Akira Kuwahara Leaves RADWIMPS

In a statement on their official website, rock band RADWIMPS announced the departure of guitarist Akira Kuwahara on October 17th.

The members apologized for the sudden announcement and stated that after over 20 years of being in the band together, their thoughts and values have changed, and they had begun to drift apart. After much discussion, they reached this decision. As 2025 marks the 20th anniversary for RADWIMPS, the band members and their staff will continue on their journey, and they hope that the fans will continue to support both RADWIMPS and Akira Kuwahara in all their future endeavors.

Akira Kuwahara commented:

"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!"

Vocalist 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."

Bassist Yusuke Takeda commented:

"Though we have decided to part ways, I feel like it is the right decision for all of us to head to our places of comfort. We have shared joy and sorrow. We bit the bullet at times but experienced a lot of incredible moments together and came this far. I really thank you for our journey together. As a fellow band member and a friend, I wish the best for Kuwa’s next chapter in life."