|date=2010-07-15|publisher=Shattered Tranquility|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> Mick Karn died on January 4, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=Meikle, James|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jan/05/japan-mick-karn-dies-cancer |title=Former Japan bass player Mick Karn loses battle with cancer|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=5 January 2011|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref>

On August 29, he held a fan club only event called Soul's Mate Day IV. The show featured an acoustic set which was given the name "Soul's Mate Quintet". On August 31, he and [[Luna Sea]] attended a press conference in [[Hong Kong]], where they announced that they would be [[20th Anniversary World Tour Reboot|touring worldwide]] after 10 years of inactivity.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/36967 |script-title=ja:Luna Sea海外ツアー開催！12月には東京ドーム2Days公演 | date=2010-08-31| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| language=ja}}</ref> From November 5 to 8, Sugizo teamed up with drummers [[Budgie (drummer)|Budgie]], Leonard Eto and Mabi, and multi-instrumentalist [[Knox Chandler]] in Hong Kong, to participate in a project called "The Butterfly Effect: East-West Percussive Parade", as part of the New Vision Arts Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201009/10/P201009080226.htm|title=World premiere of star-studded East-West percussive parade (with photos)|publisher=news.gov.hk|access-date=2017-04-24|date=2010-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/729261/bang-out-order|title=Bang out of order|date=2010-11-02|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref> On April 13, 2011, Sugizo released two singles, "No More Nukes Play the Guitar" and "The Edge".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/47616 |script-title=ja:Sugizo原発反対を訴える「No More Nukes」発表| date=2011-04-10| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> On June 29, he released the single "Miranda",<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/52186 |script-title=ja:Sugizoがピアノ＆バイオリンのダンストラックを配信| date=2011-06-29| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> followed by "Neo Cosmoscape" on July 27, which was remixed by [[System 7 (band)|System 7]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/53773 |script-title=ja:Sugizoの名曲を海外大物ユニットSystem 7がリミックス| date=2011-07-27| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja}}</ref> "Enola Gay" on August 15,<ref name="Enola Gay"/> and "Pray for Mother Earth" on September 9, a song he wrote with [[Toshinori Kondo]] for Earth Day 2006.<ref name="SugizoxToshinori"/> On December 14, Sugizo released two albums, ''Flower of Life'' and ''Tree of Life''.<ref name="Charity and Music Jame-world interview">{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-80491-sugizo-about-charity-and-music.html| title=Sugizo about Charity and Music| date=2011-11-05| author=Kay| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> The first is completely instrumental with [[Psychedelic music|psychedelic]] and [[electronica]] songs, while the second includes remixed songs and those done in collaboration with other artists.<ref name="Charity and Music Jame-world interview"/><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-80332-two-new-albums-from-sugizo.html| title=Two New Albums from Sugizo| date=2011-10-24| author=Claire, Kay| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-80729-update-on-sugizo-s-upcoming-albums.html| title=Update on Sugizo's Upcoming Albums| date=2011-11-08| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=October 17, 2014| archive-url=https://archive.today/20141017141946/http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-80729-update-on-sugizo-s-upcoming-albums.html| archive-date=2014-10-17| url-status=dead}}</ref> In December, a four-date tour titled Stairway to the Flower of Life was held, with a concert in Taipei and Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-82217-stepping-up-the-stairway-to-flower-of-life-with-sugizo-in-taipei.html| title=Stepping up the Stairway To Flower Of Life with Sugizo in Taipei| date=2012-03-14| author=Tiffany Hsiao| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://rn.oricon.co.jp/news/rankingnews/2003080/ |script-title=ja:Sugizo ソロツアー東京・大阪公演 チケット先行受付中| date=2011-10-27| publisher=[[Oricon]]| access-date=November 12, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130220233139/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankingnews/2003080/| archive-date=2013-02-20| url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2012–2015: Luna Sea, X Japan ===
[[File:Sugizo with Luna Sea in Singapore.jpg|thumb|right|Sugizo with Luna Sea in Singapore, 2013]]
In 2012, besides being vastly involved with Luna Sea, two digital songs were released, titled "Final of the Messiah" and "Super Love 2012", followed by concerts.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000083064 |script-title=ja:Sugizo (インタビュー vol.1) Final Of The Messiah ＆ System 7 × Sugizo Tour 2012 編| date=2012-09-10| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000083061 |script-title=ja:Sugizo (インタビュー vol.2) Super Love 2012 & Ascension to the Conscientia 編| date=2012-09-10| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref> The final concert of the small Ascension to the Consientia tour was on September 17, at [[Akasaka Blitz]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000083520 |script-title=ja:(ライブレポート) Sugizo、スピリチュアルな音楽の輪郭がクリアに矢を放つ| date=2012-09-30| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref> On May 30, the original soundtrack composed and produced by Sugizo for the theatre stage play ''7 Doors'' was released, and he also starred in the play, a staging of [[Béla Bartók|Bartók]]'s opera ''[[Bluebeard's Castle]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000079743 |script-title=ja:Sugizo、「7 Doors～青ひげ公の城～」舞台音楽をプロデュース| date=2012-05-19| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref>

On March 6, 2013, his remix album ''Vesica Pisces'' was released, including remixes by Juno Reactor, System 7, and [[The Orb]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-93429-remix-album-from-sugizo.html| title=Remix album from Sugizo| date=2013-01-20| author=Gin| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="part 2">{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003558| title=(Interview) Sugizo: His upcoming solo tour - Part 2 of 2| date=2013-11-17| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> ''The Golden Sun of the Great East'', the second Juno Reactor studio album featuring Sugizo, followed on April 23.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-94101-juno-reactor-s-new-album-with-sugizo.html| title=Juno Reactor's new album with Sugizo| date=2013-02-18| author=Gin| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> Sugizo collaborated with a number of musicians on [[Dead End (band)|Dead End]]'s tribute album, specifically on the song "Serafine".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000002932| title=Dead End tribute album; Sugizo, Ryuichi and Shinya take part!| date=2013-08-18| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus}}</ref> Sugizo was the musical director and composer for the new staging of [[Mary Shelley]]'s ''[[Frankenstein]]'', staged by the same producer of the earlier ''7 Doors'' play.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003557| title=(Interview) Sugizo: His upcoming solo tour - Part 1 of 2| date=2013-11-16| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> On December 11, ''[[A Will]]'', Luna Sea's new studio album was released after thirteen years.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003764| title=(Interview) Luna Sea's Sugizo speaks about 'A Will' which ''contains the love and gratitude that was fully realized precisely because we have had a 25 year long history''| date=2013-12-11| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> On December 23, the solo tour Thrive to Realize started in [[Kobe]],<ref name="part 2"/> and ended on December 29 at [[Shibuya-AX]] in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004068| title=(Concert report) Sugizo Enchants Audiences with "Thrive to Realize" Tour Final| date=2014-01-26| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-98692-sugizo-closes-2013-in-shibuya-ax.html| title=Sugizo Closes 2013 in Shibuya AX| date=2014-01-12| author=Amke| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Sugizo playing the violin in 2014.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Sugizo playing the violin at [[Madison Square Garden]], 2014]]
In 2014, in March joined and performed on 50th anniversary concert of his long-time friend [[Morrie (musician)|Morrie]], the frontman of band Dead End.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-109168-morrie-now-i-here-eternity-half-century-of-flesh-at-akasaka-blitz.html| title=Morrie 'Now I Here Eternity - Half Century of Flesh' at Akasaka Blitz| date=2014-04-15| author=Amke| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> In April a multi-media project, "Art of Parties" was announced, a live installation incorporating art, video, music and dance, featuring other artists, as well.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004535| title=Sugizo's new project, "Art of Parties"| date=2014-04-08| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> In September, he appeared and performed at the event The Solar Budokan.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000108203 |script-title=ja:(速報レポート) The Solar Budokan 2014 Sugizo、太陽のレイヴパーティー| date=2014-09-28| work=Barks| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/127214| script-title=ja:コラボ満載！佐藤タイジ"中津川フェス"大団円| date=2014-09-30| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/pp/solarbudokan02 |script-title=ja:佐藤タイジ×Sugizo「中津川 The Solar Budokan 2014」対談| date=2014-07-18| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref> On September 24, a compilation of classical music selected by Sugizo was released, some of the tracks re-arranged by him.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000108085 |script-title=ja:Sugizo、深い愛を持って選びい抜いたクラシックコンピ盤リリース| date=2014-09-25| publisher=Barks| access-date=2017-04-24| language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/126890 |script-title=ja:Sugizo のクラシック愛を詰め込んだコンピ| date=2014-09-24| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=October 17, 2014| language=ja}}</ref>

In January, Sugizo was a guest at film score composer [[Ikurō Fujiwara]]'s solo piano concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/135595 |script-title=ja:藤原いくろうピアノコンサートにバイオリニストSUGIZO登場|date=2015-01-07|publisher=natalie.mu|language=ja |access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> On March 11, he took part in the Peace on Earth event in [[Yoyogi Park]] for a memorial ceremony of the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000005445|title="Peace on Earth", 1500 in moment of silence. SUGIZO: "The job of our generation is to teach the next generation"|work=BARKS |date=2015-03-27|access-date=2017-04-24 }}</ref> In April, he covered the track ''Bike'', for [[Maaya Sakamoto]]'s 20th anniversary tribute album,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000005286|title=Maaya Sakamoto 20th anniversary tribute. Arai Akino, KIRINJI, SUGIZO take part|date=2015-02-10|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=Barks}}</ref> and was scheduled to appear at the Tanz Too Noise Muzik Festival in [[Hong Kong]], but the event was eventually cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vrockhk.com/2015/02/27/sugizo%E4%BE%86%E6%B8%AF%E5%8F%83%E6%BC%94%E3%80%8Ctanz-too-noise-muzik-festival%E3%80%8D/ |script-title=zh:SUGIZO來港參演「TANZ TOO NOISE MUZIK FESTIVAL」|date=2015-02-27|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=VROCKHK |language=zh-hk}}</ref> In May, he participated in [[Juno Reactor]]'s short Japanese tour, performing in [[Osaka]], [[Nagoya]] and [[Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shattered-tranquility.net/index.php/06/13/juno-reactor-spring-japan-tour-2015/|title=Juno Reactor Spring Japan Tour 2015|date=2015-06-13|publisher=Shattered Tranquility|access-date=2017-04-24}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.junoreactor.com/live-dates/|title=Live Dates|publisher=Juno Reactor|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> On May 3, he joined fellow Luna Sea member Ryuichi and conductor Ikuro Fujiwara for a 'Symphonic Luna Sea Reboot' concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/suntoryhall/schedule/detail/20150503_M_2.html|title=SYMPHONIC LUNA SEA -REBOOT- SPECIAL CONCERT|publisher=Suntory Hall|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> In June, he toured extensively with [[Luna Sea]], performing in 32 concerts in 16 cities across Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/specialfeatures/11827/luna-sea-25th-anniversary-live-tour-the-lunatic-a-liberated-will/page/2/|title=LUNA SEA 25th ANNIVERSARY LIVE TOUR THE LUNATIC -A Liberated Will-|work=musicJAPANplus |publisher=Music Japan Plus|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> He performed at [[Makuhari Messe]] at Luna Sea's Lunatic Fest, also with [[X Japan]].<ref>{{cite web| title = LUNA SEA "LUNATIC FEST." LUNACY was announced as the opening act for both days| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000005642| work=barks.jp| date=2015-06-01| access-date=2017-04-17}}</ref> On July 8, his ''Spiritual Classic Sugizo Selection II'' compilation album was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/491424|title=Spiritual Classic Sugizo Selection II|publisher=Billboard Japan|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja}}</ref> In the same month he performed at the In Order To Dance Vol.1 event, along with [[Takkyu Ishino]] and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/152674 |script-title=ja:石野卓球、SUGIZO、minus(-)が新イベントで異色競演|publisher=Natalie.mu|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja|date=2015-07-02}}</ref> X Japan's first domestic tour of Japan in 20 years began with three consecutive dates at Yokohama Arena on December 2, continued with Osaka-jō Hall on December 7, [[Fukuoka Convention Center|Marine Messe Fukuoka]] on December 9, [[Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center|Hiroshima Green Arena]] on December 11, and finished on December 14 at the [[Nippon Gaishi Hall]].<ref name="New tour">{{cite web |script-title=ja:X JAPAN、12月に20年ぶり日本ツアー 10月には4年ぶり新曲 |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2057807/full/ |date=2015-08-19 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=2017-04-17}}</ref> They also performed on ''[[Kōhaku Uta Gassen]]'' for the first time in 18 years.<ref name="kohaku">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2083992/full/ |script-title=ja:【紅白】X JAPANの熱演でゴジラ撃退|date=2016-12-31|language=ja|publisher=Oricon|access-date=2017-04-18}}</ref>

===2016–present===
On March 11, 2016, he again participated in the free Peace on Earth event,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/SUGIZOofficial/posts/977161949020113 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/103006393102344/977161949020113 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=UGIZO participates in "Peace On Earth" !|publisher=Sugizo official Facebook|access-date=2017-04-24|date=2016-02-26}}{{cbignore}}</ref> then appeared on [[Kazumi Watanabe]]'s ''Guitar is Beautiful KW45'' 45th anniversary album with the tracks "Round Midnight" and "Island Hop".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wmg.jp/artist/watanabekazumi/WPCR000017069.html |script-title=ja:Guitar Is Beautiful KW45 / ギター・イズ・ビューティフル KW45|publisher=Warner Music Japan|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja}}</ref> In April, he performed at Earth Day Tokyo,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthday-tokyo.org/2016/04/17/3216 |script-title=ja:アースデイ・コンサート2016 プログラム決定！|date=2016-04-17|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja|publisher=Earth Day Tokyo}}</ref> In June, he held a concert with fellow Luna Sea member [[Inoran]], titled Sugizo vs Inoran Presents Best Bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2016/06/15/music/review-sugizo-and-inoran-at-zepp-divercity/#.WP5GBIjyjIU|title=Review: Sugizo and Inoran at Zepp DiverCity|date=2016-06-15|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=The Japan Times}}</ref> In August, a cover of "[[Life on Mars?]]" was released as a digital single in tribute to [[David Bowie]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000129773 |script-title=ja:SUGIZO、3ヶ月連続シングル第一弾は最愛のDAVID BOWIEカバー|date=2016-08-12|publisher=Barks|access-date=2017-04-24 |language=ja}}</ref> It was followed up by "Lux Aeterna" in September<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000131139 |script-title=ja:SUGIZO、3ヶ月連続シングル第2弾は衝撃の「Lux Aeterna」|date=2016-09-27|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja|publisher=Barks}}</ref> and "Raummusik" in October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000132815 |script-title=ja:SUGIZO、アルバム『音』に"怒れる電子音楽"＋ツアー追加公演も|date=2016-10-16|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=Barks|language=ja}}</ref> X Japan headlined all three nights of the Visual Japan Summit on October 14–16, 2016 at [[Makuhari Messe]].<ref>{{cite web| title = "VISUAL JAPAN SUMMIT 2016 Powered by Rakuten" Press Conference | work = musicjapanplus.jp| url = http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/specialfeatures/12810/visual-japan-summit-2016-powered-by-rakuten-press-conference/page/4/| access-date = 2017-04-17}}</ref> As a celebration of the 20th anniversary of his solo debut, Sugizo set out on a national tour,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/uk/articles-123857-sugizo-tour-2016-sthe-voyage-homes-at-zepp-tokyo.html|title=SUGIZO TOUR 2016 "The Voyage Home" at Zepp TOKYO|publisher=JaMe World|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> with his new album, ''Oto'' released in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000136187 |script-title=ja:SUGIZO、東京〜石巻公演「これからも皆とより深く強く繋がっていきたい」|date=2016-12-16|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja|publisher=Barks}}</ref> At the end of December, he performed with Luna Sea at [[Saitama Super Arena]] for a two-day concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000136461 |script-title=ja:LUNA SEA、さいたまスーパーアリーナ2DAYS初日「全部熱いんだよね、LUNA SEAって」|date=2016-12-24|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=Barks|language=ja}}</ref>

On March 4, 2017, Sugizo took the stage at [[Wembley Arena]] in [[London]] with X Japan.<ref name="fusetv">{{cite web|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2017/03/x-japan-wembley-arena-inside-review|title=Inside X Japan's long-awaited Wembley Arena concert|publisher=[[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]]|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2017}}</ref> On May 24 it was revealed that Sugizo has been experimenting with alternative energy sources to power his guitar system, testing the [[Toyota Mirai]] and [[Honda Clarity]] [[fuel cell]]s and the system would be put to live test during [[Luna Sea]]'s May 29 [[Budokan]] show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/entertainment_g/20170524/TokyoSports_688986.html |script-title=ja:ＳＵＧＩＺＯ 水素燃料電池でライブ敢行「いずれは全てのコンサートで」|date=2017-05-24|publisher=Excite|access-date=2017-05-26|language=ja}}</ref> At the end of 2017, Sugizo released a solo album titled ''[[Oneness M]]'', featuring a different vocalist on each song, including for example [[Toshi (musician)|Toshi]] of X Japan and [[Teru (singer)|Teru]] from [[Glay]]. He also asked the vocalists to contribute to the lyrics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004176618|title=Guitarist Sugizo releases powerful solo album|date=2018-01-23|publisher=The Japan News|access-date=2018-01-27}}</ref>
[[File:Sugizo in Thailand, 2019.jpg|thumb|Sugizo in Thailand in 2019]]
Sugizo produced the theme songs for the 2019 ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin|Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin - Advent of the Red Comet]]'' [[anime]]. Luna Sea provided the opening themes, but for the ending themes he decided to collaborate with female singers. The first is Sugizo feat. [[Glim Spanky]] covering Daisuke Inoue's {{nihongo|"Meguriai"|めぐりあい}}, and the second is a cover of [[Hiroko Moriguchi]]'s {{nihongo|"[[Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete]]"|水の星へ愛をこめて}} by Sugizo feat. KOM_I ([[Wednesday Campanella]]).<ref name="bill">{{cite web| title=SUGIZO、GLIM SPANKY＆miwa＆コムアイ＆BiSHアイナと共に『ガンダム』を彩る| url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/74799/2| date=2019-04-18| work=[[Billboard Japan]]| language=ja| access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref><ref name="sugint">{{cite web| title = 【対談 #前編】SUGIZO × miwa、「音楽観の重要な部分を『ガンダム』から学んだ」| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000168685| work=barks.jp| language=ja| date=2019-06-25| access-date=2019-06-25}}</ref> The third is the new song "A Red Ray" by Sugizo feat. [[Miwa (singer)|miwa]], which he composed and arranged while she wrote the lyrics.<ref name="sugint"/> The last is Sugizo feat. [[Aina the End]] ([[BiSH]]) covering {{nihongo|"Hikari no Hate"|光の涯}}, which was originally on his album ''Oneness M'' with lyrics and vocals provided by [[Morrie (musician)|Morrie]].<ref>{{cite web| title = 【対談】SUGIZO × アイナ･ジ･エンド(BiSH)、「すごく綺麗な曲をいい意味で汚してくれた」| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000170585| work=barks.jp| language=ja| date=2019-08-13| access-date=2019-08-12}}</ref> Also in 2019, Sugizo helped produce the Chinese pop rock band VOGUE5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yule.com.cn/html/201907/301232.html|title=SUGIZO助阵VOGUE5乐队 上演梦幻舞台|date=2019-07-22|publisher=yule.com.cn|language=zh|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref>

He provided the theme songs for the July 2020 ''[[Gibiate]]'' anime; "Gibiate" with the [[Yoshida Brothers]] and "Endless" with [[Maki Ohguro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gibiate.com/en/art/sugizo.html|title=Sugizo|publisher=Gibiate|accessdate=2022-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/07/01/gibiate-ed-movie-features-theme-song-endless-by-sugizo-maki-ohguro|title=GIBIATE ED Movie Features Theme Song "ENDLESS" by SUGIZO & Maki Ohguro|accessdate=2022-06-15|publisher=[[Crunchyroll]]}}</ref> After 12 years, Sugizo announced the revival of his jam band Shag in November 2020. The group, which includes bassist KenKen ([[Rize (band)|Rize]]), performed two shows on December 6 and 7.<ref>{{cite web| title = SUGIZO、12年振りにKenKen等が参加するサイケデリック・ジャムバンドSHAGの再始動を発表 | url=https://okmusic.jp/news/403181| work=OKMusic| language=ja| date=2020-11-04| access-date=2020-11-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104100028/https://okmusic.jp/news/403181|archivedate=2020-11-04}}</ref> Sugizo's seventh studio album, ''Love & Tranquility'', was released on December 23. In addition to "A Red Ray", Aina the End's version of "Hikari no Hate", and a new version of "Endless", it also features a cover of Dead End's "So Sweet So Lonely" as a tribute to their guitarist [[Yuji Adachi|You]], who died earlier in the year.<ref name="lovetran"/>

In 2022, he released an [[ambient music]] EP with Hataken, titled ''The Voyage to The Higher Self''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.envimedia.co/in-search-of-the-higher-self-with-sugizo/|title=IN SEARCH OF THE HIGHER SELF WITH SUGIZO|date=March 30, 2022 |publisher=ENVI|accessdate=2022-06-15}}</ref> On July 1, Shag released its first album titled ''The Protest Jam'', edited from live performances and studio recordings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jame-world.com/en/news/160675-first-album-from-shag.html|title=First Album from SHAG|date=May 22, 2022 |publisher=Jame World|accessdate=2022-07-05}}</ref> In November 2022, Sugizo was announced as a member of the supergroup [[The Last Rockstars]], along with fellow musicians Yoshiki, Hyde, and Miyavi.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-11-11 |title=YOSHIKI, HYDE, SUGIZO, and MIYAVI form J-Rock Supergroup THE LAST ROCKSTARS |url=https://j-generation.com/2022/11/yoshiki-hyde-sugizo-and-miyavi-form-j-rock-supergroup-the-last-rockstars/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=J-Generation |language=en}}</ref> The group released their first single, "The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)", in December of the same year.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2022-12-19 |title=New Japanese Supergroup The Last Rockstars Sign With Ingrooves for Global Distribution |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/last-rockstars-japanese-supergroup-virgin-music-global-distribution-ingrooves/ |access-date=2022-12-26 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, Sugizo collaborated with Yoshiki to perform an instrumental version of the X Japan song "La Venus" in the documentary film ''[[Yoshiki: Under the Sky]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Matthew |date=2023-12-06 |title=Oscar-Qualified 'Yoshiki: Under The Sky' Locks Down Digital Release Through A List Media Entertainment And Magnolia Pictures Home Entertainment |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/yoshiki-under-the-sky-digital-release-magnolia-pictures-a-list-media-entertainment-1235655006/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2025, he served as composer on [[Daisuke Miyazaki (filmmaker)|Daisuke Miyazaki]]'s visual kei-themed film ''V. Maria'', and for [[Yukihiko Tsutsumi]]'s ice show ''[[Hyoen|Hyoen: Kagamon no Yasha]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=映画"V. MARIA"、劇中歌＆劇伴はSUGIZOが担当！レコーディングには盟友 真矢（LUNA SEA）参加！|url=https://gekirock.com/news/2025/03/v_maria_sugizo.php|work=Geki-Rock|language=ja|date=2025-03-06|accessdate=2025-09-13}}</ref><ref name="hyoen">{{Cite web |title=記憶に残る氷上ロックオペラ—— 高橋大輔さん、増田貴久さんW主演『氷艶 hyoen 2025 -鏡紋の夜叉-』|url=https://www.kateigaho.com/article/detail/179484/page3 |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=kateigaho.com |language=ja}}</ref> He performed live for the majority of the latter, and said collaborating with Tsutsumi was a longstanding wish due to his admiration of the film director's work.<ref name="hyoen"/>

==Personal life==
Divorced,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/sugizo-official/my-book/143334545736195|title=My Book|publisher=SUGIZO Official Facebook|date=2011-04-17|access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref> Sugizo has a daughter named Luna Artemis Sugihara, who was born on April 27, 1996, in Tokyo, Japan. In an interview he said that her birth has transformed him the most and "when you love your daughter, you begin to love all children. Although this might sound grandiose, nothing will make me happier than seeing all children around the world lead joyous lives. I'll be more than satisfied if I can become a tool towards that goal".<ref name="Music Japan Interview">{{cite web| url=http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/specialfeatures/2291/sugizo-first-interview-with-musicjapanplus/page/8/| title=Sugizo First Interview with musicJapanplus| work=musicjapanplus.jp| access-date=2017-04-22}}</ref> He briefly dated Taiwanese actress [[Vivian Hsu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2008-10/22/content_7131035.htm|title=Vivian Hsu's love strategies|date=2008-10-22|access-date=2017-04-23|publisher=China Daily}}</ref>

Sugizo finds all religions interesting and reads many books about them. Since his father was a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], while his mother was a [[Protestantism|Protestant]], from the young age he has often been in contact with things related to church and Protestantism. Currently, he's more into Buddhism, or more specifically, [[Buddha]] himself.<ref name="Music Japan Interview"/> Ever since he was little he was curious about [[occult]] subjects. While in Elementary School, he became obsessed with the ancient civilizations of [[Egypt]], [[the Mayas]], [[Easter Island]]s and the [[Inca]]. One of the very important moments were when he was around 18 or 19 years old, after reading [[Shirley MacLaine]]'s book ''[[Out on a Limb (Shirley MacLaine book)|Out on a Limb]]'',<ref name="Jrockeventsusa Interview"/> he became even more intrigued about the spiritual world. Noting "As I grew older, I was able to better understand the things that caught my attention when I was young".<ref name="Music Japan Interview"/>

Sugizo in the interview said that "there are secrets held by a small elite who control the world... We spend our lives without ever being aware of the truth that is hidden from us", and so through the song "Tell Me Why You Hide The Truth?" meant "We have to liberate freedom and rebuild it by ourselves. I think the world is in need of a revolution. To know what to believe, to know what's really going on in this world we have to take the initiative. That's the sort of signal I'm trying to send".<ref name="Music Japan Interview"/> However, he tries to avoid mixing ideology with music because it changes music as such.<ref name="metropolis"/>

===Activism===
In 2001, Sugizo participated in [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]]'s N.M.L. ("No More Landmines"), a campaign to promote awareness of the problems of [[land mine]]s and promote a ban on them, and helped in the making of the album ''[[Zero Landmine]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Protest Music After Fukushima|author=Noriko Manabe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MA9OCwAAQBAJ |pages=86|publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2015 |isbn=9780199334698}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kabamerica.limitedrun.com/products/529218-n-m-l-no-more-landmine-zero-landmine|title=N.M.L. No More Landmine – Zero Landmine (2001)|publisher=KAB America|access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref> In 2007, he participated in the project [[Stop Rokkasho]], run by the Japanese NGO Boomerang Net and headed up by Sakamoto,<ref name="jrockrevolution"/><ref name="SRok">{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/4636 |script-title=ja:「Stop-Rokkasho」が六ヶ所村の危険を書籍で訴える| date=2007-12-18| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| access-date=2017-04-23| language=ja}}</ref> created to bring attention to the [[Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant]] in [[Aomori Prefecture]].<ref name="SRok"/> His interest in environmental issues led to attend many environmental events. In 2007, Sugizo became involved with [[Greenpeace]], specifically regarding the [[whaling in Japan]]. He gave a name to one humpback whale (Lyra) and followed the Great Whale Trail.<ref name="Whales"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenpeace.org/archive-international/en/news/features/sugizo/|title=Who is Sugizo?|date=December 17, 2007|publisher=Greenpeace}}</ref> After the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]], Sugizo continued to yearly volunteer and offer educational assistance to the locals of [[Ishinomaki]] and [[Minamisōma]] among others.<ref name="metropolis"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pbv.or.jp/en/news/shingo/|title=5 months since the disaster – Volunteer Coordinator interview|date=August 15, 2011|publisher=Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syncmusic.jp/wordpress/?p=22620|title=Sugizo's artist photo, "Full of hope for the future"|date=March 24, 2015|work=Sync Music Japan|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref>

In 2016, Sugizo made a live performance at a [[refugees of the Syrian Civil War|Syrian refugee]] camps of [[Zaatari refugee camp|Zaatari]] and [[Azraq refugee camp|Azraq]] in [[Jordan]] .<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japanforunhcr.org/archives/talkevent160622 |script-title=ja:SUGIZOさん×佐藤慧さんトークイベント・レポート|language=ja|date=22 June 2016|publisher=Japan for UNHCR|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.j-wave.co.jp/blog/news/2016/06/sugizo.html |script-title=ja:SUGIZOが見たヨルダン「日本の被災地と似てる」|language=ja|date=16 June 2016|publisher=J-Wave News|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> Since then one of his guitars has a sticker titled "Save Syria".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kanaloco.jp/article/255417 |script-title=ja:進化は止まない ＬＵＮＡ ＳＥＡ デビュー２５周年 「夢の続きすでに始まっている」|language=ja|date=3 June 2017|work=kanaloco.jp|publisher=Kanagawa Shimbun|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> In 2018, as part of an event promoting cultural exchanges held jointly by Japanese companies and Palestinian NGOs, he made a live performance at an [[Aida Camp]] which audience mostly included children of Palestinian refugees in [[West Bank]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASLBH23CPLBHUHBI00B.html |script-title=ja:ＳＵＧＩＺＯさん、パレスチナの難民キャンプでライブ|language=ja|date=15 October 2018|work=asahi.com|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun Company|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>

==Equipment==
[[File:Sugizo's ESP guitar, X-JAPAN - BACKSTAGE (6164786556).jpg|thumb|left|Sugizo's signature ESP Eclipse S-VIII Brilliant MixedMedia guitar at an [[X Japan]] concert backstage in 2011]]
[[File:X-JAPAN Sugizo (6170415499).jpg|thumb|Sugizo playing his ESP Kranz EV-75 violin]]
[[File:Sugizo's Guitars, X-JAPAN - BACKSTAGE (6164300239).jpg|thumb|upright|Sugizo's guitar rack at an X Japan concert in 2011]]
Sugizo almost exclusively uses [[ESP guitars]] and has around sixteen signature models with them, mostly with the Eclipse body style or other [[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson]]-style shapes like the RD and [[Flying V]]. But their specs are more similar to the [[Fender Stratocaster]] than any Gibson, using [[single coil pickups]], alder bodies and maple necks, 25.5" scale length and [[tremolo arms]]. He later favored a P-90 in the bridge position and vintage-style trems, as opposed to the 3 single coils and Floyd Rose trems he used for most of his career. His signature models with the company feature the ESP logo written in the same font as Luna Sea's logo, a feature also found on J's and Inoran's signature models.

In 2021, Sugizo bought a 1961 [[Gibson ES-330]] which has since become his main guitar.<ref name="2024gibson">{{Cite web |url=https://gibson.jp/gibson-130th/interview/21148|title=GIBSON SPECIAL TALK SESSION 生形真一 × SUGIZO|work=[[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson]]|date=April 26, 2024 |language=Japanese|access-date=2024-09-11}}</ref> He had always wanted an [[archtop guitar]] from the [[Gibson ES Series|ES Series]] because of its association with jazz. The first one he acquired in the 1990s, a 1959 [[ES-175]], did not "fit" him, so his search continued.<ref name="2024gibson"/> He also owns an [[ES-225]] and a 1956 [[Les Paul Custom]]. He acquired the latter around 1997 and used it on Luna Sea's ''[[Shine (Luna Sea album)|Shine]]'', including its singles "[[Storm (Luna Sea song)|Storm]]" and "[[I for You]]".<ref name="2024gibson"/>

Sugizo also often uses Stratocaster-type guitars from Navigator, a high-end custom shop related to ESP. His acoustic guitars of choice are usually C.F. Martin Dreadnoughts. He also plays signature electric violins made by Kranz, and his bows are made by CodaBow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espguitars.co.jp/gallery/sugizo/ev75/index.html|title=Electric Violin EV-75|access-date=2017-04-21|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.behance.net/gallery/32978723/Codabow-SUGIZO-Signature-model-Ysaye-guarantee-card|title=Codabow SUGIZO Signature model Ysaye guarantee card|date=January 2016 |publisher=Behance.net|access-date=2017-04-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kurosawa.onlinestore/photos/a.132030063623907.27870.106629086164005/141172692709644/?type=3&theater  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/106629086164005/141172692709644 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|script-title=ja:Coda Bow SUGIZO Signature Model "Ysaye(イザイ)|publisher=Kurosawa Music Online|access-date=2017-04-23|language=ja}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

His amps have changed often throughout his career but are generally high-end and boutique brands, including Fender, Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, Matchless, Bogner, Custom Audio Electronics, Divided by 13 and Koch. Most recently he's been using EVH5150's and EVH 4x12" cabs with some additional heads like a Diezel Vh4. He's also performed using an Axe-Fx II.

His effects are numerous and spanning several pedalboards and racks, but important staples are his DigiTech Whammy pedal for pitch effects, and delays and reverbs from various Eventide pedals and the [[TC Electronic]] 2290 Digital Delay.

{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
! Open table to see signature models
|-
!Brand
!Model
!Notes
|-
|[[ESP Guitars|ESP]]
|Eclipse S-I
|Is a basic model of the Eclipse lineups. Traditional body shape, with 3 single-coiled pick up, all around type, which can respond to various styles of music.<ref name=esp_sugizo>{{cite web|title=ESP Sugizo Collection|work=espguitars.co.jp|url=http://www.espguitars.co.jp/gallery/sugizo/index.html}}</ref>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-II
|The Eclipse S-II's feature is the heavy & thick bass sounds of a [[Humbucker]] and ample mid-range. When it first time appeared in public, the constitution was of through-neck, EMG-81 for its rear pick-up, and EMG-SA for its front pick-up, made its debut in Luna Sea's 1996 Unending Style tour. Later remodeled edition was introduced in song "[[Gravity (Luna Sea song)|Inside You]]" for 2000 Brand New Chaos tour.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-III
|The Eclipse S-III first time appeared with Luna Sea's 1996 Unending Style tour, when Sugizo played the solo for "[[Style (Luna Sea album)|Forever & Ever]]". It was also used in Sugizo's 1996-1997 Abstract Day tour. The present front pick-up was placed on the middle pick-up position with its style like the S-S-H design. The pick-up then was the same as the S-I in the same year, equipped with Lasesensor. On the 1998 Shinging Brightly tour, front pick-ups were placed next to the sustainer driver pick-up. At that time, the front pick-up was equipped on the bridge side. After that, there was an improvement of the driver pick-up by [[Floyd Rose]] Sustainer. Since December 1999, it developed into its present style.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-IV
|The Eclipse S-IV is the 12 stringed model of the Eclipse lineup. Used for the song "[[Shine (Luna Sea album)|Velvet]]" on the 1998 Shining Brightly tour. As with the other models, the same body shape had its feature in the construction of a semi-hollow body with all-maple. The bridge equipped with 12 parts, which can be adjusted to an Octave with independent major & minor strings. This is the sole model equipped with tone control.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-V
|The Eclipse S-V's main feature is the original sound of pick-up P-90, which made its appearance with electric guitars in the 1940s, and being one of the most favorable throughout electric guitar history. Debuted in ''Slave limited Gig'' in August 1998. This model lasted from the first stage of the Shining Brightly tour, until Luna Sea's final tour. It supported some main songs like "[[Storm (Luna Sea song)|Storm]]" and "[[I for You]]". Currently is set up with SP-90-1 (Seymour Duncan).<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-VI
|The Eclipse S-VI development based on Sugizo's concept, started in 1999 through making prototypes, and was completed in 2001. The 6-stringed model, one octave lower than the other orthodox models, has the same sound range as bass guitars.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-VII
|The Eclipse S-VII was completed in 2000, for making its debut on the Brand New Chaos tour. Was also used for Sugizo & the Spank Your Juice performances. A thin 45mm nut-width was made for the first time for a 7-stringed guitar. Bridge-string pitch 9.6mm, nut side-string pitch 6.5mm, 7-stringed bridge & rock nut. Also was attached a unique 3 single-coiled pick-up.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse R-I
|The Eclipse R-I was developed based on a concept Sugizo had cherished for a long time. It made its debut on the 2000 Brand New Chaos Act II tour, but more than a year had been spent before the model was finally completed in 2001. Its constitution was of single-coiled pick-up and a Floyd Rose Bridge. Its 42mm thin flattop Adler body with broad-surfaced body design has its quick sound response (a bit different from Eclipse S-I) and also has ability to emphasize wide range sounds.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse E-I
|The Eclipse E-I made its debut at Sugizo's solo project performance Abstract Day in 1997. It is a semi-acoustic Sugizo model but equipped with Floyd Rose Bridge.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-I Brilliant -Mixed Media- 
|The Eclipse S-I Brilliant -Mixed Media-, appeared on July 30, 1996, on the Unending Style tour, as a custom version of Eclipse S-I. Created as a collaboration between the ESP manufacturing staff and Sugizo. This model was equipped with vintage Lase Blue of Lasesensor for the rear pick-up which was modeled exactly by Sugizo himself. In 1997, after the tour, it was sold as a signature model with a limited number produced.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-I Python 
|The Eclipse S-I Python made its debut on December 23, 1998, at the Tokyo Dome on the Shining Brightly tour. This model was used for both Asian tours and the 2000 Brand New Chaos tour. In 2000, its sales were limited to 40 because of difficulty to get the real leather of Diamond Pison, but the number of products was increased up to 120.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-III Brilliant -Mixed Media- 
|The Eclipse S-III Brilliant -Mixed Media-, as of September 1999, it was put on the market with a limited production of 100. But because of its popularity, two months later 50 more were announced. When it went on the market, Seymour Duncan SJAG-1 carried on the pick-up.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Eclipse S-III Custom -Fretless- 
|For the Eclipse S-III Custom -Fretless-, Sugizo originated the idea that fit sustainers to the fretless guitars, and often uses it for his recordings. Its basic components are the same as the S-III. Black-binding is used, which is rare for Eclipse series.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|PR - Triple Neck
|The three necks are (each from high to low) 12-stringed guitar, sustainer attached fretless guitar and the Floyd Rose 6-stringed fretted guitar. The pick-ups on each three necks are set to instantaneously change. Presently, the standard models are the same as S-I with Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Custom Bridge. Sugizo performed with this triple neck guitar for Luna Sea's openings from 1995's Mother of Love tour, up to the last stage of Epilogue 2000, with the songs "[[Mother (Luna Sea album)|Loveless]]" and "[[Mother (Luna Sea album)|Genesis of Mind ~Yume no Kanata e~]]".<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|PR - Double Neck
|The combination of a 6-string and a fretless guitar started only with Sugizo. Its pick-ups are EMG-SA for the fretless, and Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Custom Bridge for the fretted. The bridges are a combination of Tune-matic-bridge (black nickel coating) and Stop-tailpiece. The first time it was used was for song "[[Lunacy (album)|4:00 AM]]" on Luna Sea's 2000 Brand New Chaos tour.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|[[Seymour Duncan]]
|DG-300R CTM
|Sugizo used a [[Fender Jaguar|Jaguar]]-type black guitar (made by [[Seymour Duncan]]) for Luna Sea's 2000 Brand New Chaos tour. It was a developed type of a Jaguar with new tensions & sustains. The secret to its success was in the scale change from short to medium. Its bridge was equipped with ST's synchronized tremolo.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|Seymour Duncan
|DS-280M-RV
|Built for right-handers from a left-hand body and neck, which Sugizo pursued as newer possibilities than the [[Fender Stratocaster|Stratocaster]]. Results are both mellower tones in higher-tone strings and tighter low tones in lower-tone strings. He started using this model on Luna Sea's Brand New Chaos tour, at the live in Yokohama Arena on July 15, 2000. It is known to be responsible for the reversible-strato-tones in "[[Lunacy (album)|Virgin Mary]]".<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|-
|ESP
|Edwards & GrassRoots 
|List of five [[ESP Edwards Series|Edwards]] guitars, and four GrassRoots guitars Sugizo used on lives respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sugizo Edwards&GrassRoots Guitars|work=espguitars.co.jp|url=http://www.espguitars.co.jp/gallery/sugizo/edwards_grassroots/index.html}}</ref> 
|-
|ESP
|(Electric Violin) Kranz EV-75
|The violin Sugizo plays on his performances.<ref name=esp_sugizo/>
|}

==Concerts and tours==
*1997: Abstract Day
*2001: Sugizo & The Spank Your Juice Abstract Day 2001
*2008–09: Rise to Cosmic Dance
**Support band: [[Origa]] on vocals, Takumi Samejima on guitar, Fire on bass, [[Greg Ellis (musician)|Greg Ellis]] on drums, d-kiku on keyboards and programming, K-Ta and Kenji Yoshiura on percussion, Shinpei Ruike on trumpet.<ref name="RiseCosmic">{{cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-6894-sugizo-gig-2008-rise-to-cosmic-dance-.html| title=Sugizo Gig 2008 ~Rise to Cosmic Dance~| work=jame-world.com| access-date=2011-12-15}}</ref> 
*2009–10: Next Phase of Cosmic Dance
*2011: Stairway to the Flower of Life
**Support band: Origa on vocals, Takumi Samejima on guitar, Tokie on bass, [[Motokatsu Miyagami]] on drums, d-kiku on keyboards and programming, Kenji Yoshiura on percussion, Shinpei Ruike on trumpet.

==Discography==
{{main|Sugizo discography}}

===Studio albums===
* ''[[Truth? (album)|Truth?]]'' (November 19, 1997), [[Oricon]] Peak Position: #12<ref name="sugizo albums"/>
* ''C:Lear'' (October 1, 2003) #56<ref name="sugizo albums"/>
* ''Flower of Life'' (December 14, 2011) #62<ref name="sugizo albums"/>
* ''Tree of Life'' (December 14, 2011) #69<ref name="sugizo albums"/>
* {{nihongo|''Oto''|音||December 23, 2016}} #132<ref name="recent albums">{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/22615/rank/album/ |script-title=ja:SUGIZOのアルバム売り上げランキング |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref>
* ''[[Oneness M]]'' (November 29, 2017) #23<ref name="recent albums"/>
* {{nihongo|''Love & Tranquility''|愛と調和|Ai to Chōwa|December 23, 2020}} #87<ref name="recent albums"/>
* ''The Voyage to The Higher Self'' (February 16, 2022) #125<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/885537/products/1436421/1/ |script-title=ja:The Voyage to The Higher Self SUGIZO×HATAKEN |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=2022-07-02}}</ref>
** Sugizo x Hataken

==Bibliography==
* ''A Prayer I'' (June 26, 1997)
* ''A Prayer II'' (July 8, 1997)
* ''Can I Fly?'' (February 13, 1998)
* ''Piano Solo Instruments ~Truth? Sugizo~'' (June 30, 1998)
* ''Ecton x Sugizo Rise to Heaven on Earth'' (March 25, 2009)
* {{nihongo|''The Man Who Loved Music - A Life of Ups and Downs''|音楽に愛された男、その波乱の半生||March 22, 2011}}

==Filmography==

{| class="wikitable"
!Year!! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|rowspan="4"|2002
|''Soundtrack'' 
|Sion
|movie score composer
|-
|{{nihongo|''Hogi-Lala''|ホ・ギ・ラ・ラ}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.co.jp/movie/%E3%83%9B%E3%83%BB%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%A9%E3%80%80Hogi-Lala/237271/credit/ |script-title=ja:ホ・ギ・ラ・ラ Hogi-Lala|publisher=Yahoo Movies|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unzip.jp/review/0204/hogilala.html |script-title=ja:Review: ホ・ギ・ラ・ラ Hogi-Lala|access-date=2017-04-24|publisher=unzip.jp|language=ja}}</ref>
|{{nihongo|Toshi|トシ}}
|
|-
|{{nihongo|Rock'n'roll Mishin |ロックンロールミシン}}
|
|
|-
|RedЯum 
|
|[[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|2016
|''Tokyo Decibels''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000117888 |script-title=ja:松岡充×SUGIZO×辻仁成による映画、2016年公開|date=2015-07-20|publisher=Barks|access-date=2017-04-24|language=ja}}</ref>
|Kurosawa
|music director
|-
|''[[We Are X]]''
|himself
|[[X Japan]] documentary
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Sugizo}}
* [https://sugizo.com/ Official website]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/SUGIZOofficial?feature=watch Sugizo] on [[YouTube]]
* [http://www.espguitars.co.jp/gallery/sugizo/index.html Sugizo] on [[ESP Guitars]]

{{Luna Sea}}
{{X Japan}}

{{Juno Reactor}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sugizo}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese guitarists]]
[[Category:20th-century violinists]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese guitarists]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese violinists]]
[[Category:Japanese activists]]
[[Category:Japanese electronic musicians]]
[[Category:Japanese experimental musicians]]
[[Category:Japanese film score composers]]
[[Category:Japanese heavy metal guitarists]]
[[Category:Japanese male film score composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese songwriters]]
[[Category:Japanese male writers]]
[[Category:Japanese rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Japanese psychedelic trance musicians]]
[[Category:Japanese record producers]]
[[Category:Juno Reactor members]]
[[Category:Japanese lead guitarists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Luna Sea members]]
[[Category:Male violinists]]
[[Category:Musicians from Hadano, Kanagawa]]
[[Category:Rock violinists]]
[[Category:Visual kei musicians]]
[[Category:X Japan members]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese songwriters]]
[[Category:Activists from Kanagawa Prefecture]]