RADWIMPS and Akira Kuwahara Part Ways

RADWIMPS and guitarist Akira Kuwahara have officially decided to part ways as of October 17, 2024. Kuwahara was one of the original members of the band, which was formed in 2001. Lead vocalist Yojiro Noda is now the only one remaining of the first members, along with the members who joined in 2004, Yusuke Takeda and Satoshi Yamaguchi.

Kuwahara had previously gone on hiatus from September 2021 to October 2022, following adultery allegations.

You can read the official statement below:

“RADWIMPS have decided to part ways with Akira Kuwahara as of Oct. 17, 2024. We apologize for the sudden news to all the fans and supporters. Through over 20 years of being in the band together, their thoughts and values have changed, and ships started passing in the night. After much discussion, the band have arrived at this conclusion.  

While it will be different, 2025 marks the 20^th anniversary for RADWIMPS. With so much love and appreciation for all of you, the band and the staffs will continue on with our journey.

We kindly ask for your continuous support for RADWIMPS and Akira Kuwahara in all their future endeavors.”

You can also read Akira Kuwahara’s statement:

“My life with the band of over 20 years is simply my treasure. Thank you so much for many amazing moments and experiences. I wish the band the best for everything in the future.

I would like to apologize to the fans for letting you down with this announcement. The band will continue without me but I really hope you continue to support them.

Thank you so much for your support for almost two decades! Hope to see you again sometime, somewhere!”

Yojiro Noda commented: “I want to thank Kuwahara for the musical journey we walked together since we were fifteen and wish him the best with everything in the future.” Yusuke Takeda also left a comment, saying he feels like this is the right decision for everyone to ‘head to [our] places of comfort.’ and wished Kuwahara the best in his next chapter in life.

While the band was formed in 2001, it debuted independently in 2003 and signed with Toshiba EMI in 2005. They recently held a concert in the Philippines as part of their RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 concert in Asia.

Source: Official Website