Danica Davidson
November 13, 2023 
The Japanese press reported that bassist HEATH (a.k.a. Hiroshi Morie) from the band X Japan had passed away, and at first the band didn’t say if this were true or not. Several days have passed, and now X Japan has acknowledged that the report is sadly true. The band gave this lengthy statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of XJAPAN’s esteemed bass player HEATH after his battle with colorectal cancer, on October 29th, 2023, at the age of 55.
His cancer was found during an examination in June of this year. Despite his efforts to battle the disease, his condition declined suddenly in October, and he took his last breath in the hospital.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who cherished HEATH throughout his lifetime.
We, the members of X JAPAN have personally bid farewell to HEATH, but are still deeply saddened and dismayed by his sudden loss. Individual tributes from X JAPAN members will be shared on HEATH’s official website at https://www.heathproject.com/.
HEATH’s obituary was originally scheduled for release in mid-November in accordance with his family’s wishes, but it is being announced today due to unwarranted media coverage over the last few days.
The funeral will be held among immediate family members only. The family asks that any visits, donations or flowers be withheld. The date of the funeral will remain undisclosed. We appreciate your understanding.
A formal farewell ceremony for HEATH will be arranged at a later date. That ceremony will be led by X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI in accordance with HEATH’s wishes as conveyed by his family.
X JAPAN extends our love and prayers to HEATH and would like to thank everyone who has supported him.
The rock band has been involved with some anime, including doing the theme song performance for the movie X, based on CLAMP’s manga.
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
