The Pillows Drummer Shinichiro Sato Passes Away
The official accounts for the Japanese rock band the pillows announced on March 27, 2026, that their longtime drummer, Shinichiro Sato, passed away on March 23, 2023.
Sato was 61 years old at the time of his death and had been receiving medical treatment for esophageal cancer.
In accordance with the wishes of his family, a private funeral service has already been conducted.
The band’s management expressed deep appreciation to the global fanbase for their years of unwavering support for Sato throughout his career.
Originally formed in 1989, the pillows became a staple of the Japanese alternative rock scene and earned international recognition for their work on the soundtrack of the anime series FLCL.
The group released 22 studio albums over more than three decades before officially disbanding at the end of January 2025.
Sato’s contributions to the band’s percussion-heavy sound helped define their musical legacy across multiple decades of activity.
News of his passing was confirmed through the band’s official social media presence and verified by Japanese news outlets including TBS News Dig.
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