the pillows' Legendary Drummer Shinichiro Sato Passes Away at 61
the pillows, one of the most beloved bands in Japanese rock music and the anime world, has been shaken by news that has left fans in mourning. Shinichiro Sato, who served as the band's drummer for over 35 years and was one of its founding members, has passed away at the age of 61. In a statement released on the band's official social media accounts, it was announced that Sato had been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer for some time and passed away on March 23, 2026. The news of the artist's passing was shared with the public following a private funeral held at the request of his family.
the pillows became a global phenomenon, particularly for the music they created for the cult classic FLCL (Fooly Cooly) series, which was released in the early 2000s. In this legendary production by Gainax and Production I.G studios, the band's tracks such as "Ride on Shooting Star," "Little Busters," and "I Think I Can" became synonymous with the series' chaotic and energetic nature. Shinichiro Sato's unique, steady, and powerful drum rhythms are considered one of the fundamental pillars that shaped the unforgettable atmosphere of FLCL.
Founded in 1989, the pillows were among the most established and consistent bands in the J-Rock scene. Since the band's inception, Sato had maintained the core lineup alongside vocalist Sawao Yamanaka and guitarist Yoshiaki Manabe. The band, which produced 22 studio albums throughout their career, officially announced their breakup in January 2025, shortly after celebrating their 35th anniversary. Sato was a figure who left a deep mark on the Japanese music industry, not only with his main band but also through projects like The Pees.
Sato's passing has left a great void in the music world and the anime community. Fans are emphasizing through social media posts that the artist's legacy will continue to live on in works such as FLCL, Moonlight Mile, and Sket Dance. The band's management expressed their deep gratitude to the global fanbase that accompanied and supported Sato throughout his musical journey over the years. Sato's rhythms will continue to echo in the ears of anime fans.
