:Gackt
{{Short description|Japanese singer-songwriter and actor (born 1973)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image = Kong-Skull Island Japan Premiere Red Carpet-GACKT (cropped).jpg
| caption = Gackt in 2017
| birth_name = {{Nihongo|Gakuto Oshiro|大城 ガクト|Ōshiro Gakuto}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|07|4}}
| birth_place = Okinawa, Japan
| years_active = 1993–2021, 2022–present
| alias = {{Nihongo|Gackt Camui|神威 楽斗|Kamui Gakuto}}
| occupation = {{Hlist|Singer-songwriter|musician|record producer|actor}}
| background = solo_singer
| origin = Tokyo, Japan
| discography = Gackt discography
| instruments = {{Hlist|Vocals|piano|guitar|drums}}
| label = {{Hlist|G&Lovers|Gan-Shin|Nippon Crown|Avex Group}}
| current_member_of =
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
| website = {{URL|gackt.com}}
}}
{{Nihongo|Gakuto Oshiro|大城 ガクト|Ōshiro Gakuto|born July 4, 1973}},{{refn|group="nb"|Gackt's exact birth name was publicly unknown until 2017. For a certain period of time was considered that {{Nihongo|Gackt Camui|神威 楽斗|Kamui Gakuto}} was his real name,{{cite book|last=Miller|first=Laura|chapter=Youth fashion and beautification|title=Japan's Changing Generations: Are Young People Creating a New Society?|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y4K2D1O5tkQC|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-35389-7|pages=90–91}}{{cite book|author1=Henry Johnson|author2=Akitsugu Kawamoto|chapter=Visual Kei: Glamour in Japanese Pop Music|title=Global Glam and Popular Music: Style and Spectacle from the 1970s to the 2000s|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RY-PCwAAQBAJ|year=2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-58819-1|page=202}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pokernews.com/news/2017/08/gackt-music-poker-japan-28842.htm|title=Pop Music Star Gackt Attempting to Change Poker's Image in Japan|author=Valerie Cross|date=August 28, 2017|publisher=PokerNews|access-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828225322/https://www.pokernews.com/news/2017/08/gackt-music-poker-japan-28842.htm|archive-date=August 28, 2017|url-status=live}} but ASCAP, beside "Gackt" and "Gackt C," listed Gakuto Oshiro, which are a Japanese given name and surname.{{cite web |title=ACE Repertory |url=https://mobile.ascap.com/aceclient/AceWeb/#ace/writer/557621632/OOSHIROGAKUTO |publisher=ASCAP |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106040548/https://mobile.ascap.com/aceclient/AceWeb/#ace/writer/557621632/OOSHIROGAKUTO |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=dead }}{{cite tweet |user=TDPaulCampbell |author=Paul Campbell |number=883789407727136768 |date=July 8, 2017 |title=Results from yesterday's @ARIAPoker $25K High Roller}} They were confirmed by Gackt on December 26, 2017.{{cite news|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/263127|title=GACKTが初めて本名を明かし、実業家として仮想通貨事業に取り組むことを発表|date=December 27, 2017|work=Natalie|access-date=December 27, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227123100/https://natalie.mu/music/news/263127|archive-date=December 27, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://news.ameba.jp/entry/20171227-558/|title=GACKT、実業家として初めて本名を公表 大型の新規事業の全貌も明らかに|date=December 27, 2017|work=Ameba|publisher=CyberAgent Inc|access-date=December 27, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054126/https://news.ameba.jp/entry/20171227-558/|archive-date=December 28, 2017|url-status=live}} His year of birth, 1973, was also unknown until November 5, 2009, and instead his public profile used 1540.{{cite web| url=https://www.j-cast.com/2007/11/05012976.html?p=all| title=「Gackt様」オバさまに超人気 秘密は謙信「妖艶」の役柄作り| date=November 11, 2007| publisher=J-Cast| access-date=December 8, 2023| language=ja}}{{cite web| url=http://career.oricon.co.jp/news/70378/full/| title=年齢不詳のGackt、遂に実年齢をカミングアウト「来年37歳!」| date=November 5, 2009| publisher=Oricon| access-date=November 6, 2009| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726071500/http://career.oricon.co.jp/news/70378/full/| archive-date=July 26, 2011| url-status=live}} This was a remnant of his claim to be a vampire from his early career.}} better known by his mononymous stage name Gackt (stylized in all caps),{{refn|group="nb"|On June 4, 2009, in commemoration of his solo career's 10th anniversary, his stage name "Gackt" became stylized in all-capital letters as "GACKT".{{cite news |url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/gackt-becomes-gackt-to-celebrate-10-years |title=Gackt becomes GACKT to celebrate 10th anniversary |date=June 15, 2009 |publisher=Japan Today |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131256/https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/gackt-becomes-gackt-to-celebrate-10-years |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}}} is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor.
Born in Okinawa to a Ryukyuan family, Gackt learned the piano at a young age and was raised on classical music and enka before becoming interested in rock music while attending high school. He has been active since 1993, first as the frontman of the short-lived independent band Cains:Feel, and then from 1995 the now-defunct visual kei rock band Malice Mizer. Gackt started his solo career in 1999 with debut mini-album Mizérable and first full-length album Mars (2000). He has released nine studio albums and, with forty-eight singles released, holds the male soloist record for most top ten consecutive singles in Japanese music history.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/89976/full/| title=Gackt、男性ソロ1位の39作目TOP10 田原俊彦の記録を19年ぶり更新| date=July 19, 2011| publisher=Oricon| access-date=July 20, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722105630/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/89976/full| archive-date=July 22, 2011| url-status=live}} They are mostly conceived around two conceptual stories "Moon Saga" (Moon, Crescent, Diabolos, Last Moon) and "Requiem et Reminiscence" (Rebirth, Re:Born) which are performed live in uniquely elaborate concerts. His single "Returner (Yami no Shūen)" (2007), is his first and only single to reach the number one spot on the Oricon charts.{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/45823| title=Gackt、1999年デビュー以来初の1位獲得!| date=June 26, 2007| publisher=Oricon| language=ja| access-date=June 26, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630000908/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/45823/| archive-date=June 30, 2007| url-status=live}} As a solo artist, Gackt has sold over 10 million records.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/9259/profile/|title=Oricon Profile (2009-07-15 更新 "Update")|date=July 15, 2009 |publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103014725/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/9259/profile/|archive-date=January 3, 2018|url-status=live}} In 2007 became a founding member of S.K.I.N., a Japanese visual kei rock supergroup, and in 2010 formed his own band project Yellow Fried Chickenz.
Besides being established in the modern entertainment industry and considered a pop icon, Gackt's music has been used as theme songs for video games (Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII), video game films (Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker), anime series/films (New Fist of the North Star, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Texhnolyze and Trickster) and television series (Kamen Rider Decade). In addition to his music career, Gackt has voice acted (including characters inspired by him in video games like in Bujingai and Genesis Rhapsodos in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII), and live acted in a few films, including a film he wrote, Moon Child, his international debut Bunraku, Japan Academy award nomination performance for Best Actor in Fly Me to the Saitama, and TV series most notably as Uesugi Kenshin in the NHK drama Fūrin Kazan. He also performed live in theatre stage plays, Nemuri Kyoshiro Buraihikae and a duology he has written, composed, and directed Moon Saga: Mysteries of Yoshitsune I & II. He also provided the voice samples for Internet Co., Ltd.'s first Vocaloid, Gackpoid.
Early life
Gackt was born on July 4, 1973, as the second of three children in a Ryukyuan family, in Okinawa of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.{{Cite book| last=Gackt| first=Camui| title=Jihaku: Gackt| publisher=光文社 (Kobunsha)| year=2003| isbn=4-334-97412-0| url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9784334974121}} His father was a music teacher, who primarily played the trumpet, and his mother was also a teacher. Gackt has an older sister and a younger brother. He lived in Okinawa until he was 7 years old (with short periods when was 16 and 26), because of his father's job, living in many different cities on Honshu and Kyushu islands in addition to Okinawa: Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Shiga, Osaka, and Kyoto. He studied in the Moriyama High School in Shiga, and was enrolled in the Kyoto Gakuen University.{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.co.jp/Hollywood-Screen/8686/G_C/musicnews/nikkan_gendai.html |title=Gacktの過去を日刊ゲンダイが報道 |year=2002 |publisher=Nikkan Gendai |access-date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021110411/http://www.geocities.co.jp/Hollywood-Screen/8686/G_C/musicnews/nikkan_gendai.html |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |url-status=live }}
Gackt's musical education began at age three when his parents initiated his classical piano education. At age seven, continuing his classical piano education became more difficult because of time spent at elementary school and the repeated change of instructors due to relocating from city to city. It would take another four years until his parents allowed him to quit lessons. However, after losing a piano competition to a boy he met in the middle school, Gackt voluntarily returned to his piano studies, even writing orchestral scores.{{cite news|date=December 15, 2010|title=「Benesse」進研ゼミ 中学講座でGACKTさんから 中学生に贈る 応援Interviewが 掲載されています。|trans-title=GACKT's Interview for Students Appears!|url=http://www.benesse.co.jp:80/c/mailmaga/chulimit/2009121599/corner1.html|url-status=dead|language=ja|work=Benesse|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105151329/http://www.benesse.co.jp/c/mailmaga/chulimit/2009121599/corner1.html|archive-date=January 5, 2010|access-date=January 2, 2018}} He has credited the classical pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin with being "the one who taught me the beauty, depth, fun, sadness, the kindness of music; that music could grant people courage, and the meaning of the layers of sound. It isn't an exaggeration to say Chopin is the foundation of my music".{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000058782| title=Gackt「僕の音楽の基盤はショパン」| date=March 1, 2010| work=Barks| access-date=September 11, 2010| language=ja| quote=Original quote: 「...そんな僕に音楽の美しさ、深さ、楽しさ、悲しさ、そして音楽は勇気を与えることが出来るモノだってこと、重なり合う音の意味を教えてくれたのがまさしくショパンだった。僕の音楽の基盤はショパンだと言っても過言ではない。僕にそこまで大きな影響を与えたショパンの楽曲、その魅力と魔力。自分の耳と心で確かめて欲しい。...」| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904071133/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000058782| archive-date=September 4, 2010| url-status=live}} Since his father played the trumpet, Gackt is also familiar with brass instruments. Having only listened to classical music and enka while growing up, he did not become interested in rock music until high school, and went on to master modern percussion.
Music career
=1993–1998: First musical efforts and Malice Mizer=
In the early 1990s, Gackt was working as a host and dealer in a casino, while also being an assistant drummer for an amateur band. At the time he wanted to become more serious about his music activity but had a negative perspective on life. While at the casino, he met a businessman who inspired him to find a purpose in life, that being music. About a year later he left the band and he found himself working multiple jobs, among them as a sound technician at a studio where he could practice drums. When Gackt was twenty-years old, he met guitarist You Kurosaki, his future solo career support guitarist, at a music live house in Kyoto. They formed the band, Cains:Feel, whose name had biblical reference to the story of Cain and Abel. The group lacked a vocalist, so Gackt became the frontman, and the band went to record a demo tape before disbanding.
In 1995, he was introduced to the visual kei band Malice Mizer which was on hiatus due to the departure of their frontman Tetsu. Gackt moved to Tokyo and joined them in October 1995. As their vocalist, pianist and primary lyricist on studio albums Voyage Sans Retour (1996) and Merveilles (1998), he also contributed three songs in their catalog, "Regret", "Hamon" and "Le Ciel", the latter being their most successful single as a band.{{cite news |url=http://oriconv.seesaa.net/article/158589410.html |title=【MALICE MIZER】のオリコン順位と売り上げ枚数。 |language=ja |publisher=Oricon |date=August 6, 2010 |access-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114210217/http://oriconv.seesaa.net/article/158589410.html |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413125144/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/15645/ranking/cd_single/|archive-date=April 13, 2013|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/15645/ranking/cd_single/|language=ja|publisher=Oricon|title=Malice Mizer Singles|access-date=January 21, 2019}}{{cite web |title=ACE Repertory - Hamon |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/925625761 |publisher=ASCAP |access-date=November 29, 2024}}
During this time, the band's fame soared; and, after four years and two studio albums, in January 1999, it was officially announced that he left the band. According to his interviews and autobiography, the issues with the management office, members' differences, and his isolation from the band led to his departure.{{cite web |author=Geisha |title=传记特别篇:Mana(Part 1. 自我探索) |work=JaME World |date=March 19, 2011 |url=https://www.jame-world.com/zh/article/90891-%E4%BC%A0%E8%AE%B0%E7%89%B9%E5%88%AB%E7%AF%87-mana-part-1-%E8%87%AA%E6%88%91%E6%8E%A2%E7%B4%A2.html |language=zh |access-date=November 29, 2024}}
=1999–2001: Solo debut, ''Mizérable'', ''Mars'', and ''Rebirth''=
Gackt launched his solo career on January 1, 1999. After completing his recordings, his first gig as a solo artist was the 99 Gackt Resurrection tour held in 11 locations across Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.gackt-and-lovers.com/free/profile/|title=Profile|publisher=Gackt Official Community|access-date=January 14, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630154200/http://www.gackt-and-lovers.com/free/profile/|archive-date=June 30, 2019|url-status=live}} It was followed on May 12 with his debut release, the extended play Mizérable, released by Nippon Crown. The album peaked at number two, spending 12 weeks on the Oricon charts.{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/9259/ranking/cd_album/| title=Gackt albums on Oricon| publisher=Oricon| access-date=November 28, 2012| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605061922/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/9259/ranking/cd_album/|archive-date=June 5, 2013}} It spanned the same-titled single "Mizérable", which peaked at number three, spending nine weeks on the charts.{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/9259/ranking/cd_single/| title=Gackt singles on Oricon| publisher=Oricon| access-date=November 28, 2012| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108094107/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/9259/ranking/cd_single/|archive-date=November 8, 2012}} In July, he performed at Shock Wave Illusion in Osaka and Tokyo. On August 11, Gackt released his second single, "Vanilla". It peaked at number four, spent 10 weeks on the charts, and enjoyed considerable success. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).{{cite web|url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd.html|title=月次認定作品 認定年月:1999年 8月|language=ja|publisher=RIAJ|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208123936/https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd.html|archive-date=February 8, 2019|url-status=live}}
In 2000, on February 9 and 16, the third and fourth singles were released, "Mirror" and "Oasis". They peaked at number nine and number seven, respectively, and both spent six weeks on the charts. His fifth single was released on March 8, "Seki-Ray", which peaked at number seven, charting for six weeks. At the beginning of the year, Gackt was joined by support guitarist and associate producer Chachamaru. For Caparison Guitars, Gackt designed two guitars, named "Marcury" and "Venus", which he occasionally uses in his live performances.{{cite web|url=http://www.caparison.jp/caparison-jp/j-oldnews.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090317073806/http://www.caparison.jp/caparison-jp/j-oldnews.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 17, 2009 |title=Caparison Marcury |work=caparison.jp |publisher=kanno |access-date=August 20, 2011 |language=ja }} On April 26, his first full-length studio album, Mars, was released. It peaked at number three, spent five weeks on the charts, and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd.html|title=月次認定作品 認定年月:2000年 4月|language=ja|publisher=RIAJ|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208123936/https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd.html|archive-date=February 8, 2019|url-status=live}} The following day Gackt went on a nationwide tour Mars Sora Kara no Homonsha -Kaisō-, which included 16 concerts, and on July 1, he performed the final concert at Yokohama Arena. On August 30, the sixth single, "Saikai (Story)", was released. It peaked at number seven, spending six weeks on the charts. The seventh single, "Secret Garden", was released on November 16; it reached number ten, and charted for five weeks. On December 16, 2000, Gackt released the first in the series of Platinum Boxes.
In 2001, on March 14, Gackt released his eighth single, "Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto", which peaked at number six, and charted for 18 weeks, Gackt's longest-charted single until 2009. On April 25, the second studio album, Rebirth was released. It was Gackt's first concept album, conceived around a fictional narrative during the time of World War II, named "Requiem et Reminiscence". The album includes previously released singles "Seki-Ray" and "Secret Garden". It peaked at number three, spent 21 weeks on the charts. On May 3, Gackt went on the Requiem et Reminiscence tour, which included 18 concerts at fourteen venues. The final concert was held on June 23 at the Yokohama Arena. His ninth single, "Another World" was released on September 5. It was Gackt's first single to reach number two spot on the charts, spent 17 weeks on them, and managed to sell over two hundred and fifty thousand copies.{{cite web| url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/40778/full/| title=Gackt、幻の楽曲がついにCD化!| date=December 27, 2006| publisher=Oricon| access-date=January 14, 2019| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115132516/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/40778/full/| archive-date=January 15, 2019| url-status=live}}
After the events of September 11th, 2001, in New York, Gackt wrote a song for a world peace.{{Cite web|url=https://jrockrevolution.com/band-bio-gackt/ |title=Band Bio: Gackt |author=Nikki |publisher=Jrockrevolution.com |access-date=August 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325133432/http://jrockrevolution.com/index.php/feature-articles/1255-band-bio-gackt.html |archive-date=March 25, 2012 }} It was released December 2001 as a single, "Jūnigatsu no Love Song". It peaked at number five and charted for nine weeks. From 2001 to 2004, the single was recorded in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean, which were all released before Christmas. In the same month on TV performed in duet with Ayumi Hamasaki the B'z's popular song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas",{{cite web| url=https://www.j-cast.com/2020/12/25401917.html?p=all| title=浜崎あゆみから「最高のクリスマスプレゼント」 無観客YouTube配信で見せた「復活の糸口」| date=December 25, 2020| publisher=J-Cast| access-date=December 7, 2023| language=ja}} and again with Namie Amuro the next year.{{cite web| url=http://lightwill.main.jp/hc/coversong/gackt/1/page:3| title=gackt(ガクト)カバー・トリビュート曲 |trans-title=Gackt Cover Tribute Songs| date=2015| work=Lightwill Tokyo| access-date=December 7, 2023| language=ja}} On New Year's Eve, Gackt's performance of "Another World" was his first participation at the annual music show, the 52nd Kōhaku Uta Gassen.{{cite web|url=https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=52|title=52. Kouhaku Uta Gassen|access-date=January 14, 2019|language=ja|publisher=NHK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023430/https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=52|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=dead}}
=2002–2003: ''Moon'' and ''Crescent''=
In the second half of 2001, during the release of "Another World", Gackt started his second concept, project "Moon Saga". In 2002, on April 24, he released his eleventh single "Wasurenai Kara". It peaked at number four, spending five weeks on the charts. On June 6, Gackt went on the nationwide live house tour which represented his new concept and included nine concerts at eight venues. The final concert was held on July 10, at Zepp Sendai. On June 16, the third studio concept album Moon was released. It is Gackt's best-selling album, reached number two on the charts, and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2002/2002_9c.pdf| title=RIAJ September 2002 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=April 8, 2012| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405164228/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2002/2002_9c.pdf|archive-date=April 5, 2012}} On September 22, 2002, at the Beijing Worker's Gymnasium, in China, a large musical event "China-Japan: Holding Hands, Moving Together" was held as part of "Japan-China Diplomatic Relations Normalization 30th Anniversary Commemoration", and Gackt was among the handful who represented his homeland. On October 14, he continued the concept with the nationwide tour {{Nihongo3|The Waning Moon|下弦の月|Kagen no Tsuki}}, which included 22 concerts among fifteen venues. The final concert was held on December 24, at the Yokohama Arena. On New Year's Eve, Gackt performed "Jūnigatsu no Love Song" at the 53rd Kōhaku Uta Gassen.{{cite web|url=https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=53|title=53. Kouhaku Uta Gassen|access-date=January 15, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115184316/https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=53|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}}
On March 19, his thirteenth single, "Kimi ga Oikaketa Yume", was released, which is the second of five to reach number two on the charts, spending 10 weeks on them. It was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200307.html| title=RIAJ January–July 2003 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=August 29, 2011| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627050212/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200307.html|archive-date=June 27, 2012}} On May 4 the nationwide tour {{nihongo3|The Waxing Moon|上弦の月|Jōgen no Tsuki}} was launched, continuing the concept of the previous one, and included 13 concerts at eight venues. On June 11, the fourteenth single, "Tsuki no Uta", was released and was ending theme for anime Texhnolyze.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcuni.co.jp/rondorobe/anime/TEXHNOLYZE/note/item_cd02.html|title=TEXHNOLYZE|publisher=Rondo Robe|accessdate=2019-02-02|language=ja}} It peaked at number three, and it was certified gold by RIAJ. On July 6, the final concert of the tour was held at the Yokohama Arena. On August 16 headlined the All Night Nippon summer festival organized by Nippon Broadcasting System.{{Cite web| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=52322285| title=Gackt、チャコフィルほか、ニッポン放送番組パーソナリティ大集合のイベント開催!| date=July 7, 2003| publisher=Barks| access-date=December 5, 2023| language=ja}} On September 26, Gackt released his autobiography {{Nihongo|Confession|自白|Jihaku}}.{{cite web|url=https://gackt.com/musics/2793|title=自白|publisher=Gackt.com|access-date=January 15, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115184250/https://gackt.com/musics/2793|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}} On September 27, he performed as a special guest at the TV Asahi 45th anniversary commemorative "Kingdom Rock Show".{{Cite web|url=http://www.visunavi.com/news/preview.php?id=1116320128&year=2003&month=09 |title=Kingdom Rock Show 2003 追加公演は国立代々木競技場 第一体育館にて開催! |date=September 27, 2003 |publisher=Visunavi.com |access-date=September 13, 2010 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930153517/http://www.visunavi.com/news/preview.php?id=1116320128&year=2003&month=09 |archive-date=September 30, 2011 }} On October 2, Gackt performed the John Lennon song "Love", at the "Dream Power: John Lennon Super Live" concert organized by Yoko Ono in Saitama Super Arena.{{Cite web| url=http://www.jeclique.com/onoweb/news-johnlennonsuperlive2003review.html| title=Dream Power Live 2003 - Report by Elton Suzuki| author=Elton Suzuki| date=October 2, 2003| work=jeclique.com| access-date=September 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040217080528/http://www.jeclique.com/onoweb/news-johnlennonsuperlive2003review.html|archive-date=February 17, 2004}} Besides the film and musical recordings for the project, in October he published a novel {{Nihongo|Moon Child Requiem|Moon Child 鎮魂歌}}.{{cite web| url=http://booklog.jp/asin/404873461X| title=「Moon Child【鎮魂歌】レクイエム篇」 みんなのレビューページ| work=booklog.jp| publisher=paperboy&co| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://archive.today/20111216160238/http://booklog.jp/asin/404873461X| archive-date=December 16, 2011| url-status=live}} On November 12, the sixteenth single, "Last Song", was released and peaked at number five. It spent 13 weeks on the charts and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200312.html| title=RIAJ December 2003 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=July 30, 2010| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505043717/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200312.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} On December 3, the fourth studio concept album, Crescent, was released. It also peaked at number five, through 11 weeks on the charts, and was certified platinum by RIAJ. It included his movie Moon Child theme song {{nihongo|"Orange no Taiyō"|オレンジの太陽|Orenji no Taiyō|"The Orange Sun"}} which sang with co-star Hyde (singer of L'Arc-en-Ciel). On New Year's Eve, Gackt performed "Last Song" at the 54th Kōhaku Uta Gassen.{{cite web|url=https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=54|title=54. Kouhaku Uta Gassen|access-date=January 15, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115184314/https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=54|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}}
=2004–2005: ''The Sixth Day'' and ''The Seventh Night'', ''Love Letter'', ''Diabolos'' and Tokyo Dome=
In February 2004, his first compilation album, The Sixth Day: Single Collection was released. It peaked at number three, spent 23 weeks on the charts, and was certified platinum by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200403.html| title=RIAJ March 2004 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=April 7, 2012| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505044552/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200403.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} On April 29, Gackt went on the nationwide tour The Sixth Day & Seventh Night, which included 15 concerts in eight venues. In May, Gackt released another compilation album, The Seventh Night: Unplugged, containing the acoustic arrangements of previously released songs. It peaked at number five, spent eight weeks on the charts, and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200406.html| title=RIAJ June 2004 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=April 7, 2012| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505044424/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200406.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} On July 4 was held the final concert of the tour at the Yokohama Arena. In October, the eighteenth single, "Kimi ni Aitakute", was released.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/041027_01.html| title=インタビュー: Gackt 「男性に聴いて口ずさんでもらいたい」| date=October 27, 2004| publisher=Oricon| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709034452/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/041027_01.html| archive-date=July 9, 2009| url-status=dead}} It peaked at number two, spent 17 weeks on the charts, and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200411.html| title=RIAJ November 2004 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505044809/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200411.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} In December, he appeared and performed at the M.net/Km Music Video Festival, where he received the award for "Best Asian Rock Artist".{{cite web|url=http://mama.interest.me/history?type=winner&year=2004 |title=2004 M.net Korean Music Festival Winners list|publisher= MAMA|access-date=July 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029010726/http://mama.interest.me/history?type=winner&year=2004|archive-date=October 29, 2012|language=ko}} On New Year's Eve, Gackt performed "Kimi ni Aitakute" at the 55th Kōhaku Uta Gassen.{{cite web|url=https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=55|title=55. Kouhaku Uta Gassen|access-date=January 15, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116045820/https://www1.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history.html?count=55|archive-date=January 16, 2019|url-status=live}}
In January 2005, Gackt released the single "Arittake no Ai de", which peaked at number seven, and his fifth studio album, Love Letter, on Valentine's Day. It peaked at number five, spent 13 weeks on the charts, was certified gold by RIAJ,{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200502.html| title=RIAJ February 2005 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=June 30, 2010| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505042546/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200502.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} and was re-recorded in Korean and released in June for the Korean market.{{cite web|url=https://tower.jp/item/1769528/Love-Letter-for-Korean-Dears-(%E9%9F%93%E5%9B%BD-Special-Version)|title=Love Letter-for Korean Dears (韓国 Special Version)|publisher=Tower Records Japan|access-date=January 15, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115234553/https://tower.jp/item/1769528/Love-Letter-for-Korean-Dears-(%E9%9F%93%E5%9B%BD-Special-Version)|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}} In April he returned to dark rock style and "Moon Saga" with the single "Black Stone".{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050427_01.html| title=Gackt 生まれながらにして闇だからさ| date=April 27, 2005| publisher=Oricon| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815024000/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050427_01.html| archive-date=August 15, 2009| url-status=dead}} The single peaked at number three and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200505.html| title=RIAJ May 2005 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=August 29, 2011| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505044331/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200505.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} In May, his twenty-second single, "Metamorphoze", was used in the movie Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/050525_01.html| title=Gackt "時の定め"ガンダムとのコラボ| date=May 25, 2005| publisher=Oricon| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108084951/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/050525_01.html| archive-date=November 8, 2014| url-status=dead}} It was his fourth single to reach number two, spent 13 weeks on the charts, and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200506.html| title=RIAJ June 2005 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=August 29, 2011| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505044306/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200506.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} In August, Gackt released his twenty-third single, "Todokanai Ai to Shitteita no ni Osaekirezu ni Aishitsuzuketa...".{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050810_01.html| title=Gackt 本来の自分の姿がありのままに出たバラード| date=August 10, 2005| publisher=Oricon| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915233023/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050810_01.html| archive-date=September 15, 2014| url-status=dead}} It peaked at number three and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200508.html| title=RIAJ August 2005 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=August 29, 2011| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505041943/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200508.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} In September, his sixth studio album, Diabolos, was released.{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050914_01_comment.html| title=Gackt, Diabolos interview| date=September 14, 2004| publisher=Oricon| access-date=July 13, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714125310/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050914_01_comment.html| archive-date=July 14, 2014| url-status=dead}} Conceptually, it was a prequel to the previous "Moon Saga" albums. It reached number four on the charts and was certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite web| url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200509.html| title=RIAJ September 2005 Certificates| publisher=RIAJ| access-date=July 30, 2010| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505044201/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200509.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012}} Gackt launched his nationwide tour, Diabolos ~Aien no Shi~, including 36 concerts across Japan, which ended with a final Christmas Eve spectacle at the Tokyo Dome, in front of more than forty-two thousand people and costing 500 million Yen (roughly $4.3 million).{{cite news |date=December 26, 2005 |title=Ryoko Polishing Her Bridal Skills |url=https://www.japan-zone.com/news/2005/12/26/ryoko-polishing-her-bridal-skills/ |work=Japan Zone |access-date=November 30, 2023}}
=2006–2007: First solo tours in Asia, international releases and S.K.I.N.=
In 2006, he continued his tour with a concert on January 14, in Korea, at Fencing Stadium in Korean Olympic Park, which was his first Asian solo concert.{{Cite web| url=http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/245430/1| title=U.S.'s Backstreet Boys-Japan's Gackt| date=January 11, 2006| work=The Dong-a Ilbo| access-date=January 16, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116201140/http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/245430/1| archive-date=January 16, 2019| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200601/200601140148.html| script-title=ko:日 록가수 각트, 내한 공연 중 실신| date=January 14, 2006|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo| access-date=January 21, 2019| language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118195220/http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200601/200601140148.html|archive-date=January 18, 2008}}{{cite news |date=January 21, 2006 |title=日 인기로커 각트, "한국팬 위해 한국어 배웠다" |url=https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/117562 |work=No Cut News |language=ko |access-date=November 30, 2023}} In the same month his twenty-fourth single, "Redemption" was released, which included theme songs "Redemption" and "Longing" of the Square Enix game, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/060125_01.html| title=Gackt 2006年第1弾もGackt節全開!| date=January 25, 2006| publisher=Oricon| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024075116/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/060125_01.html| archive-date=October 24, 2012| url-status=live}} On February 28, he appeared at the graduation of the Maiko High School in Hyōgo Prefecture. Besides the words of encouragement, he performed an unreleased song especially written for the graduation. It was released the following year on February 7, as "No ni Saku Hana no Yō ni".{{Cite web| url=http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/entertainment/p-et-tp0-060301-0002.html| title=Gackt 卒業式ライブ!門出を祝福| date=March 2, 2006| work=nikkansports.com| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325024210/http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/entertainment/p-et-tp0-060301-0002.html|archive-date=March 25, 2006}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/070131_02.html| title=Gackt "夢の中"で作られた"卒業"をテーマにした新曲!| date=January 31, 2007| publisher=Oricon| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325055112/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/070131_02.html| archive-date=March 25, 2014| url-status=live}} Since then he continued to appear in graduation ceremonies,{{Cite web| url=http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=1633| script-title=ja:ガクトさん、ゲストで登場 高田高校の卒業式に| date=March 19, 2008| publisher=Joetsu Times| access-date=December 5, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403110055/http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=1633| archive-date=April 3, 2014| url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/03/gackt-holds-surprise-live-at-a-high-school-graduation/| title=Gackt holds surprise live at a high school graduation| date=March 2, 2011| publisher=tokyohive.com| access-date=December 5, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501153944/http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/03/gackt-holds-surprise-live-at-a-high-school-graduation/| archive-date=May 1, 2013| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://culture.cdjapan.co.jp/?p=6690| title=Gackt Encourages Students At Graduation Ceremony| date=April 15, 2014| publisher=CDJapan Journal| access-date=July 13, 2014| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223232/http://culture.cdjapan.co.jp/?p=6690| archive-date=July 14, 2014}} with 16 performances by 2025.{{cite news |date=March 13, 2023 |title=GACKT 4年ぶりの卒業式ライブ独占撮!全校生徒を感動させた「贈る言葉」
|url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2187076/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=November 30, 2023}}{{cite news |date=March 7, 2025 |title=「左耳が聞こえなくなっていた」GACKT 明かした16回目卒業式ライブ“根室での異変” |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/interview/2440436/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=April 15, 2025}}
In August, at an Otakon conference, it was publicly announced that he would form a rock supergroup, S.K.I.N., with X Japan drummer Yoshiki, Luna Sea guitarist Sugizo, and guitarist Miyavi.{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/31537/| title=YOSHIKI×Gackt、07年より新バンド始動!| trans-title=YOSHIKI×Gackt, starting a new band in 2007!| date=2006-08-15| publisher=Oricon| language=ja}} The group had an ambitious vision to be the first Asian band to conquer the world charts.{{cite magazine |title=Gackt: 2007年、衝撃の「予言」アジア進出、ニュー・シングル、大河ドラマ、FC限定ライヴ・・・ 知られざる真実を語り尽くす緊急ロング・インタヴュー! |date=March 2007 |magazine=Fool's Mate |volume=305 |language=ja}}{{Cite web| url=https://jrockrevolution.com/asian-imports-attempting-to-break-into-the-u-s-music-industry/| title=Asian Imports: Attempting to Break Into the U.S. Music Industry| date=2007-06-19| publisher=jrockrevolution.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629195732/http://www.jrockrevolution.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=1| archive-date=June 29, 2007| url-status=live}} On December 24, Gackt went on a small nationwide fan club tour Training Days – Dears Reserved Unique Gackt (D.r.u.g./Drug) Party, which also continued with four concerts in Korea and Taiwan in January 2007.{{Cite web| author=東條祥恵| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/070110_02.html| title=Gackt ファンクラブ限定のスペシャルライブ・レポート!| date=January 10, 2007| publisher=Oricon| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817202554/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/070110_02.html| archive-date=August 17, 2009| url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| author=望木綾子| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000029115| title=Gackt、ファンクラブ限定ライヴで大サービス| date=January 5, 2007| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222154629/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000029115| archive-date=February 22, 2014| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/feature/?id=1000029179| title=Gackt Training Days 2006 Drug Party (Photo album)| date=January 5, 2007| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214064757/http://www.barks.jp/feature/?id=1000029179| archive-date=December 14, 2012| url-status=live}} The tour, being his first livehouse tour since going solo, had a specific theme as while performing rock songs embraced an all-out androgynous style approach.
On June 20, Gackt released his twenty-seventh single, "Returner (Yami no Shūen)", which was the first in his career (both solo and as a member of a band) to reach the number one spot on the Oricon charts. Its music and video were inspired by the NHK Taiga drama Fūrin Kazan in which Gackt played Uesugi Kenshin.{{Cite web| url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/4107042023| title=Gackt / RETURNER~闇の終焉~ (mini review)| date=2007| publisher=CDJournal| language=ja| access-date=December 7, 2023}} The supergroup S.K.I.N. made debut performance on June 29, 2007 at Long Beach Arena, California, but no further activities were announced.{{Cite web| url=http://jrockrevolution.com/s-k-i-n-concert-review/| title=Skin Concert Review| date=2007-07-01| publisher=JRockRevolution| access-date=January 16, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116200941/http://jrockrevolution.com/s-k-i-n-concert-review/| archive-date=January 16, 2019| url-status=live}} On 10 October,{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/49057/full/ |title=サムライ・Gackt、世界進出は「時間がかかった」|date=October 24, 2007 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=November 30, 2023}} he held a press conference at the Apple Store in Ginza, Tokyo, where besides advertising the first iPhone, Gackt announced he would have his entire back catalog, with new, previously toured, live song recordings, put up on the iTunes Store, as well as that "The Greatest Filmography" would be released on October 9 in the United States and Canada. His album Diabolos was released on October 26 in eighteen European countries.{{Cite web| title=Gackt Going Global| url=http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2007/09/15/gackt_going_global.shtml| date=September 15, 2007| work=Japan Zone| access-date=July 14, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714235723/http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2007/09/15/gackt_going_global.shtml| archive-date=July 14, 2014| url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/48102/full/ |title=Gackt、ついに世界進出!18カ国でリリース決定 |date=September 19, 2007 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=November 30, 2023}}{{Cite web| url=https://www.apple.com/jp/articles/interviews/gackt/| title=Special Interview – Gackt| date=October 23, 2007| work=Apple| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017235101/http://www.apple.com/jp/articles/interviews/gackt/| archive-date=2011-10-17|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| title=Gackt、出陣式でアレを片手でもてあそぶ!?| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000035126| date=October 25, 2007| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 13, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154734/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000035126| archive-date=July 14, 2014| url-status=live}}
On November 17 and 27, he performed at M.net/Km Music Video Festival in Korea as a special guest star,{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/49914/full/ |title=Gackt、韓国で華麗なステージを披露! |date=November 22, 2007 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=November 30, 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me.trial.edgekey.net/jp/mnettv/videodetail.m?searchVideoDetailVO.clip_id=169398|title=2007 Mnet KM Music Festival #9 Promises / GACKT|publisher=Mnet|format=video|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117013302/http://mwave.interest.me.trial.edgekey.net/jp/mnettv/videodetail.m?searchVideoDetailVO.clip_id=169398|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=dead}} and he appeared and performed at the 2007 Japan-China Cultural Exchange Grand Concert Final in Beijing where sang "Jūnigatsu no Love Song" in Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin.{{cite web|url=http://japanese.china.org.cn/culture/archive/sc/2007-11/30/content_9321969.htm|title=「中日文化・スポーツ交流年」が北京で華麗に閉幕|date=November 30, 2007|publisher=china.org.cn|language=ja|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612111824/http://japanese.china.org.cn/culture/archive/sc/2007-11/30/content_9321969.htm|archive-date=June 12, 2008|url-status=live}} On December 19, Gackt released a compilation album, 0079–0088, including songs used in the Gundam franchise.{{cite news| url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-05/gackt-gundam-songs| title=Gackt x Gundam for 0079-0088| date=November 5, 2007| work=Anime News Network| access-date=January 16, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207184759/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-05/gackt-gundam-songs| archive-date=December 7, 2018| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2015| title=Gackt to release "Gundam album"| date=November 5, 2007| work=tokyograph.com| publisher=WordPress| access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209195547/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2015|archive-date=December 9, 2007}} Gackt also performed at the 58th Kōhaku Uta Gassen.{{Cite web| url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2188| title=NHK reveals Kohaku lineup| date=January 28, 2008|work=tokyograph.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205174306/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-2188|archive-date=December 5, 2007}}
=2008–2009: Requiem et Reminiscence II tour and ''Re:Born''=
In December 2008, Gackt returned to the story of "Requiem et Reminiscence",{{Cite web| author=Kazuki Arimoto| url=http://stars.biglobe.ne.jp/sp/gackt.html| title=Gackt独占インタビュー| date=December 3, 2008| publisher=BIGLOBE| access-date=December 5, 2023| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216035730/http://stars.biglobe.ne.jp/sp/gackt.html| archive-date=December 16, 2008| url-status=dead}} releasing his twenty-eighth single "Jesus".{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/081203_03.html| title=Gackt 1年半ぶりの新作と約3年ぶりライブについて語る!!| date=December 3, 2008| publisher=Oricon| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024205835/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/081203_03.html| archive-date=October 24, 2012| url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000044345| title=Gackt is Back!1年半ぶりのシングルで音楽シーンに堂々帰還| date=October 23, 2008| publisher=Barks| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214065815/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000044345| archive-date=December 14, 2012| url-status=live}} It peaked at number seven, spending 10 weeks on the charts. On December 14, Gackt went on his longest nationwide tour, Requiem et Reminiscence II -Saisei to Kaikō- (Requiem et Reminiscence II -再生と邂逅-, -Rebirth and Reunion-),{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000045699| title=Gackt、「待たせてゴメンチャイ」3年ぶりのツアーが2時間遅れで開幕| date=December 16, 2008| work=Barks| accessdate=July 15, 2014| language=ja}}{{Cite web| author=東條祥恵| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/photogallery/livereport/99/| title=(Live Report) Gackt 映像・演劇・音楽をフルに使った圧巻の"VISUALIVE"| date=February 4, 2009| publisher=Oricon| access-date=December 2, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108094024/http://www.oricon.co.jp/photogallery/livereport/99/| archive-date=November 8, 2012| url-status=dead}} which included over 60 concerts in more than 45 cities, reaching an audience of over 210,000 spectators.{{Cite web| author=後藤るつ子| url=https://vif-music.com/interview/gackt/| title=Gackt Interview| date=July 6, 2011| work=Vif-music| access-date=December 5, 2023| language=ja}}
On January 28, 2009, his twenty-ninth single "Ghost" was released,{{Cite web| url=http://listenmusic.jp/store/musicnews_25612_all.htm| title=Gackt史上最大11万人動員の全国ツアーがスタート!| date=December 15, 2008| work=listenmusic.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726063658/http://listenmusic.jp/store/musicnews_25612_all.htm|archive-date=July 26, 2014}} and peaked at number six on the charts. On May 18, Gackt was scheduled to perform a concert in South Korea at Seoul's Olympic Hall, but due to the effects of the global recession, the sponsors of the concert withdrew their support.{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/65312/full/ |title=Gacktの韓国公演、世界的な不況の影響で中止 |date=April 17, 2009 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=November 30, 2023}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/gackt-cancels-korea-concert| title=Gackt cancels Korea concert| date=April 17, 2009| work=tokyograph.com| access-date=July 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929121543/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/gackt-cancels-korea-concert/|archive-date=September 29, 2012}} In commemoration of his 10th anniversary as a solo artist, Gackt released four singles: "Koakuma Heaven", "Faraway", "Lost Angels", and "Flower", one week after another, starting from June 17 and ending on July 1.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/65430/| title=Gackt、4週連続リリースで10周年&新たなる章へ| date=April 21, 2009| publisher=Oricon| access-date=July 15, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722134201/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/65430/| archive-date=July 22, 2014| url-status=live}} They all managed to enter the top ten on the charts. On June 13, Gackt began the arena part of the tour, and on July 4 held a fanclub concert to celebrate his birthday at the Yoyogi National Stadium.{{Cite web| author=東條祥恵| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/photogallery/livereport/468/| title=(Live Report) Gackt 10周年"Visualive"アリーナツアーの初日をレポート!!| date=June 15, 2009| publisher=Oricon| access-date=March 31, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114220459/http://www.oricon.co.jp/photogallery/livereport/468/| archive-date=November 14, 2011| url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000050567|title=GACKT、「小悪魔ヘヴン」はサザンへのオマージュだった?|date=June 25, 2009|access-date=January 16, 2019|publisher=Barks|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117013441/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000050567|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live}} On July 11 and 12, he held the final concerts at the Saitama Super Arena.{{Cite web| last=Lacey |first=Kellie | url=http://www.askewmagazine.com/archives/736| title=GACKT – Requiem et Reminiscience II FINAL (Report)| date=July 24, 2009| publisher=Askew Magazine| access-date=December 5, 2023| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801050445/http://www.askewmagazine.com/archives/736| archive-date=August 1, 2009| url-status=dead}}
As both Gackt and the Kamen Rider Series' Heisei period run had its 10th anniversary, he became involved in the 2009 edition of the franchise, Kamen Rider Decade, to perform its theme songs. These are the first singles that were not written by him, and were released by Avex Trax and Avex Entertainment. In March, his thirtieth single and the series' opening theme, "Journey Through the Decade", was released, peaking at number two and spending 25 weeks on the charts, and certified platinum by RIAJ.{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w140228.html |title=RIAJ December 2012 Certificates |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |access-date=2014-07-17 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305015635/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w140228.html |archive-date=2014-03-05}} In August, he released the second theme single for the Kamen Rider Decade film All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker, "The Next Decade". It peaked at number four and spent nine weeks on the charts. He also appeared in the film as Decade{{'}}s iteration of the character Jōji Yūki.{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000054373|title=劇場版『仮面ライダー×仮面ライダーW&ディケイド MOVIE大作戦2010』主題歌はGACKT|date=October 22, 2009|publisher=Barks|access-date=January 16, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190908/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000054373|archive-date=July 3, 2018|url-status=live}} The collaboration finished in January 2010 with the release of the final single, "Stay the Ride Alive",{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/70018/| title=Gackt、新曲が劇場版「仮面ライダー」主題歌に決定| date=October 22, 2009| publisher=Oricon| access-date=December 10, 2009| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226072137/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/70018/| archive-date=December 26, 2009| url-status=live}} which charted the same as his previous one.
In September, he performed as a representative of Japan at the Asia Song Festival at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Korea.{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Cathy Rose A. |date=September 20, 2009 |title=K-Pop Stars Steal Spotlight at Asia Song Festival |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2009/09/398_52150.html |work=The Korea Times |access-date=December 2, 2023 |quote=Gackt, a former vocalist of Malice Mizer and one of the pioneers of the visual kei movement in Japan, gave one of the most explosive performances of the night. Gackt rocked the festival with his powerful voice, hard-hitting rock tunes, exciting visuals and special effects.}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=789314| title=Korea 2009 Asia Song Festival: Starring Your Favorite Groups| date=September 7, 2009| work=visitkorea.or.kr| access-date=September 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614041312/http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=789314|archive-date=June 14, 2011}}{{Cite web| url=http://news.tf.co.kr/read/entertain/745199.htm| script-title=ko:[아송페] "서로, 통하였느냐"...가수는 달라도, 안무는 하나| date=September 20, 2009| publisher=The Fact| access-date=January 16, 2019| language=ko| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117013406/http://news.tf.co.kr/read/entertain/745199.htm| archive-date=January 17, 2019| url-status=live}} In September he also participated in the 2009 Animelo Summer Live concert.{{Cite web| url=http://www.amustyle.info/archives/2951| title=今年も燃えた!夏の祭典「Animelo Summer Live 2009 -Re:Bridge-」2日目をレポート!| date=September 22, 2009| work=amustyle.info| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925165322/http://www.amustyle.info/archives/2951| archive-date=September 25, 2009| url-status=live}} In October, Gackt performed as the main artist in the Wow Live! Thanks For Music show held in Yoyogi National Gymnasium, in Japan.{{Cite news| title=WOWFes: 原由子6年ぶりソロライブ 友情参戦Gacktにhitomiは脚線美披露| author=Kawamura Seong ho| url=http://mainichi.jp/enta/geinou/graph/200910/14/index.html| newspaper=Mainichi| date=October 14, 2009| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116135757/http://mainichi.jp/enta/geinou/graph/200910/14/index.html|archive-date=January 16, 2010}} On December 2, he released his seventh studio album, Re:Born, which also featured RR II story related audio drama. It reached number nine on the charts. On December 9 was released his thirty-six single "Setsugekka (The End of Silence)/Zan", it reached Top 5 on the charts. On December 12, he held a fanclub cover concert conceptualized around fictional school, "Camui Gakuen", at the Saitama Super Arena.{{Cite web| author=赤木まみ| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000056002&p=0| title=音楽ライター赤木まみの「ぐずらのつづら」【3】—「Gackt<神威♂楽園 de イキナ祭>」| date=December 12, 2009| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=September 13, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015205539/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000056002&p=0| archive-date=October 15, 2012| url-status=live}}
=2010–2011: ''The Eleventh Day'', move to Avex Group and Yellow Fried Chickenz=
In 2010, on February 14, Gackt participated as a representative of Japan at the Asia Pops Festival held in Niigata, in homage for the victims of 2007 Chūetsu earthquake.{{Cite web| url=http://tw.nextmedia.com/applenews/article/art_id/32304683/IssueID/20100215| title=言承旭迷暈1500名櫻花妹 新潟拼場Gackt| date=March 15, 2010| publisher=Next Media| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=zh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217041646/http://tw.nextmedia.com/applenews/article/art_id/32304683/IssueID/20100215|archive-date=2010-02-17}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2011/new/mar/14/today-show11.htm| title=Gackt籲募款震災 紀香、黑人、范范支持| date=February 14, 2010| work=libertytimes.com.tw| publisher=The Liberty Times| access-date=March 31, 2011| language=zh| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419011116/http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2011/new/mar/14/today-show11.htm| archive-date=April 19, 2013| url-status=live}} On March 6 and 7, he performed the theme songs "Setsugekka (The End of Silence)/Zan" at the festival organized by Koei to promote their new Wii game, Samurai Warriors 3, at the Saitama Super Arena.{{Cite web| url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1232749_1124.html| script-title=ja:戦国時代がさいたまスーパーアリーナに蘇る、コーエー"戦国武将祭"が開催| date=March 7, 2010| work=famitsu.com| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715212738/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1232749_1124.html| archive-date=July 15, 2010| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000059042| title=Gackt見参、さいたまスーパーアリーナが戦国時代に| date=March 8, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818211351/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000059042| archive-date=August 18, 2011| url-status=live}} On April 17, he officially announced that he transferred from Nippon Crown to Avex Group's recording conglomerate.{{Cite web| url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/gackt-moves-to-avex-may-tour-europe/| title=Gackt moves to Avex, may tour Europe| date=April 16, 2010| publisher=Tokyograph| access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714141835/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/gackt-moves-to-avex-may-tour-europe/|archive-date=July 14, 2014}}
File:Gackt live in Barcelona 20-07-2010.webm in Barcelona, 2010.]]
Prior to the transferring to Avex, he organized a band project Yellow Fried Chickenz, whose name refers to human cowardice, that included Chachamaru and Shinya Yamada.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/74448/| title=Gackt、男性限定ライブで女性限定「音漏れを聞くチケット」発売| date=March 18, 2010| publisher=Oricon| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023012724/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/74448/| archive-date=October 23, 2012| url-status=live}} Besides the nationwide tour in June and August,{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000060280| title=Gackt、エイベックスへの移籍を発表| date=April 17, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904071144/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000060280| archive-date=September 4, 2010| url-status=live}} from July 16, he made his first appearance touring Europe, performing sold-out dates in London, Paris, Barcelona, Munich, and Bochum.{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000062966| title=Gackt、猛暑をさらに熱くした初ヨーロッパツアーが終了| date=July 26, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=June 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720231946/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000062966| archive-date=July 20, 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-64306-gackt-european-tour-in-july-2010-.html|title=GACKT European Tour in July 2010!|date=June 1, 2010|publisher=JAME World|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117013408/http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-64306-gackt-european-tour-in-july-2010-.html|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2010/07/gackt-ends-his-european-tour/|title=GACKT ends his European tour|date=July 26, 2010|publisher=Tokyohive|access-date=December 2, 2023}} On July 21, the compilation album, The Eleventh Day: Single Collection, was released by Nippon Crown, which was a collection of the singer's singles from the second half of his tenure with the record label.{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000062191| title=Gackt、6年ぶりのシングル・コレクションを7月に発売| date=June 25, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=June 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726132524/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000062191| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}}
In July and August 2011, Gackt toured Europe for the second time with Yellow Fried Chickenz, and later toured across Japan. In Europe, he visited 9 countries and performed 14 shows, starting on July 20–21 at Bataclan in Paris, including also first time performance in Cologne, Amsterdam, Toulouse, Berlin, Budapest, Warsaw, Leipzig, Stockholm, and ending on 11 August at Ray Just Arena, Moscow.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpopasia.com/feed/6471/gackt-2011-european-tour-dates-announced!/|title=Gackt 2011 European Tour Dates Announced!|work=JpopAsia |access-date=January 16, 2019|date=May 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117014938/https://www.jpopasia.com/feed/6471/gackt-2011-european-tour-dates-announced!/|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live |author1=Jpopasia }} They gathered an audience of 20,000 people.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2000074/| title=Gackt率いるバンド、欧州ツアー初日に1000人のファンが集結| publisher=Oricon| date=February 22, 2011| accessdate=July 15, 2014| language=ja}} A year later on July 4, 2012, at a concert at the Nippon Budokan, Yellow Fried Chickenz was disbanded.{{Cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-87484-yellow-fried-chickenz-to-disband.html| title=Yellow Fried Chickenz to Disband| work=jame-world.com| publisher=Japanese Music Entertainment| author=Claire| date=June 6, 2012| access-date=October 7, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622191038/http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-87484-yellow-fried-chickenz-to-disband.html| archive-date=June 22, 2012| url-status=live}}
=2012–2014: Best of the Best tour, and move to independent G&Lovers=
On March 18 and 19, 2012, Gackt appeared at the Gala party for FilmAid Asia,{{Cite web |url=http://news.sina.com.hk/news/15/1/1/2610774/1.html |script-title=zh:蔡加讚汪圓圓沒傾婚事 |date=March 19, 2012|publisher=SINA.com |access-date=March 31, 2012 |language=zh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321201143/http://news.sina.com.hk/news/15/1/1/2610774/1.html |archive-date=March 21, 2012}} and the 6th Asian Film Awards,{{Cite web| url=http://www.agile-news.com/news-978549-Photos:-Gackt-ultra-black-appearance-Asian-Film-Awards-to-lead-the-fans-screaming.html| title=Photos: Gackt ultra-black appearance Asian Film Awards to lead the fans screaming| date=March 19, 2012| publisher=Agile News| access-date=March 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321023341/http://www.agile-news.com/news-978549-Photos:-Gackt-ultra-black-appearance-Asian-Film-Awards-to-lead-the-fans-screaming.html|archive-date=March 21, 2012}} where he also performed, as part of Hong Kong International Film Festival in Hong Kong.{{cite web|url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20120413-339582.html|title=Gackt, the moral playwright|publisher=Asiaone|access-date=January 17, 2019|date=April 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029091759/http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20120413-339582.html|archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}} On March 29, Gackt performed the national anthem Kimigayo at the Major League Baseball season opening game in Tokyo Dome. It was his fourth time performing the national anthem.{{Cite web| url=http://news.mu-mo.net/view/21717| title=Gackt、メジャーリーグ開幕戦にて国歌独唱!| date=March 30, 2012| work=mu-mo.net| publisher=avex marketing Inc.| access-date=March 31, 2012| language=ja| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722051436/http://news.mu-mo.net/view/21717| archive-date=July 22, 2012}} On December 15, he performed at the 45th anniversary concert of All Night Nippon, at the Yoyogi National Stadium.{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/81667| title=金爆×ももクロ!Gackt×キリショー!代々木で興奮コラボ| date=December 16, 2012| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729045033/http://natalie.mu/music/news/81667| archive-date=July 29, 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2019721/| script-title=ja:オールナイトニッポン45周年記念ライブで金爆、豪華コラボに感激| date=December 15, 2012| publisher=Oricon| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727090615/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2019721/| archive-date=July 27, 2014| url-status=live}} In the same month, on December 19, his 43rd single, "White Lovers (Shiawase na Toki)", was released.{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/81768| title=GacktニューシングルはスノボCMソングの冬バラード| date=December 18, 2012| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728214832/http://natalie.mu/music/news/81768| archive-date=July 28, 2014| url-status=live}}
In 2013 his first national tour in four years was announced, titled Best of the Best Vol. I, which started on May 11, and ended with three consecutive shows on July 7 at the Yokohama Arena.{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000001999| title=For the first time in four years Gackt was to start his nationwide Best tour; "Omou Zonbun, Meippai Sawaide Kure"| date=May 19, 2013| work=en.barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219045345/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000001999|archive-date=December 19, 2013}} It had an attendance of 80,000 people. In July, it was accompanied with the release of two compilation albums, Mild and Wild, including two new songs "Claymore" and "Sakura Chiru...". On December 22, the final concert of the fourth festival of cover concerts was held, which conceptualized around a fictional school, "Camui Gakuen".{{Cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003862| title=Gackt Holds Event "Camui♂Gakuen", Puts on Roller Skates and Covers Hikaru Genji| author=Sachie Tojo| date=December 24, 2013| work=en.barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171656/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003862|archive-date=July 14, 2014}} On December 26, a special live concert was held where Gackt performed along with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003969| title=Gackt's Magnificent Performance with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra| date=January 13, 2014| work=en.barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=May 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118081251/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003969|archive-date=January 18, 2014}}
In 2014, since February 12, with the release of his forty-fourth single "P.S. I Love U",{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/video/2033930/full/| title=Gackt、マリスミゼルKamiさんの死を語る「まだ整理できていない」| date=February 11, 2014| publisher=Oricon| access-date=July 15, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714190725/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/video/2033930/full/| archive-date=July 14, 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004257| title=Gackt Speaks about Kami: "I still haven't come to terms with it"| date=February 20, 2014| work=en.barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144548/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004257|archive-date=July 14, 2014}} his records were released by his independent record label G&Lovers (G-PRO), distributed by Crown Tokuma.{{cite web|url=http://www.crowntokuma.com/distribution.html|title=Crown Tokuma's Distribution (see G-Pro)|language=ja|access-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905171517/http://www.crowntokuma.com/distribution.html|archive-date=September 5, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004232| title=Gackt's New Song Gets Full Support from Space Shower Music| date=February 18, 2014| work=en.barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155659/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004232|archive-date=July 14, 2014}} In August 2014 was released second novel related to the story of "Moon Saga" (also Gackt's theatre play).{{cite web| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000106132| title=【イベントレポート】GACKT『MOON SAGA -義経秘伝- 第二章』、必見の歴史ファンタジー| date=July 29, 2014| work=Barks| publisher=Japan Music Networks| access-date=December 5, 2023| language=ja}} On October 1, Gackt released his forty-fifth single, "Akatsukizukuyo (Day Breakers)".{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000108076#| title=Gacktが"呂布"に扮した新曲PVを一部解禁| date=September 24, 2014| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=September 28, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006080325/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000108076| archive-date=October 6, 2014| url-status=dead}} On December 26, the second live concert with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra was held.{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000111159| title=Gackt、東京フィルハーモニー交響楽団との華麗なるひととき| date=December 27, 2014| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=August 21, 2015| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803053942/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000111159| archive-date=August 3, 2015| url-status=live}}
=2015–2017: ''Last Moon'' and Last Visualive tour=
In celebration of Gackt's 15th anniversary on July 1, 2015, the remix album titled, Gacktracks -Ultra DJ ReMix-, was released.{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2055260/full/| title=Gackt、現状の音楽業界の内情を明かす「今は死ぬほど苦しい時代」| date=July 2, 2015| publisher=Oricon| access-date=August 21, 2015| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904060159/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2055260/full/| archive-date=September 4, 2015| url-status=live}} It contained club remix versions of his songs done by Japanese DJs, including DJ Koo, Taku Takahashi, Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM), Jazztronik, Marc Panther and many others.{{cite web| url=http://www.alljpop.info/2015/06/gackt-gacktracks-ultra-dj-remix.html| title=Gackt - Gacktracks-Ultra DJ ReMix-| publisher=AllJPop| access-date=August 21, 2015| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629174443/http://www.alljpop.info/2015/06/gackt-gacktracks-ultra-dj-remix.html|archive-date=June 29, 2015}} Gackt stated he personally would not decide to do the project from a musical perspective because he was not fond of EDM.{{cite web| url=http://iflyer.tv/ja/article/2015/06/26/gacktracks-interview/| title=Gackt、Mitomi Tokoto、VJ Wadakenを招き「Gacktracks -Ultra DJ ReMix-」についてクロストーク!| date=June 26, 2015| publisher=iFlyer.tv| access-date=August 21, 2015| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901163751/http://iflyer.tv/ja/article/2015/06/26/gacktracks-interview/| archive-date=September 1, 2015| url-status=live}} He chose the DJs on a first-come, first-served basis, and, because of the great interest for participation, he believed in a second collaboration in the near future.{{cite web| url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20150630/E1435647464523.html| title=GACKT 豪華DJ陣によるリミックス・アルバム完成 「好きなようにやってくれ!」/インタビュー1| date=June 30, 2015| publisher=Excite| access-date=August 21, 2015| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727073134/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20150630/E1435647464523.html| archive-date=July 27, 2015| url-status=live}} He also expressed his concern on the decline of originality and growing irrelevance of music in modern daily life.{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000117114| title=Gackt×DJ Koo「その裏に何があるのか、かっこいいのはなぜなのか」| date=June 26, 2015| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=August 21, 2015| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721214359/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000117114| archive-date=July 21, 2015| url-status=live}} On July 3 a release party was also held. On October 7, 2015 his forty-sixth single, "Arrow" was released.{{cite web| url=https://www.jrocknews.com/2015/09/gackt-announces-new-single-and-world-tour.html| title=Gackt Announces New Single and World Tour| date=September 10, 2015| work=jrocknews.com| publisher=Synthetic Rendition| access-date=September 12, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019060549/https://www.jrocknews.com/2015/09/gackt-announces-new-single-and-world-tour.html| archive-date=October 19, 2015| url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000120440 |title=GACKT、7年ぶりコンセプトツアーの追加16公演を発表 |date=January 7, 2016 |work=barks.jp |publisher=Japan Music Network |access-date=February 9, 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121083144/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000120440 |archive-date=January 21, 2016 |url-status=live }} In the same month, he embarked on another small tour of cover concerts conceptualized around a fictional school, "Camui Gakuen",{{cite web|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20151114/E1447506682888.html|title=GACKT 主宰の学園祭ショー『神威♂楽園』でX JAPAN完コピ&女子高生コスプレ/ライブレポート|date=November 14, 2015|publisher=Excite|access-date=July 11, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016141342/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20151114/E1447506682888.html|archive-date=October 16, 2016|url-status=live}} and with it performed on Hyde's band Vamps "Halloween Party" at Makuhari Messe,{{cite web |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000121390 |title=【詳細レポ】VAMPS主宰<HALLOWEEN PARTY>幕張初日、「HALLOWEENマジックで可愛く見えちゃう」|date=November 8, 2015 |work=Barks |language=ja |access-date=December 7, 2023}} and on Niconico Super Party at the Saitama Super Arena.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201510/26091604.html |title=GACKT、小林幸子、松岡充らも参加した"ニコニコ超パーティー2015"オフィシャルリポートをお届け |date=October 26, 2015 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja |access-date=December 1, 2023}}
His solo live tour in almost seven years, Last Visualive Saigo no Tsuki –Last Moon–, started with a fanclub only concert on March 19, 2016 at Misato City Cultural Hall in Saitama,{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/180483| title=GACKT、激しいダンスでも魅せるコンセプトツアー開幕| date=March 20, 2016| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha| access-date=March 20, 2016| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323173239/http://natalie.mu/music/news/180483| archive-date=March 23, 2016| url-status=live}} with the first public show being held on March 21 at the Colany Hall in Yamanashi.{{cite web |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/88079 |title=GACKT、『Last Visualive』のツアー日程発表 |date=August 8, 2015 |publisher=OKMusic |access-date=January 18, 2019 |language=ja}} The tour ended on July 3 with two consecutive shows at the Saitama Super Arena. Overall, a total of 42 concerts in thirty cities were held, with an audience of about 120,000 people.{{cite news|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/1672872.html|title=GACKT3時間超えパワフルライブ「声は閉店」|date=July 3, 2016|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|access-date=December 3, 2023|language=ja}}{{cite web| url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000128595| title=【ライブレポート】GACKT、2017年ワールドツアーを始動| date=July 4, 2016| work=Barks| publisher=Japan Music Networks| access-date=December 5, 2023| language=ja}}{{cite web |url=http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/specialfeatures/12779/gackt-world-tour-2016-last-visualive-saigo-no-tsuki-last-moon-supported-by-nestl%C3%A9-saitama-super-arena/page/2/ |title=GACKT World Tour 2016 Last Visualive Saigo no Tsuki -LAST MOON- supported by Nestlé |work=musicJAPANplus |publisher=coolJAPAN |access-date=August 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822144721/http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/specialfeatures/12779/gackt-world-tour-2016-last-visualive-saigo-no-tsuki-last-moon-supported-by-nestl%C3%A9-saitama-super-arena/page/2/ |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |url-status=live }} There were planning talks about holding a world tour.{{cite web|url=http://okmusic.jp/#!/ups/interviews/2939?page=1|title=世の中の評価を気にしていたら、GACKTなんてやってらんない|date=2017-03-20|work=OKMusic|publisher=OKLife|accessdate=March 22, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130070155/http://okmusic.jp/#!/ups/interviews/2939?page=1|archive-date=January 30, 2017|url-status=dead}} The eighth studio album Last Moon was released on April 27, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/184483|title=GACKT、MV集めたトレイラ—で新作「LAST MOON」紹介|date=April 21, 2016|publisher=natalie.mu|access-date=January 18, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218060052/http://natalie.mu/music/news/184483|archive-date=February 18, 2017|url-status=live}} The 48th single {{nihongo|"Tsumi no Keishō (Original Sin)"|罪の継承~Original Sin~||lit. "Inheritance of Sin: Original Sin"}}, conceptually related to the latest album, was released on March 22, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20170327/E1490234512906.html|title=オファー内容は「未来を感じる明るい曲を」 そんなのできないよね?(GACKT)/インタビュー2|author=片貝久美子|date=March 27, 2017|publisher=Excite Japan|accessdate=March 29, 2017|language=ja}}
=2018–2022: 20th anniversary and temporary hiatus=
On July 4, 2018, the "Last Songs" concert was held in celebration of his 45th birthday at Shinkiba Studio Coast, Tokyo, which was broadcast live via NicoNico Live.{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20180705/E1530776936246.html|title=GACKT、45歳のバースデーライブに豪華ゲスト続々 「ボクが最期に歌いたい曲を」|date=July 5, 2018|publisher=Excite|access-date=October 29, 2018|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029152249/https://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20180705/E1530776936246.html|archive-date=October 29, 2018|url-status=live}} Between October 11 and 25, eight live performances of the "Camui Gakuen" event were held.{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20181026/E1540493048212.html|title=GACKT、学園祭エンターテインメントショー『神威楽園』で「X」「USA」を"本気で"カバー|date=October 26, 2018|publisher=Excite|access-date=October 29, 2018|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029191538/https://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20181026/E1540493048212.html|archive-date=October 29, 2018|url-status=live}} On December 31, Gackt sang the national anthem of Japan for the Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa before his bout with American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the Saitama Super Arena.{{cite news |url=https://www.hochi.co.jp/entertainment/20181229-OHT1T50082.html |title=GACKTが天心VSメイウェザーで国歌独唱...「RIZIN.14」 |language=ja |work=Sports Hochi |date=December 29, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121429/https://www.hochi.co.jp/entertainment/20181229-OHT1T50082.html |archive-date=January 19, 2019 |url-status=live }} He also joined the live broadcast of Fuji TV as a special guest commentator for the main and semi-final matches. On March 22, 2019, Gackt participated as a representative of Japan at the Hong Kong Asian-Pop Music Festival.{{cite news|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/culture/vietnamese-singer-wins-rookie-award-at-hong-kong-music-fest-3898872.html|title=Vietnamese singer wins rookie award at Hong Kong music fest|author=Tam Ky|date=March 25, 2019|newspaper=VnExpress|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330020222/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/culture/vietnamese-singer-wins-rookie-award-at-hong-kong-music-fest-3898872.html|archive-date=March 30, 2019|url-status=live}} On July 4, 2019, a concert was held in celebration of his 46th birthday and 20th anniversary of solo career at Pacifico Yokohama.{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E1563897951966/|title=GACKTソロデビュー20周年、46歳バースデーライブの誓い 「イケてる最高の50歳を目指したい」|date=August 6, 2019|publisher=Excite|access-date=May 11, 2020|language=ja}} The 20th anniversary national tour Khaos started at Grand Cube Osaka on January 11 and ended at Fukuoka Sunpalace on February 29, 2020, a total of 20 performances in eight cities in total,{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/346010|title=GACKT全国ツアー「KHAOS」開催、バンドメンバーは一般公募|date=September 2, 2019|publisher=Natalie|access-date=December 7, 2019|language=ja}}{{cite web|last=McNaught|first=Shannon|url=https://j-generation.com/2020/03/gackt-celebrates-20-years-of-solo-khaos-live-report/|title=GACKT celebrates 20 Years of Solo "KHAOS" (live report)|date=March 18, 2020|work=J-Generation|publisher=Resonance Media|access-date=December 2, 2023}} with an audience of about 60,000 people. In the late 2020 provided theme song "Exterminate" for the theatre play Road59.{{cite news |date=November 13, 2020 |title=さっさとおうちに帰んな…「ROAD59」京本政樹演じる結津万清信のイラスト公開 |url=https://natalie.mu/stage/news/404616 |work=Natalie |access-date=November 30, 2023}}
In June and July 2021 held a live tour "Last Songs 2021" with South Korean singer-pianist K.{{cite web |date=July 5, 2021 |title=2020年にコロナ禍でツアーを延期したGACKTが、自身の誕生日前後に新しい形で届けるコンサート!|url=https://vif-music.com/2021/07/05/gackt-23/ |work=Vif-music |access-date=December 5, 2023}}{{cite news |date=September 15, 2021 |title=GACKTの最新バースデー公演をWOWOWでオンエア、撮り下ろしインタビューやKとの対談も |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/445279 |work=Natalie |access-date=November 30, 2023}} On September 8, 2021 it was announced that Gackt would go on an indefinite hiatus for a medical treatment of prolonged neurological disorder from childhood which caused severe dysphonia, a neurological vocal condition that prevents him from singing and other activities.{{cite news | title=Japanese singer Gackt on indefinite hiatus to focus on medical treatment | website=Mainichi Shimbun | date=September 8, 2021 | url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210908/p2a/00m/0et/002000c | access-date=September 8, 2021}}{{cite news |author=Rahimy Rahim, C. Aruno, R. Aravinthan |date=September 10, 2021 |title=Japanese singer Gackt taking a break due to illness |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/09/10/japanese-singer-gackt-taking-a-break-due-to-illness |work=The Star (Malaysia) |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In his promise of recovery vowed to make a new album and tour in the future.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Surej |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Japanese singer-actor Gackt announces indefinite hiatus due to neurological disease |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/japanese-singer-actor-gackt-announces-indefinite-hiatus-due-to-neurological-disease-3040358 |access-date=September 11, 2021 |website=NME}} On May 17, 2022, it was announced that he was not fully recovered but will resume activities by the end of the year,{{cite news |last=Pineda |first=Rafael Antonio |date=May 17, 2022 |title=Gackt Slowly Recovers From Sickness, Aims to Return This Year |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-05-17/gackt-slowly-recovers-from-sickness-aims-to-return-this-year/.185739 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=February 15, 2023}} and in January 2023 stated to feel at "80%".{{cite news |date=January 4, 2023 |title=「休業中に遺書を書いた」GACKT語ったそれでも『格付け』に出続ける理由 |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/interview/2167486/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=February 15, 2023}}
=2023–present: Resume of activities and 25th anniversary=
File:Gackt at Thai-Japan Iconic Music Fest 2023 cropped (1).png
On January 28, 2023, Gackt sang the national anthem at the sumo retirement ceremony in honor of Hakuhō Shō.{{cite news |date=January 28, 2023 |title=元横綱白鵬断髪式に先立ち日本とモンゴルの国歌 君が代はGACKT独唱、がっちり握手 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202301280000451.html |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=February 15, 2023}} In March started a live tour "Last Songs 2023" with South Korean singer-pianist K with whom collaborated two years ago, performing ballads and other songs in arrangements with strings and piano.{{cite news |date=November 2, 2022 |title=GACKTが音楽活動を本格再開、Kを迎えて着席スタイルのツアー開催|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/499823 |work=Natalie |access-date=February 15, 2023}} In September 2023 made a surprise appearance and talk show at the "Thai-Japan Iconic Music Fest" held at Iconsiam in Bangkok, Thailand.{{cite news |date=September 24, 2023 |title=GACKTが6年ぶりのタイ!2024年にはタイでライブも!? |url=https://www.thaich.net/news/20230924ga.htm |work=thaich.net |publisher=Thailand Hyperlinks |language=ja |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In November published his second autobiography {{Nihongo|Confession II|自白II|Jihaku II}},{{cite news |date=October 25, 2023 |title=GACKT 20年ぶりの続編自伝刊行…本誌に語っていた「遺書20通と沖縄散骨の終活」|url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2254090/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=November 30, 2023}} and expressed desire to perform worldwide.{{cite news |date=July 15, 2023 |title=「結婚の必要があるならしていたかも」GACKT 人生変えた"芸能人恋人"との大失恋を告白 |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/interview/2223283/2/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=November 30, 2023}}
In February 2024, Gackt collaborated with Japanese band Tube on the single "Sayonara no Kawaii ni",{{cite news |date=February 7, 2024 |title=TUBE×GACKTコラボ曲MV、主演は松重豊と遠藤憲一 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/560228 |work=Natalie |access-date=November 27, 2024}} which performed together at Gackt's "Last Songs 2024 feat. K" tour.{{cite web |date=February 15, 2024 |title=2月28日(水)「GACKT LAST SONGS 2024 feat. K」で前田亘輝のゲスト出演決定!|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/Tube/info/560546 |work=Sony Music |access-date=November 27, 2024}} It peaked at number nine on the charts.{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/24585/products/1500314/1/ |title=サヨナラのかわりに |publisher=Oricon |access-date=April 20, 2025 |language=ja}}{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/artists/detail/1054635 |title=TUBE × GACKT |publisher=Billboard Japan |access-date=April 20, 2025 |language=ja}} On November 10, was reformed band project, now named as Gackt Yellow Fried Chickenz, with new members and performed on Kishidan Expo at Makuhari Messe, announcing band's limited five year revival, with concerts at Zepp Haneda on December 24 and 25,{{cite news |author=Ellen Wells |date=August 23, 2024 |title=GACKT revives YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz after 12 years for limited 5-year run |url=https://electricbloomwebzine.com/2024/08/gackt-revives-yellow-fried-chickenz-after-12-years-for-limited-5-year-run.html |work=Electric Bloom Webzine |access-date=November 27, 2024}}{{cite news |date=November 11, 2024 |title=氣志團万博2日目にBUCK-TICK星野が現れ"Team NEWS"集結、アイナやthe GazettEらも熱演 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/598808#NA_article_main_h2_13 |work=Natalie |access-date=November 27, 2024}}{{cite news |date=January 1, 2025 |title=「結婚の必要があるならしていたかも」GACKT 人生変えた"芸能人恋人"との大失恋を告白 |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/interview/2418127/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=April 15, 2025}} and plans to tour in Asia, Europe and South America.{{cite news |date=November 15, 2024 |title=25年間「麺を食べていない」GACKTが、焼そばのCMに出演!!"神の舌"を持つGACKTが"神の粉末"ソースの魅力を語る「日清焼そば」新TVCM「GACKTと神の粉末ソース 篇」|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000043201.html |work=PR Times |access-date=November 27, 2024}}
In 2025, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Gackt's solo career, in March were distributed digitally live music recordings from nine*nine (2008) collection of his live tours 2000–2006 as live albums, with official live videos of "Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto" (2001), "Last Song" (2004) and "Another World" (2006).{{cite news |date=March 12, 2025 |title=GACKT、ソロ活動25周年を記念して日本クラウンからリリースした全作品の配信を解禁 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2373604/full/ |work=Oricon |access-date=April 15, 2025}} In March until early April was held "Last Songs 2025 feat. K" tour, and on 13 April two performances of rock orchestral concert "Gackt Philharmonic 2025" supported by his band Yellow Fried Chickenz and Grand Philharmonic Tokyo orchestra at Sumida Triphony Hall, Tokyo.{{cite news |date=January 17, 2025 |title=GACKTは芸能人であり音楽家、こだわりのオーケストラコンサートを10年ぶり開催へ |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/607960 |work=Natalie |access-date=April 15, 2025}}{{cite news |date=April 14, 2025 |title=GACKT 仮面&マント姿のバンドとソロデビュー25周年を締めくくり 今後も「続けていきたい」|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/04/14/kiji/20250414s00041000023000c.html |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=April 15, 2025}}
Acting career
Gackt's introduction to filmmaking, in addition to music videos, came in 2001 and 2002 with two TV documentaries. First, he traveled to Madagascar for the TV show {{nihongo|Ima Hadaka ni Shitai Otoko-tachi|いま裸にしたい男たち}},{{cite web|url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/archives/search/special/detail/?d=documentary005|title=『いま裸にしたい男たち』シリーズ|work=NHKアーカイブス |publisher=NHK|access-date=January 19, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093439/https://www.nhk.or.jp/archives/search/special/detail/?d=documentary005|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=live}} then participated in the children's documentary, Hero's Hero, both aired on NHK.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/9259/tv/p/15/|title=GACKTのTV出演情報|date=April 2003 |publisher=ricon|access-date=January 19, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043213/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/9259/tv/p/15/|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=live}} In 2003, he worked on the script and starred as Shō in his film, Moon Child, which was filmed in Taiwan.{{cite magazine|last=Elley|first=Derek|author-link=Derek Elley|url=https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/moon-child-1200540243/|title=Moon Child|magazine=Variety|access-date=January 15, 2019|date=July 28, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115234248/https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/moon-child-1200540243/|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}} It was released on April 19 in Japan, and screened on May 13 at the Cannes Film Festival and on April 12, 2004, at Philadelphia Film Festival.{{cite web| url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365514/releaseinfo| title=Release dates for Moon Child| website=IMDb| access-date=July 29, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114011527/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365514/releaseinfo| archive-date=January 14, 2009| url-status=live}} He voiced Seiji in the original video animation, New Fist of the North Star, for which two of his older songs were used as themes and released as a single "Lu:na/Oasis".{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=52319493|title=アタタタタタタタタッ! GacktがOVA「新・北斗の拳」で声優に初挑戦。テーマ曲も担当して、ヤル気マンマン!|date=May 21, 2003|publisher=Barks|access-date=January 19, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230914/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=52319493|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}} Gackt also assisted as a model and provided the voice and the motion capture for a main character Lau Wong in the video game Bujingai by Taito and Red Entertainment.{{cite web | author=Ashcraft, Brain | date=January 11, 2011 | title=This Man Is Final Fantasy Come To Life | url=http://kotaku.com/5738478/this-man-is-final-fantasy-come-to-life | work=Kotaku | publisher=Gawker Media | access-date=May 5, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430083555/http://kotaku.com/5738478/this-man-is-final-fantasy-come-to-life | archive-date=April 30, 2012 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | author=Dengeki staff | date=August 28, 2003 | title=Gackt氏を操作する剣術アクション!タイトー50周年記念タイトル『武刃街』が発表 |trans-title=Mr. Gackt! to demonstrate swordplay action; Announcing Bujingai 50th Anniversary Taito! | url=http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2003/8/28/20cce6b1c89fac5fe7551f15ccd2dbac.html | publisher=ASCII Media Works | work=Dengeki Online | language=ja | access-date=May 15, 2012}} His next involvement was in 2006, with the Final Fantasy franchise, for a video game Dirge of Cerberus, and again in 2007 for a video game Crisis Core, where the character Genesis Rhapsodos was modeled on, voiced and co-created by Gackt.{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/04/28/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-uk-interview |title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII UK Interview |last=McCarthy |first=Dave |website=IGN |date=April 28, 2008 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211110103/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/04/28/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-uk-interview |archive-date=December 11, 2014 |url-status=live }} Besides that, Gackt composed and performed two theme songs for the first game, which were released in the single "Redemption".
In 2007, Gackt played the Sengoku-period daimyō Uesugi Kenshin in the NHK Taiga drama, Fūrin Kazan,{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/0331/015.html |script-title=ja:来年の大河ドラマ「風林火山」、主役に内野聖陽さん |work=asashi.com |access-date=February 22, 2007 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204063231/http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/0331/015.html |archive-date=February 4, 2007}} for which he was nominated for the TV Navi award as best-supporting actor in a drama category.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnaviweb.jp/TVnavi_contents/doYear/2007index.html|title=ドラマ・オブ・ザ・イヤー|publisher=TVnavi|access-date=January 19, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326204454/http://www.tvnaviweb.jp/TVnavi_contents/doYear/2007index.html|archive-date=March 26, 2016|url-status=live}} Gackt recalls that Kenshin was always portrayed as a very tough man. Thus his vision with female myth in mind, which presented him clean-shaven and with long hair, received harsh criticism, but Ken Ogata expressed his approval and supported Gackt's work in the drama.{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/metrotokyo/docs/metropolis_1045 |title=GACKT: Perennial idol looks back on triumphs and tragedies |author=Erin Efrus |date=April 4–17, 2014 |magazine=Metropolis |issue=1045 |page=8 |access-date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920173944/https://issuu.com/metrotokyo/docs/metropolis_1045 |archive-date=September 20, 2016 |url-status=live }} His single "Returner (Yami no Shūen)" music video was inspired by the drama, and the song was used as the theme song in the Japanese version of movie The Prestige.{{Cite web |date=2007-06-07 |title=Gacktにハリウッドも大絶賛!イリュージョンなテーマソング熱唱!|シネマトゥデイ |url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0010736 |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=シネマトゥデイ |language=ja}} In the same year Gackt was a voice actor in the Japanese dub of the French animated-live action film, Arthur and the Minimoys.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0022304|title=GACKTと神木隆之介、リュック・ベッソン監督からのアツいラブコール!『アーサーとミニモイの不思議な国』続編の声優に|date=February 6, 2010|publisher=Cinema Today|access-date=January 19, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230926/https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0022304|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}}
In 2008, Gackt was filming in Romania for his first international film debut, Bunraku, which was released in 2010.{{cite web| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2440090/gackt-bunraku/| title=Gackt Speaks In This Exclusive 'Bunraku' Clip And Interview!| author=Josh Wigler| date=September 29, 2011| publisher=MTV| access-date=February 9, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315123628/http://www.mtv.com/news/2440090/gackt-bunraku/| archive-date=March 15, 2016| url-status=dead}} The next year he appeared as a prisoner Takegami Teijiro on death row in the second episode of the TV series, Mr. Brain,{{Cite web| url=http://www.tbs.co.jp/mr-brain/report/repo11_04.html| title=Mr. Brain 2nd Episode| publisher=TBS| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725203002/http://www.tbs.co.jp/mr-brain/report/repo11_04.html| archive-date=July 25, 2014| url-status=live}} and Joji Yuki in the film Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker. In 2008 and 2009 collaborated as an actor, with main character based on him and were used his songs in two slo-pachinko's, Yamasa Digi World SP Bounty Killer and Gladiator Evolution.{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brain |date=December 30, 2008 |title=Gackt, Your New Favorite Pachislot PS3 Game Sound Producer |url=https://kotaku.com/gackt-your-new-favorite-pachislot-ps3-game-sound-produ-5120358 |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite web |date=2009 |title=Slo-Pachinko Gladiator Evolution Original Soundtrack |url=https://gackt.com/musics/2699 |publisher=Gackt.com |access-date=December 2, 2023}}
In 2010, he was a voice actor several times, first for the film Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard,{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000060147| title=『アーサーと魔王マルタザールの逆襲』にみる、Gacktのプロフェッショナリズム| date=April 13, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726150236/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000060147| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}} then the anime series Shiki, his first regular voice cast role;{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-21/gackt-stars-in-shiki-noitamina-anime-details-confirmed|title=Gackt Stars in Shiki, Noitamina Anime Details Confirmed|date=February 21, 2010|access-date=January 19, 2019|work=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206140058/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-21/gackt-stars-in-shiki-noitamina-anime-details-confirmed|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}} and Tono to Issho, where he provided the voice for the daimyo he previously played on television.{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-04/2nd-tono-to-issho-tv-anime-dvds-to-add-gackt-extras|title=2nd Tono to Issho TV Anime's DVDs to Add Gackt Extras|work=Anime News Network|date=March 4, 2011|access-date=January 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120053243/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-04/2nd-tono-to-issho-tv-anime-dvds-to-add-gackt-extras|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=live}} He also voiced characters for two video games, Velskud in Dragon Nest,{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000060292| title=Gackt、オンラインゲーム『Dragon Nest』の世界観を体現し取材陣らを圧倒| date=April 17, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726135431/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000060292| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brain |date=April 20, 2010 |title=This Guy Is Quite The Villain |url=https://kotaku.com/this-guy-is-quite-the-villain-5520506 |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media |access-date=December 2, 2023}} for which he composed and performed the theme song, "Ever",{{cite web| url=http://www.cdjournal.com/main/cdjpush/gackt/1000000474| title=Gackt、自らが声優としても参加したオンラインRPG『Dragon Nest』 登場人物になりきって作詞をしたイメージ・ソング「Ever」が登場| date=July 20, 2010| work=CD Journal| publisher=Ongaku Shuppansha| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726001209/http://www.cdjournal.com/main/cdjpush/gackt/1000000474| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}} and pilot "Ex-" of Extreme Gundam the final boss in Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs..{{cite web|last=Twang|first=Kuanyi|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/mobile-suit-gundam-extreme-vs-full-boost-review-023020300.html? |title=Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Full Boost review: a Gundamn good game |date=February 6, 2014 |publisher=Yahoo & Siliconera |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/109/G010903/20100927010/ |title=「機動戦士ガンダム エクストリームバーサス」CPU戦のBOSS機体「ex-(イクス)」の声はGACKT氏が担当 |date=September 27, 2010 |publisher=4Gamer.net |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In 2011, he was a voice actor for the sequel of the Tono to Issho anime series, Andy in Supernatural: The Animation (episode 21 first season),{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000067189| title=Gackt、「ヘリコプターの免許を取ろうかな」| date=2011-01-24| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726144344/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000067189| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000067465| title=Gackt、「いい女性が現れたら結婚しようかな」| date=February 4, 2011| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726142437/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000067465| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}} and Dante in Sket Dance for which he also performed its theme "Graffiti" as well.{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000070785| title=Gackt、TVアニメ『Sket Dance』に声優出演、自身がモデルのキャラで熱唱も| date=June 20, 2011| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726134450/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000070785| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}} He appeared in the TV drama, {{nihongo|Tempest|テンペスト}} in which he played Jotei Gai, a Chinese eunuch who tries to take over the Ryukyu Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/dramatopics-blog/20000/76605.html|title=仲間由紀恵×谷原章介×GACKT 『テンペスト』出演者決定!|date=April 1, 2011|publisher=NHK|access-date=January 19, 2019|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230906/https://www.nhk.or.jp/dramatopics-blog/20000/76605.html|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}} He was also a voice actor of Knight Commander and theme song "Until The Last Day" performer for the video game animated film, Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker.{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000076948| title=Gacktインタビュー、声優、主題歌を担当した映画『ドラゴンエイジ-ブラッドメイジの聖戦-| date=February 10, 2012| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719004846/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000076948| archive-date=July 19, 2014| url-status=live}}
File:Gackt 2013 RCTI.jpg greeting BIMA Satria Garuda.]]
In 2012, Gackt appeared in the Sengoku Basara television drama, Sengoku Basara: Moonlight Party, as the games' depiction of warlord Oda Nobunaga.{{Cite web| url=http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0043046| title=「戦国Basara」が実写ドラマ化!伊達政宗は林遣都、織田信長はGackt!| date=June 16, 2012| publisher=Cinematoday| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727004947/http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0043046| archive-date=July 27, 2014| url-status=live}} He also performed the series' theme song "Hakuro" (his 42nd single). He was also seen in a dual role as a Professor of Neurology Shiki Takashi and Yumeoji (literally translated "Dream Prince") in the drama Akumu-chan, which is based on the novel {{nihongo|Yume Chigai|夢違}} by Riku Onda.{{Cite web| url=http://www.cinematoday.jp/movie/T0018096| title=悪夢ちゃん The Movie| publisher=Cinematoday| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502090452/http://www.cinematoday.jp/movie/T0018096| archive-date=May 2, 2014| url-status=live}} In mid-2013 was the voice actor of Travis Grady and provided image song "Claymore" in Japanese dubbing of Silent Hill: Revelation.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0054287 |title=GACKT、映画『サイレントヒル』吹き替え声優に!ゲーム主人公の一人演じる |date=June 28, 2013 |publisher=Cinematoday |language=ja |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Lynzee |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-05-11/gackt-contributes-song-for-silent-hill/revelation-3d-trailer |title=Gackt Contributes Song for Silent Hill: Revelation 3D Trailer |date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In November 2013, Gackt appeared as a guest-star in two episodes (21 & 22) of the Indonesian Tokusatsu series, Bima Satria Garuda, as "Noir", the mysterious "Bima Legend" Knight from Parallel World.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hai-online.com/Hai2013/Entertainment/Movie/News/Gackt-Bakal-Perankan-Tokoh-Legendaris-di-Bima-Satria-Garuda| title=Gackt Bakal Perankan Tokoh Legendaris di 'Bima Satria Garuda'| work=HAI Online| date=September 23, 2013| publisher=Hai-online.com| access-date=September 24, 2013| language=id|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927120707/http://www.hai-online.com/Hai2013/Entertainment/Movie/News/Gackt-Bakal-Perankan-Tokoh-Legendaris-di-Bima-Satria-Garuda|archive-date=September 27, 2013}} In 2014, he repeated his role in the movie Akumu-chan,{{Cite web| url=http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/A0004128| title=北川景子&Gackt&優香| date=April 30, 2014| publisher=Cinematoday| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506172016/http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/A0004128| archive-date=May 6, 2014| url-status=live}} and starred in the drama Time Spiral as a time-traveler university professor Shuya Tatsumi, based on the web novel {{nihongo|Tokeru Rasen|解 け る 螺旋}} by {{nihongo|Eren Mizumori|水守恵蓮}}.{{Cite web| url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/dramatopics-blog/31000/191256.html| title=Web Novel x Meisa Kuroki x Gackt| date=June 26, 2014| publisher=NHK| access-date=July 7, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630063615/http://www.nhk.or.jp/dramatopics-blog/31000/191256.html| archive-date=June 30, 2014| url-status=live}} Gackt collaborated with Square Enix on the role-playing game 3594e -Sangokushi Eiga- for iOS, based on the story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a Chinese historical novel. The in-game playable character, military general Lü Bu, was voiced by him and he also provided a theme song.{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/126832| title=Gackt新曲「暁月夜」PVで三国志の武将熱演| date=September 24, 2014| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha| access-date=September 28, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006091205/http://natalie.mu/music/news/126832| archive-date=October 6, 2014| url-status=live}}
File:Kong- Skull Island Japan Premiere Red Carpet- GACKT, Sasaki Nozomi, Tom Hiddleston & Samuel L. Jackson (37422714925).jpg, Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L. Jackson at the Japanese premiere of Kong: Skull Island in 2017.]]
In 2015, Gackt made a cameo appearance in Origami, a short film by director Cato Ochi.{{Cite web| url=http://sub.festival-cannes.fr/SfcCatalogue/MovieDetail/ea048bd2-2f4b-4389-8100-c4f098cbbedd| archive-url=https://archive.today/20150526020449/http://sub.festival-cannes.fr/SfcCatalogue/MovieDetail/ea048bd2-2f4b-4389-8100-c4f098cbbedd| url-status=dead| archive-date=May 26, 2015| title=Origami| publisher=Festival de Cannes| access-date=February 9, 2016}}{{subscription required}}{{cite web|url=https://gackt.com/contents/54988|title=GACKT's Movie ORIGAMI Chosen for Canne Film Festival Short Film Category|date=April 10, 2015|publisher=gackt.com|access-date=January 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120042956/https://gackt.com/contents/54988|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=live}} It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. In the same year he voiced the characters Uesugi Kenshin and Sengoku Gackt which was modelled after him as well as provided the opening theme song of the mobile game Sengoku Shura Soul.{{cite news|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/324/G032408/20151124033/|title=「戦国修羅SOUL」,GACKT氏をモデルにした武将「戦国GACKT」の配布を決定|date=November 24, 2015|publisher=4Gamer.net|language=ja|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513075228/http://www.4gamer.net/games/324/G032408/20151124033/|archive-date=May 13, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20151207_612031/|title=【新作】戦国GACKTが2体貰える!?『戦国修羅SOUL』配信開始|date=December 7, 2015|publisher=Famitsu|language=ja|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912165824/https://app.famitsu.com/20151207_612031/|archive-date=September 12, 2018|url-status=live}} In early 2016, it was announced that Gackt was to have his first lead role after 14 years in the movie Karanukan (2018) directed by {{nihongo|Yasuhiro Hamano|浜野安宏}}.{{Cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/175503| title=GACKT、愛に向き合う長編映画「最高の作品を皆様に送ります」| date=February 9, 2016| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha Inc| access-date=February 9, 2016| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211225758/http://natalie.mu/music/news/175503| archive-date=February 11, 2016| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2066534/full/| title=GACKT、14年ぶり映画主演「一人の表現者として最高の作品を」| date=February 9, 2016| publisher=Oricon| access-date=February 9, 2016| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209004552/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2066534/full/| archive-date=February 9, 2016| url-status=live}} The movie is set at the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, and Gackt portrays photographer Hikaru Ooyama who falls in love with a girl, Mami who mysteriously disappears.{{cite news|author=Matthew Hernon|title=Gackt Is a Star Who Can't Be Contained|url=http://www.tokyoweekender.com/2017/09/gackt-is-a-star-who-cant-be-contained/|date=September 2017|publisher=Tokyo Weekender|access-date=October 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002024003/http://www.tokyoweekender.com/2017/09/gackt-is-a-star-who-cant-be-contained/|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=live}} In the same year he voiced Maten Ruedo in the mobile game Othellonia,{{cite news|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201608/01110776.html|title=『逆転オセロニア』参戦のGACKTに独占インタビュー! ゲームにまつわる豪快&驚愕エピソードも続出(1/2)|date=2016-07-29|publisher=Famitsu|language=ja|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002022442/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201608/01110776.html|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=live}} was a voice actor for The Fiend with Twenty Faces providing also opening and ending theme songs for the anime Trickster,{{cite news|url=http://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1479778675|title=GACKTさんが語るTVアニメ『トリックスター』と怪人二十面相|trans-title=GACKT-san talks about TV anime Trickster and the Fiend with Twenty Faces|date=November 23, 2016|work=animate Times|publisher=animateLAB Corporation|language=ja|access-date=January 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310082716/http://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1479778675|archive-date=March 10, 2017|url-status=live}} and also dubbed the main role played by Tom Hiddleston in the Japanese dub of Kong: Skull Island.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2086061/|title=佐々木希、公開アフレコに緊張 GACKTがフォロー「僕はかわいい人には優しい」|date=February 16, 2017|publisher=Oricon|access-date=February 16, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217063322/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2086061/|archive-date=February 17, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000138397|title=【イベントレポート】GACKT、佐々木希と『キングコング』公開アフレコ「ジュラシック・パークの20倍おもしろい」|date=February 16, 2017|work=Barks|publisher=Japan Music Network|access-date=February 16, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217071342/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000138397|archive-date=February 17, 2017|url-status=live}}
In August 2018, it was announced that Gackt will have a co-leading role as 18-year-old student Rei Asami in a live adaptation movie of the 1980s comedy manga {{nihongo|Tonde Saitama|翔んで埼玉}}, written by {{nihongo|Mineo Maya|魔夜峰央}}. The film was released in early 2019 to critical acclaim,{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-04-08/fumi-nikaido-gackt-star-in-live-action-film-of-tonde-saitama-comedy-manga/.130108|title=Fumi Nikaido, GACKT Star in Live-Action Film of Tonde Saitama Comedy Manga|date=August 4, 2018|work=Anime News Network|access-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028225711/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-04-08/fumi-nikaido-gackt-star-in-live-action-film-of-tonde-saitama-comedy-manga/.130108|archive-date=October 28, 2018|url-status=live}} and Gackt was nominated at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.{{cite web| url=https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/363202| title=「翔んで埼玉」日本アカデミー賞で最多受賞、「閉鎖病棟」「キングダム」が続く| date=January 15, 2020| work=natalie.mu| publisher=Natasha| access-date=May 11, 2020| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201231010/http://natalie.mu/eiga/news/363202| archive-date=February 1, 2020| url-status=live}} In October 2022 was confirmed to have started working on Tonde Saitama sequel,{{cite news |date=October 1, 2022 |title=映画「翔んで埼玉」続編の撮影再開&2023年公開、"復活"したGACKTが発表 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/495945 |work=Natalie |access-date=February 15, 2023}} which was released in November 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2023/11/16/film/fly-me-to-the-saitama-ii/|title='Fly Me to the Saitama II': Silliness abounds but the laughs do not|work=The Japan Times|first=Mark|last=Schilling|author-link=Mark Schilling|date=2023-11-16|access-date=2023-11-30}}
=Theatre=
In May 2010, a play named Nemuri Kyoshiro Buraihikae was staged at Nissay Theatre in Tokyo, in which Gackt starred as the main protagonist.{{cite web| url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/gackts-first-starring-stage-role-in-nemuri-kyoshiro| title=Gackt's first starring stage role in "Nemuri Kyoshiro"| date=November 4, 2009| work=tokyograph.com| access-date=September 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004083859/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/gackts-first-starring-stage-role-in-nemuri-kyoshiro|archive-date=2012-10-04}}{{cite web| url=https://news.walkerplus.com/article/13786/| title=剣豪・眠狂四郎役でGacktが舞台初挑戦「歴代キャストと比べてもらって構わない」と自信| date=April 2, 2010| work=news.walkerplus.com| language=ja| access-date=January 19, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615191113/https://news.walkerplus.com/article/13786/| archive-date=June 15, 2018| url-status=live}} The show ran for 120 performances in seven cities until February 27, 2011, with an estimated 150,000 spectators.{{cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000068007&p=0| title=Gacktの眠狂四郎、「映画化?」と迫られ紀里谷監督は笑顔で否| date=February 28, 2011| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302045242/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000068007&p=0| archive-date=March 2, 2011| url-status=live}} In 2012, Gackt announced a plan to continue the concept of Moon Saga with a stage theatre play written, composed and directed by him, 'Moon Saga - Mysteries of Yoshitsune, in which he starred as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, starting from July 15 at Akasaka ACT Theatre in Tokyo.{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/movie/2004393/full/| title=Gackt、義経の殺陣に気合十分 共演の早乙女&元宝塚・大和にも期待| date=December 5, 2011| publisher=Oricon| access-date=March 31, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628163126/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/movie/2004393/full/| archive-date=June 28, 2013| url-status=live}} The final two of 60 shows were held on September 26 and October 2, in Tokyo.{{cite web| url=http://www.theaterguide.co.jp/theater_news/2012/06/29_05.php| title=Gackt原作・脚本・演出・主演『Moon Saga 義経秘伝』稽古場会見| date=June 29, 2012| publisher=Theatre Guide| access-date=July 14, 2014| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516225851/http://www.theaterguide.co.jp/theater_news/2012/06/29_05.php|archive-date=May 16, 2013}}{{cite web| url=http://www.theaterguide.co.jp/theater_news/2012/07/17_03.php| title=Gackt原作・脚本・演出・主演『Moon Saga 義経秘伝』が開幕| date=July 17, 2012| publisher=Theatre Guide| access-date=July 14, 2014| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725025232/http://www.theaterguide.co.jp/theater_news/2012/07/17_03.php|archive-date=July 25, 2012}} The estimated audience was about 50,000 spectators.{{cite web |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/181971 |title=『MOON SAGA−義経秘伝− 第二章』2014年8月16日 at 明治座 (Live Report) |date=April 27, 2014 |publisher=OkMusic |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052235/https://okmusic.jp/news/181971 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }} The second "Moon" stage theatre adaptation ran from August until October 2014, with 40 performances in seven cities,{{cite web|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/music/report/1408_gackt2/|title=Moon Saga 〜義経秘伝〜 Vol.2 Live Report|date=August 8, 2014|publisher=Excite|access-date=August 28, 2014|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828121741/http://www.excite.co.jp/music/report/1408_gackt2/|archive-date=August 28, 2014}} notable for the first major use of projection mapping in theatre stage plays.{{cite web| url=http://etheatrix01.eplus2.jp/article/402497176.html| title=Gacktが紡ぎだす歴史ファンタジーの世界感を 日本の舞台史上最大規模のプロジェクションマッピングで演出する Moon Saga-義経秘伝-第二章| date=2014-07-24| work=Theatrix| publisher=Entertainment Plus| access-date=August 28, 2014| language=ja}}{{cite web| url=http://etheatrix01.eplus2.jp/article/403940204.html| title=原作、脚本、音楽、演出、主演をGacktがプロデュースする舞台『Moon Saga-義経秘伝-第二章』、絶賛上演中!| date=2014-08-18| work=Theatrix| publisher=Entertainment Plus| access-date=August 28, 2014| language=ja}}
Music artistry
=Voice=
{{listen| filename=Gackt - Jūnigatsu no Love Song.ogg| title="Jūnigatsu no Love Song"| description=A sample of "Jūnigatsu no Love Song" (2001), a Christmas love song inspired by September 11 attacks in New York City. It was later recorded in English, Chinese and Korean language.}}
{{listen| filename = Gackt - Returner (Yami no Shūen).ogg| title = "Returner ~Yami no Shūen~"| pos = right | description = A sample of rock song "Returner (Yami no Shūen)" (2007), Gackt's first and only number one spot on the Oricon Singles Chart, and prominently featuring Japanese traditional instruments.}}
Gackt has a low-pitched voice, with a vibrato pitch at D3-D4,{{cite journal|title=A Study of Vibrato Features to Control Singing Voices|author1=Naoto Migita|author2=Masanori Morise|author3=Takanobu Nishiura|s2cid=14821385|date=2010|journal=Proceedings of 20th International Congress on Acoustics|place=Sydney, Australia}} and is capable of using falsetto like for example in song "Ares" and "4th" among others.{{cite news|url=https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/20161224055415/|title=GACKT「クリスマスを迎えるお前たちに」漢達にプレゼント届ける|date=December 24, 2016|publisher=MusicVoice|language=ja|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052315/https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/20161224055415/|archive-date=November 3, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/20170322060470/|title=GACKT、退廃的印象に秘めた前向きさ 新曲に込めたメッセージ|date=March 22, 2017|publisher=MusicVoice|language=ja|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052324/https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/20170322060470/|archive-date=November 3, 2018|url-status=live}} In his songs he shows wide range and often sings in both low and high notes in the same song, sometimes also adding the falsetto.{{Cite web| url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/the-sixth-day---single-collection--/3203120877| title=Gackt / THE SIXTH DAY~SINGLE COLLECTION~ (mini review)| date=2004| publisher=CDJournal| language=ja| access-date=December 7, 2023}} According to Gackt, he had expanded the vocal range too much between 2003 and 2004, and searched for a right expression until 2005, since when he has been getting more straightforward.{{cite web |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/181550 |title=Gackt: "僕らって何のために生きてるんだろうね?「Jesus」は、そんな心の叫びで もあるんだ。 |author=Misawa Chiaki |date=December 20, 2008 |work=OKMusic |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091803/https://okmusic.jp/news/181550 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }} His voice was described as "very melodramatic",{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000378459|title=Love Letter|author=Alexey Eremenko|website=AllMusic|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121456/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000378459|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}} as well as "smooth, sleek, unnaturally heartfelt",{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0001431457|title=0079-0088|author=Alexey Eremenko|quote="0079-0088 defines pop/rock: the genre is about taking raw rock elements and using them to construct accessible, listener-friendly compositions, and there's no one to rival Gackt in the ability to do this, possibly not just in Japan, but in the rest of the world as well ... Gackt's smooth, sleek, unnaturally heartfelt voice."|access-date=January 18, 2019|website=AllMusic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121003/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0001431457|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}} "velvet" and "molasses".{{cite book |first=Josephine |last=Yun |title=Jrock, Ink.: A Concise Report on 40 of the Biggest Rock Acts in Japan |url=https://archive.org/details/jrockinkconciser0000yunj |chapter=Introduction; Gackt; Malice Mizer |language=en |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |isbn=9781880656952 |year=2005 |pages=11, 44, 72}}
=Songwriting=
His songs range from melodic ballads to intense hard rock songs,{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050810_01.html| title=Gackt, Todokanai special interview| date=August 10, 2005| publisher=Oricon| access-date=November 3, 2018| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912204433/https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/050810_01.html| archive-date=September 12, 2018| url-status=dead}}{{Cite journal |author=Yuka Saito |date=October 2005 |title=深淵なる Diabolos World |language=ja |journal=Pati Pati |location=Japan |issue=250 |pages=8–9, 15–16}} in which he masterfully combines "raw rock elements" with "listener-friendly compositions" and string instruments.{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/68854/Gackt-Crescent/|title=Crescent|date=October 15, 2015|website=Sputnikmusic|access-date=April 15, 2025}} Josephine Yun in A Concise Report on 40 of the Biggest Rock Acts in Japan (2005) noted his "talent for orchestration and for blending classical elements into the rock genre ... and his style ranges from romantically classical to experimental and unfolding progressive rock". Some songs, like for example "Mind Forest",{{Cite web| url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/crescent/3203091215| title=Gackt / Crescent (mini review)| date=2003| publisher=CDJournal| language=ja| access-date=December 7, 2023}} "Metamorphoze",{{Cite web| url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/metamorphoze/4105031261| title=Gackt / Metamorphoze~メタモルフォーゼ~ (mini review)| date=2005| publisher=CDJournal| language=ja| access-date=December 7, 2023}} "Returner (Yami no Shūen)", and those related to the album Last Moon,{{Cite web| url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/last-moon/4116011970| title=GACKT / LAST MOON (mini review)| date=2016| publisher=CDJournal| language=ja| access-date=December 7, 2023}} are distinctive for their blend of modern Western musical instruments and traditional Japanese musical instruments,{{cite web |url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20160711/E1467875768388.html |title=GACKT 歌い、踊り、奏で、演じ、多様な姿を見せた"LAST VISUALIVE"最終日/レポート |trans-title=GACKT Shows His Various Sides, Singing, Dancing, Performing, Playing |date=July 11, 2016 |publisher=Excite |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511122909/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/emusic/20160711/E1467875768388.html |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |url-status=live }} a kind of music called by Gackt as "Zipangu rock" from which can be sensed it originates from Japan.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cdjournal.com/main/cdjpush/gackt/1000000367 |title=GACKT interview "メイド・イン・ジャパン"と呼べるモノを作りたい——GACKT、「雪月花—The end of silence—/斬~ZAN~」をリリース |author=Takashi Ishizuka |date=December 1, 2009 |work=CD Journal |publisher=Ongaku Shuppansha |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092123/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/cdjpush/gackt/1000000367 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live}}
Gackt often "stressed the beauty and importance of Japanese lyrics", writing "all of his music and lyrics to quality, not quantity". He uses double meaning words,{{cite magazine|author=Cecile, Emilie, Valerie (Ongaku France)|title=Gackt - Meeting a Japanese superstar|magazine=Hard Rock|year=2009|volume=April–May|issue=23|language=fr}}{{small|([https://sakurasenshi.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/gackt-meeting-a-japanese-superstar/ English translation]}}) and lyrics are "meaningful and heartfelt".{{cite magazine |last=Foran |first=Stephanie |date=June 2007 |title=Rock Across the Sea: Vocalist finds home in spotlight |url=https://www.wtps.org/cms/lib/NJ01912980/Centricity/Domain/1960/Issue%207%20Master%20June%202007.pdf |magazine=The Patriot |issue=7 |page=26 |publisher=Washington Township High School (New Jersey) |access-date=November 30, 2023}} They also deal with emotions of sadness, kindness, coexistence, beauty, fragility, depth of love for others and loneliness among many others.{{cite news |last=Sugioka |first=Yuki |date=December 9, 2009 |title=GACKT 『雪月花-The end of silence- / 斬~ZAN~』インタビュー |url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/special/detail/219 |work=Billboard Japan |access-date=December 1, 2023}}
His process of writing songs and making concerts is by first writing the story, then writing and composing the songs based on it with a specific image in the live performance.{{cite web |url=http://okmusic.jp/ups/interviews/2451?page=1 |title="LAST VISUALIVE"へ向けてGACKTの壮絶なドラマが始まる |trans-title=Approaching the Last Visualive, GACKT's Sublime Drama Begins |author=Moko Shimizu |date=September 20, 2015 |work=OKMusic |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510135935/http://okmusic.jp/ups/interviews/2451?page=1 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |url-status=live }} It results in songs that are conceptually related, but still independent from each other. Most of his studio albums are conceived around two conceptual stories: story of "Moon Saga" (Moon, Crescent, Diabolos, Last Moon), set in Asia (mostly Japan) and Europe is a vampire story although by itself it is not, as the vampires were presented as a way of expressing a certain evil side and existence of humans.{{Cite journal |author=Midori Ono |date=October 2005 |title=Diabolos - 美しき悪魔からの誘い |language=ja |journal=Arena 37C |location=Japan |issue=277}}{{citation |title=Tour Pamphlet (GC025) - Special interview |author=Mami Akagi |pages=18–26 |language=ja}} The theme is based around the existential questions of humanity, a symbolical and psychological story about the repetition of human sins, war and the question of what is the ultimate meaning of human life;{{Cite journal |author1=Kouichi Tanaka |author2=Mami Akagi |date=November 2005 |title=Gackt interview |language=ja |journal=B=Pass |location=Japan |pages=41–43}} and story of "Requiem et Reminiscence" or short "ЯR" (Rebirth, Re:Born), which is set in Nazi Germany during the World War II and questions where humans start and end and why at the same time destructive and loving, humanity decides to start wars.
=Performances=
Gackt is known for his unique concerts, which he wants to preserve as works of art. His conceptual kind of concerts related to "Moon Saga" and "Requiem et Reminiscence" are different from typical music concerts neither they fit in the usual categories of a musical or a theatre play. Thus Gackt calls them "Visualive", because they are formed by a story, music, movies, theatre and musical elements, as well as live performance (with Gackt "acting" as the story protagonist).{{cite web |url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20160319/E1458400129890.html |title=GACKT 7年ぶりのコンセプトライブ『LAST VISUALIVE TOUR』が開幕 |date=March 19, 2016 |work=Excite |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510103346/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20160319/E1458400129890.html |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |url-status=live }} The shows are elaborately divided into two basic parts, conceptual and entertainment, which can be further divided into four parts, first has introduction concept movie followed by first set of concept songs, second has stage clothes change and second set of concept songs, third after a video of relief has a separate set of songs and MC with audience engaging in playful entertainment, and fourth has ending conceptual performance and closing movie.{{cite web |url=https://www.cddata-mag.com/article/live/2016/07/12/14/55/00 |title=どこまでが現実で、どこまでが夢なのか…映像と音楽が融合した Gackt 圧巻のパフォーマンス |trans-title=Where Does Reality Start, Where Does The Dream End... |date=2016-07-12 |work=CD Data |publisher=Kadokawa Corporation |access-date=August 10, 2016 |language=ja}} Reviewers described them as rock spectacles with a teartful story that will make the audience wishing for a peaceful world. During the performance of "Rain" on 2002 and 2003 tours had the water drops falling like a rain from the ceiling onto the stage.{{cite web |url=https://visualrock.net/gackt%E3%81%AE%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%96%E3%81%A7%E8%A1%9D%E6%92%83%E7%9A%84%E3%81%A0%E3%81%A3%E3%81%9F%E6%BC%94%E5%87%BA%E3%83%99%E3%82%B9%E3%83%885dvd/ |title=GACKTのライブで衝撃的だった演出ベスト5(おすすめDVD&Blu-ray) |trans-title=The 5 Best Shocking Performances at GACKT's Live (Recommended DVD&Blu-ray) |date=June 11, 2020 |website=Visualrock.net |publisher=V系ロック魂 |access-date=December 7, 2023}} His final performance of Diabolos tour in 2005 at Tokyo Dome (costing roughly $4.3 million) received praise and shocked the audience, as included entering the arena on a horseback in full gallop with four other horse riders,{{cite news |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2023/11/19/kiji/20231119s00041000210000c.html |title=GACKT ライブでまさかの演出 馬走らせ大河ドラマからオファー 華麗騎乗で全力疾走「5頭走らせた」 |date=November 19, 2023 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=December 7, 2023 |language=ja}} in a suspended coffin during "Lust for Blood", singing "Love Letter" hanging 20m in the air, and disappearing in a sudden smoke explosion. The 2008-09 Requiem et Reminiscence II and 2016 Last Visualive - Last Moon tour concerts lasted up to four hours.
The Visualive concert format was originally created during the Requiem et Reminiscence tour in 2001, and according to Gackt, it took him almost ten years to arrive to a satisfying point of form during the Requiem et Reminiscence II tour in 2008-2009. However, he found such way of expression as difficult and physically and mentally exhausting, with a profitability that is not in accordance with the demands of entertainment industry.{{cite news |date=July 15, 2012 |title=GACKT「これがビジュアルライブの最後かも…」と語った理由 |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/1607794/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=December 2, 2023}} By 2007 he had a lot of requests to tour worldwide, but such large-scale shows are difficult to have in foreign countries and need significant logistical support for transportation.
Similarly his Camui Gakuen festival shows (2009-2019) have Gackt performing cover versions conceptualized around a same-titled fictional school where Gackt acts as the student council president wearing a school uniform. He can be seen cross-dressing as a female, being a drummer of SEX Japan (pun on Yoshiki and his band X Japan), or a guitarist of The Balue Hearts (pun on The Blue Hearts) among others.{{cite news|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E1540493048212/ |title=GACKT、学園祭エンターテインメントショー『神威楽園』で「X」「USA」を"本気で"カバー |date=October 26, 2018 |work=Excite |access-date=December 7, 2023 |language=ja}} Gackt's example of a more typical concert is D.r.u.g. Party tour (2006-2007) featuring his rock songs, with Oricon review noting his eroticism and charisma while performing, and Gackt considering it his and worldwide's pinnacle of an all-out androgynous style by a man. Another typical, but physically intense concept, is band Yellow Fried Chickenz.
Cultural status
File:Gackt in 2008(2)(cropped).jpg at Jōetsu city's 83rd Kenshin Festival in 2008.]]
File:View from the crosswalk bridge (49376073788).jpg, Tokyo, 2019.]]
Gackt is considered a Japanese pop and fashion icon, J-pop/J-rock superstar and Japanese idol, and due to his involvement with the visual kei movement, which emphasizes androgynous and changing appearance, he is referred to as a "living manifestation of readers' fantasy men" found in bishōnen manga.{{cite book|last=Miller|first=Laura|title=Beauty Up: Exploring Contemporary Japanese Body Aesthetics|url=https://archive.org/details/beautyupexplorin00mill_0|url-access=registration|year=2006|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-93884-7|pages=[https://archive.org/details/beautyupexplorin00mill_0/page/123 123], 156}}{{cite book|last1=Galbraith|first1=Patrick W.|last2=Karlin|first2=Jason G.|title=Idols and Celebrity in Japanese Media Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X4uk9vgoyDcC|year=2012|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-0-230-29830-9|page=26}}{{cite book|last1=Miller|first1=Terry E.|last2=Shahriari|first2=Andrew|title=World Music: A Global Journey|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VEUlDwAAQBAJ|year=2016|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=9781317434375|page=191}}{{cite magazine |author=Yukie Kurihara, Megan Bates |date=2007 |title=Gackt Speaks: J-Pop Superstar commiserates with SB |url=http://www.shojobeat.com/features/26/338.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422214345/http://www.shojobeat.com/features/26/338.php |archive-date=April 22, 2008 |magazine=Shojo Beat |volume=3 |issue=8 |access-date=November 30, 2023}} Otaku USA magazine in 2007 stated "His 'more than human' appearance and persona were a hit with the mass media in Japan. It was as if a fictitious character suddenly popped out in the real world".{{cite magazine |last=Evers |first=Mi. |date=December 11, 2007 |title=Gackt! Gackt! Gackt! |url=https://otakuusamagazine.com/gackt-gackt-gackt/ |magazine=Otaku USA |access-date=November 30, 2023}} He has been compared to fictional characters like Griffith from Berserk, Cloud Strife and Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy,{{citation|author=Lucy Hannah Glasspool|title=Simulation and database society in Japanese role-playing game fandoms: Reading boys' love dōjinshi online|url=http://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/433|date=2013|publisher=Organization for Transformative Works|journal=Transformative Works and Cultures|volume=12|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232125/http://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/433|archive-date=December 28, 2017|url-status=live}} as well as having been an inspiration for manga characters.{{cite web|title=Not So Soft After All: Kkonminam Masculinities in Contemporary South Korean Popular Culture|author=Joanna Elfving-Hwang|url=https://www.academia.edu/22503546|page=3|date=2011|publisher=7th Biennial Conference of Korean Studies Association of Australasia|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322235257/https://www.academia.edu/22503546/Not_So_Soft_After_All_Kkonminam_Masculinities_in_Contemporary_South_Korean_Popular_Culture|archive-date=March 22, 2019|url-status=live}} In his late career his appearance changed to more "macho".{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Adrienne Renee |date=2019 |title=Shōjo Across Media: Exploring "Girl" Practices in Contemporary Japan |chapter=From Shōjo to Bangya(ru): Women and Visual Kei |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OcuJDwAAQBAJ |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |pages=308, 322 |isbn=9783030014858}}
Gackt became associated with Japanese daimyo Uesugi Kenshin who he played in NHK Taiga drama Fūrin Kazan. Gackt was subsequently invited to act as Kenshin at Jōetsu city's traditional 82nd Kenshin Festival in August 2007.{{Cite web| url=http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=1137| script-title=ja:過去最高の20万3千人 ガクトさんが大きく貢献| date=August 28, 2007| work=Oricon| access-date=March 31, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803182859/http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=1137| archive-date=August 3, 2012| url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/47533/#rk| title=白馬に乗った"Gackt謙信"が地震被災者にエール!| date=August 27, 2007| work=Oricon| access-date=March 31, 2012| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612095405/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/47533/#rk| archive-date=June 12, 2008| url-status=live}} In August 2010 he participated in the 85th Kenshin Festival for the third time, with a record attendance of more than 240,000 visitors.{{Cite web| url=http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=3915| title=Gackt 謙信に大歓声 川中島合戦など再現| date=August 23, 2010| work=Joetsu Times| access-date=September 12, 2010| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902221215/http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=3915| archive-date=September 2, 2010| url-status=dead}} Four more times he reprised the role in the festival,{{Cite web| url=http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=4736| title=Gackt謙信、さっそうと出陣行列 義の心を全国発信| date=August 22, 2011| work=j-times.jp| publisher=Joetsu Times| access-date=August 22, 2011| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325154102/http://www.j-times.jp/news.php?seq=4736| archive-date=March 25, 2012| url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003087| title=Event Report: Gackt Appears as Kenshin in Procession for Battle of Kawanakajima| date=August 25, 2013| work=en.barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112072122/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003087|archive-date=November 12, 2013}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000107048| title=【イベントレポート】Gackt、足骨折の中、華麗なる上杉謙信姿を披露| date=August 24, 2014| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| language=ja| access-date=September 5, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905192533/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000107048| archive-date=September 5, 2014| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.joetsutj.com/archives/52097952.html| script-title=ja:2014年の「謙信公祭」は約21万人の入り込み 過去3番目の記録| date=August 25, 2014| work=joetsutj.com| language=ja| access-date=September 5, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905192330/http://www.joetsutj.com/archives/52097952.html| archive-date=September 5, 2014| url-status=live}} with a new record high number of 243,000 visitors in August 2015.{{cite web| url=http://www.joetsutj.com/articles/97443943| title=過去最高24万3000人 第90回謙信公祭の入り込み発表| date=August 24, 2015| publisher=Joetsu Journal| access-date=September 12, 2015| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926183900/http://www.joetsutj.com/articles/97443943| archive-date=September 26, 2015| url-status=live}}
Gackt's sex appeal has been noted by national polls, such as by Oricon, similar to those done by People. He often ranked highly in beauty listings, as the most or one of the most beautiful/sexiest Japanese men, celebrities or artists.{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/49914/full/ |title=Gackt初の東京ドーム公演、クリスマスイブに開催! |date=December 24, 2005 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=November 30, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/060816_01.html|title=理想のボディライン持つ男性有名人、1位はGACKT|date=August 16, 2006|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228172559/https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/060816_01.html|archive-date=December 28, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/oricon-most-beautiful-people/|title=Oricon: most beautiful people|date=April 23, 2009|publisher=Tokyograph|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330141751/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/oricon-most-beautiful-people/|archive-date=March 30, 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/oricon-men-with-beautiful-skin/|title=Oricon: men with beautiful skin|date=25 June 2009|publisher=Tokyograph|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012053925/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/oricon-men-with-beautiful-skin/|archive-date=October 12, 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://beauty.oricon.co.jp/news/75711/full/|title="最も美しい日本人"有名人、1位は福山雅治&小雪|date=April 28, 2010|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040114/https://beauty.oricon.co.jp/news/75711/full/|archive-date=September 13, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/77676/full/|title=理想のボディライン持つ男性有名人、1位はGACKT|date=June 30, 2010|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121006/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/77676/full/|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}} In 2009, he was also ranked fifth among rock music personalities in Japanese history.{{cite news|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/090609_01.html|title=6月9日はロックの日!発表☆ロックな人ランキングの1位は誰?|date=June 9, 2009|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092145/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/090609_01.html|archive-date=November 3, 2018|url-status=dead}} Gackt on several occasions served as a fashion model (including for Yoshiyuki Konishi), producer and designer.{{Cite web |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000147268 |title=GACKT、"二面性"をテーマにドレスをプロデュース |date=September 27, 2017 |publisher=Barks |language=ja |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In the first half of his career he had own jewelry & sunglasses brand Darts.{{cite web |url=http://www.h-darts.com/ |title=Darts Official Website |work=h-darts.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112174054/http://www.h-darts.com/ |archive-date=November 12, 2011 |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.taiyomegane.com/group/sunglass/103/ |title=Gackt(ガクト)愛用!!DARTS(ダーツ)サングラス入荷!! |date=October 14, 2005 |publisher=Taiyo Megane |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.taiyomegane.com/group/sunglass/282/ |title=Gackt・ガクト氏使用のサングラスDARTS(ダーツ)サングラスは度付きにも対応しています |date=July 18, 2006 |publisher=Taiyo Megane |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In 2002 received Japan Glasses Best Dressed Award, and in 2003 Best Dressed Award by Japan Men's Fashion Association.{{cite web |url=https://bestdresseraward.com/history/ |title=歴代ベストドレッサー賞受賞者一覧: 第32回(2003) |website=Best Dresser Awards |publisher=The Men's Fashion Unity |access-date=December 2, 2023 |quote=Gackt(芸能部門)}} In 2007 at the China Fashion Week in Shanghai received award for the Japanese Fashion Artist of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/2007-12-10/00511827481.shtml |title=详讯:Gackt获风尚日本艺人奖 谈中国时尚潮流 |date=December 10, 2007 |publisher=Sina Corporation |access-date=December 5, 2023}}{{cite web |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/235020.htm |title=Singers, actors claim fashion awards |date=December 10, 2007 |publisher=China Internet Information Center |access-date=December 5, 2023}}
Over the years, Gackt appeared as a performer, guest and regular member on several television variety shows, including Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ, and since 2009, TV Asahi's New Year's special Geinoujin-Kakuzuke-Check (Celebrity Rating Check), where he holds the record of 71 individual winning streaks,{{cite news|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2152361/full/|title=GACKT、『格付け』個人連勝62に更新 無双継続も...鬼龍院とのコンビで初の"三流"格下げ|date=January 1, 2020|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=July 18, 2020}} building an image of a top connoisseur and "first-class entertainer".{{cite news|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/218283|title=〝一流芸能人〟GACKTは「目利きじゃない」 危なすぎるビジネスセンスを知人が格付け!|date=January 6, 2021|publisher=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|access-date=December 5, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://realsound.jp/2023/01/post-1225715.html|title=GACKT、なぜ『格付けチェック』に欠かせない存在となった? バラエティ番組を巧みに渡り歩く"芸能人"としての生き方|date=January 1, 2021|publisher=Real Sound|language=ja|access-date=December 5, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2297160/full/|title="神の舌"GACKT、国民代表で料理審査へ 『CHEF-1グランプリ2023』【コメント全文&セミファイナリスト一覧】|trans-title="Tongue of God" GACKT to judge cuisine as a national representative "CHEF-1 Grand Prix 2023"|date=October 3, 2023|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=December 5, 2023}} Gackt was one of the judges of Japan's first season of Got Talent show which premiered on February 11, 2023.{{cite news |date=September 20, 2022 |title=日本版『Got Talent』審査員にGACKT、山田孝之、広瀬アリス 応援アンバサダーには"出身者"ウエスP&ゆりやん|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2249982/ |work=Oricon |access-date=February 15, 2023}}{{cite news |date=February 9, 2023 |title=『Japan's Got Talent』準決勝を2週連続放送 浜田雅功・広瀬アリス・GACKT・山田孝之が興奮|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2267193/full/ |work=Oricon |access-date=February 15, 2023}}
Gackt appeared in many television commercials, including for Fujifilm, Shiseido, Daihatsu, Niconico, Tsutaya, Square Enix, and Konami, among others.{{cite web|url=https://gackt.com/profiles|title=Gackt - Profile|publisher=L.O.V.Entertainment|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229231722/https://gackt.com/profiles|archive-date=December 29, 2017|url-status=live}} From July 2014 to August 2016 in collaboration with Nestlé Japan was started a gaming channel "Game Center" with daily video release of Gackt playing video games, gathering more than 15 million views in first season alone.{{cite web |last=Schley |first=Matt |url=https://otakuusamagazine.com/visual-kei-legend-gackt-plays-old-video-games-on-youtube/ |title=Visual Kei Legend Gackt Plays Old Video Games On Youtube |date=July 10, 2014 |work=Otaku USA |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201509/02087505.html |title=クールなGACKTがゲーム実況で365日エキサイト! 話題のゲーム実況企画がパワーアップして復活 |date=September 2, 2015 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja |access-date=December 1, 2023}} In 2019 became ambassador for PUBG Mobile in Japan, a collaboration that until 2023 saw him contributing original models of himself, skin outfits which wore in his career, weapon skins and voice pack.{{cite news |date=September 5, 2019 |title=「PUBG MOBILE」,GACKT氏監修のボイスカードが9月6日に実装 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/402/G040281/20190905053/ |work=4Gamer.net |access-date=December 1, 2023}}{{cite news |date=April 16, 2020 |title=「PUBG MOBILE」に新モード「Snowstorm」が実装。GACKT監修のボイスカード「GACKT C」も |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/402/G040281/20200416049/ |work=4Gamer.net |access-date=December 1, 2023}}{{cite news |date=May 16, 2020 |title=「PUBG MOBILE」に,GACKTさんプロデュースの「GACKTクレート」登場 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/402/G040281/20200516006/ |work=4Gamer.net |access-date=December 1, 2023}}{{cite news |date=September 20, 2022 |title=「PUBG MOBILE」,GACKTさんとのコラボキャンペーンを開催。Twitterプレゼントキャンペーンの実施も |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/402/G040281/20220920044/ |work=4Gamer.net |access-date=December 1, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Liu |first=Stephanie |date=December 21, 2022 |title=PUBG Mobile Announces Gackt: Jougen no Tsuki Collaboration |url=https://www.siliconera.com/pubg-mobile-announces-gackt-jougen-no-tsuki-collaboration/ |work=Siliconera |access-date=December 1, 2023}}
On July 31, 2008, Internet Co., Ltd. released Gackpoid, a Vocaloid using a recorded selection of Gackt's voice.{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/54373/full/ |title=初音ミクに続く? Gacktボーカロイド登場 |date=May 7, 2008 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja |access-date=November 30, 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000041036|title=「神威がくぽ」、7月末デビュー! ── 「がくっぽいど」|publisher=Barks|date=June 20, 2008|access-date=June 29, 2008|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415115349/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000041036|archive-date=April 15, 2012|url-status=live}}
Entrepreneurship
Gackt's other entrepreneurship projects include, among others, producing a line of sake "Chateau Gackt" in 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2020715/full/?cat_id=tw|title=GACKT「女性のような」日本酒プロデュース|date=January 17, 2013|publisher=Oricon|language=ja}} In 2016, he co-founded a real estate company with Satoshi Ikeda, named Gackt & Ikeda Asia Bridge Partnerz, in Kuala Lumpur.{{cite news|url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/j-rock-singer-gackt-house-malaysia-says-love-first-sight-001014951.html|title=J-rock singer Gackt has a house in Malaysia, says it was 'love at first sight'|date=April 21, 2017|publisher=Yahoo|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805150347/https://sg.style.yahoo.com/j-rock-singer-gackt-house-malaysia-says-love-first-sight-001014951.html|archive-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2088940/full/|title=GACKT、マレーシアの自宅初公開 移住を決めた理由も語る|date=April 10, 2017|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725185548/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2088940/full/|archive-date=July 25, 2017|url-status=live}} In 2017, he got involved as a core member and strategic advisor for Asia of a virtual currency project, Spindle. In 2019 was chosen as the executive organizer of the Japan Grown Diamond Association.{{cite news |date=July 1, 2019 |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000168947 |title=GACKT、日本グロウンダイヤモンド協会 エグゼクティブオーガナイザーに就任 |work=Barks |access-date=December 5, 2023}} In 2023 went on a long-term collaboration with a newly constructed winery and vineyard at Kaminokuni, Hokkaido.{{cite news |date=April 4, 2023 |title=上ノ国町のワイナリー GACKTさんがぶどうの苗木を植樹 |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sapporo-news/20230404/7000056499.html |work=NHK |access-date=November 30, 2023}}
Philanthropy
The year 2007 saw the creation of the Save our Dears charity to help the victims of the Chūetsu offshore earthquake that struck the Niigata Prefecture.{{Cite web| url=https://www.orico.co.jp/company/news/2007/1206.html| title=Gacktとの社会貢献型カード「Save Our Dears Card UPty」誕生| work=orico.co.jp| publisher=Orient Corporation| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205230127/https://www.orico.co.jp/company/news/2007/1206.html|archive-date=February 5, 2008}} To raise funds for this charity, Gackt designed a keychain and bracelets, in addition, the charity also featured two Orico UPty MasterCard credit cards. Gackt's fan club Dears,{{refn|group="nb"|Dears is the former name of G&Lovers, Gackt's official fan club. As of October 1st, 2013, it was renamed to G&Lovers. On March 15, 2016, an international fan club was also opened.{{Cite web| url=http://shattered-tranquility.net/index.php/02/19/gackt-to-open-international-fanclub/| title=GACKT to Open International Fanclub| date=February 19, 2016| publisher=Shattered-Tranquility.net| access-date=March 24, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Specially reserved events were organized for the members, like an annual trip, which so far visited Hawaii, Seoul, Sydney, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Paris, Singapore, Toronto, Macau, Thailand, and Rome.{{Cite web| url=http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2003/04/07/daily74.html| title=Concert brings in 1,200 Japanese visitors| date=April 11, 2003| author=Prabha Natarajan| work=bizjournals.com| publisher=American City Business Journals| access-date=April 26, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010113125/http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2003/04/07/daily74.html| archive-date=October 10, 2012| url-status=live}}}} raised {{JPY}}2,000,000 ({{USD}}26,041) which Gackt donated to the city of Jōetsu at the 83rd Kenshin Festival in 2008.
On December 14, 2010 he participated in and performed in a Hohoemi project charity event called "Message! to Asia", by DATV at Tokyo Dome, whose profits were planned to help street children in Cambodia and the Philippines.{{Cite web| url=http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0028947| script-title=ja:90歳近い老女の姿も!?ヨンさまスマイルに660人「キャー!」| date=December 15, 2010| publisher=Cinematoday| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727010230/http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0028947| archive-date=July 27, 2014| url-status=live}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000066486&page=25| title=「Message! to Asia」@東京ドーム画像| date=December 16, 2010| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726142652/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000066486&page=25| archive-date=July 26, 2014| url-status=live}} For an auction at the event, he auctioned his custom 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am MS6, which was sold for {{JPY|6,015,000}} ({{USD|72,033}}).{{Cite web |url=http://auction.item.rakuten.co.jp/11248968/a/10000005/ |title=Gacktオリジナルカスタム ファイヤーバード トランザム 限定モデル MS6 |date=December 25, 2010|publisher=Rakuten Auction |access-date=July 29, 2011 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102004525/http://auction.item.rakuten.co.jp/11248968/a/10000005/ |archive-date=January 2, 2011 }}
In 2011, because of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Gackt founded the "Show Your Heart" charity for collecting money to buy supplies for the victims.{{Cite web| url=http://showyourheart.net/us.html| title=Show Your Heart| work=showyourheart.net| access-date=July 29, 2011| archive-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219194835/http://showyourheart.net/us.html}}{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2011/03/18/music/japans-musicians-show-their-hearts/#.V6vILpiLTIV |title=Japan's musicians show their hearts |author=Mark Jarnes |date=March 18, 2011 |newspaper=The Japan Times |access-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913133604/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2011/03/18/music/japans-musicians-show-their-hearts/#.V6vILpiLTIV |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web| url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000068655| title=Gackt「Show Your Heart」、有言実行| date=April 1, 2011| work=barks.jp| publisher=Global Plus| access-date=July 16, 2014| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721034830/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000068655| archive-date=July 21, 2014| url-status=live}} In March, a truck convoy with {{convert|72000|lb|abbr=on}} of food and clothes was delivered and a nationwide street-corner fund-raising campaign was held, with Gackt's participation,{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brain |date=April 14, 2011 |title=Sometimes Help Comes From The Most Unlikely People |url=https://kotaku.com/sometimes-help-comes-from-the-most-unlikely-people-5791927 |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media |access-date=December 2, 2023}} which collected {{JPY|25,234,490}} (or {{USD|320,193}}).{{Cite web |url=http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/news/1/8720/gackt-reviewed-show-your-heart-we-are-connected/ |title=GACKT Reviewed SHOW YOUR HEART "We are Connected" |date=April 15, 2011 |work=musicJapanplus |access-date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918052439/http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/news/1/8720/gackt-reviewed-show-your-heart-we-are-connected/ |archive-date=September 18, 2016 |url-status=live }} All money collected through bank transfers and street fundraising activities was transferred from Rakuten to the Japanese Red Cross, totalling {{JPY|208,181,735}} ({{USD|2,641,564}}).{{Cite web |url=http://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/info/2011/110318.html |title="SHOW YOUR HEART"基金の受付について |year=2011 |publisher=Rakuten Bank |access-date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916151642/http://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/info/2011/110318.html |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |url-status=live }} Part of the 2011 world tour and other activities of Gackt's band project Yellow Fried Chickenz revenue was also donated to the Japanese Red Cross.{{Cite web |url=https://www.jame-world.com/en/article/125232-yellow-fried-chickenz.html |title=Yellow Fried Chickenz |date=February 8, 2023 |publisher=JaME-World |access-date=November 30, 2023}} At several theatre plays of his Moon Saga: Mysteries of Yoshitsune I (2012), with the help of the Ashinaga (organization), orphans from the earthquake were invited and also received a monetary donation for scholarship.{{cite web| url=http://www.theaterguide.co.jp/theater_news/2012/07/27.php| title=Gackt主演『Moon Saga 義経秘伝』で舞台チャリティー招待企画を実施| date=July 27, 2012| publisher=Theatre Guide| access-date=July 14, 2014| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516074644/http://www.theaterguide.co.jp/theater_news/2012/07/27.php|archive-date=May 16, 2013}}
In addition to making a private donation, Gackt sold merchandise during the 2020 tour which raised ¥4.7 million (roughly US$44,000) to support the reconstruction of the recently burned-down Shuri Castle in Shuri, Okinawa.{{cite web|author=金城珠代|url=https://dot.asahi.com/articles/-/33979?page=1|title=GACKT「ネガティブな噂はどんどん流れる」それでも首里城再建グッズをつくる理由とは?|date=November 30, 2019|work=Aera dot.|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=December 7, 2019|language=ja}}{{cite news|date=August 25, 2020|title=Japan artist Gackt donates $44K to help rebuild Okinawa's Shuri Castle|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200825/p2a/00m/0na/016000c|access-date=August 28, 2020|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun}}
Personal life
File:Gackt book interview in 2023 (3).png
Gackt is an ethnic Uchinanchu i.e. Ryukyuan.{{cite news|author=嶋野 雅明|url=https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-1194073.html|title=【対談全文】GACKT×玉城知事(前編) 首里城との関わりは誇り「1人のウチナーンチュとしてやれることを」|trans-title=[Full text of the interview] GACKT × Governor Tamaki (first part) Proud of his involvement with Shuri Castle "What I can do as an Uchinanchu"|date=September 19, 2019|newspaper=Ryūkyū Shimpō|access-date=December 3, 2023|language=ja}}{{cite news|author=嶋野 雅明|url=https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-1182477.html|title=GACKTさん「ウチナーンチュとして恩返し」オリオンビール新CMに|trans-title=GACKT's "Giving Back as Uchinanchu" in Orion Beer's New CM|date=August 30, 2020|newspaper=Ryūkyū Shimpō|access-date=December 3, 2023|language=ja}} When he was young he experienced discrimination for it in Japan but it did not have a negative effect on him. He reportedly also experienced discrimination in a Paris hotel in 2015 for being Asian.{{cite web|last=Lund|first=Evie|url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/singer-gackt-claims-he-was-victim-of-discrimination-in-paris-hotel|title=Singer Gackt claims he was victim of discrimination in Paris hotel|date=April 3, 2015|publisher=Japan Today|access-date=December 3, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2015/04/01/gackt_n_6982994.html|title=GACKTさん、フランスで人種差別に遭う 辻仁成さんが伝授する撃退法は......|date=April 1, 2015|newspaper=HuffPost Japan|access-date=December 3, 2023|language=ja}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/1461437.html|title=GACKT「人種差別する側される側、両者に問題」|date=April 14, 2015|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|access-date=December 3, 2023|language=ja}} His stated life and music goal is giving people hope, connecting them and uniting Asian countries.{{cite news|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0045271|title=GACKT、「独島は韓国の地」発言を否定…「今までその類の発言をしたことはないし、今後もない」|date=August 22, 2012|newspaper=Cinematoday|access-date=December 5, 2023|language=ja}}{{cite news|author=JKlein|url=https://jrockrevolution.com/interview-with-gackt-on-bunraku-and-more/|title=Interview with Gackt on Bunraku and more |date=September 29, 2011|newspaper=JrockRevolution|access-date=December 5, 2023}}
When he was 20 years old, Gackt was briefly married to a South Korean woman,{{Cite web| url=http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/news/1/4536/gackt-and-nishikawa-are-sharing-thoughts-on-ex-wife-openly/| title=GACKT and Nishikawa are Sharing Thoughts on Ex-Wife Openly| date=April 28, 2010| work=musicjapanplus.jp| publisher=coolJapan inc| access-date=February 9, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215233456/http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/news/1/4536/gackt-and-nishikawa-are-sharing-thoughts-on-ex-wife-openly/| archive-date=February 15, 2016| url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=November 25, 2023 |title=GACKT 20年前の初自伝『自白』で明かしていた「韓国人妻との愛憎の日々」」|url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2263537/2/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=December 5, 2023}} and his "last big love affair" which ended in 2014 was reportedly with Japanese-born South Korean singer Lee Ahyumi.{{cite news |date=July 3, 2012 |title=GACKT ICONIQと順調?「ベッドの中で聞いてみます」|url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/1607725/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20120622-971039.html|title=GACKT交際報道ICONIQ|date=June 22, 2012|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|access-date=December 3, 2023|language=ja}}{{cite news |date=June 23, 2012 |title=GACKT reportedly in relationship with ICONIQ |url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/gackt-reportedly-in-relationship-with-iconiq |work=Japan Today |access-date=November 30, 2023}}
Gackt has lived for most of his life in Tokyo, Japan. In 2012 he moved to the Philippines and Hong Kong,{{cite web|url=https://spindle.zone/jp/team/gakuto-oshiro.html|title=Spindle - Team / Advisors|work=Spindle|publisher=Blackstar&Co|language=ja|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104003450/https://spindle.zone/jp/team/gakuto-oshiro.html|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Torregoza |first=Hannah |date=August 7, 2018 |title=Hanging out with the Michael Jackson of Japan |url=https://mb.com.ph/2018/08/07/hanging-out-with-the-michael-jackson-of-japan/ |work=Manila Bulletin |access-date=December 2, 2023}} with his primary residence located in Malaysia, where he has a mansion of 1,700 square meters situated in a residential area on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.{{cite news |last=Tang |first=Ashley |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Japanese singer Gackt praises Malaysia's MCO operation |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/15/japanese-singer-gackt-praises-malaysias-mco-operation |work=The Star (Malaysia) |access-date=December 2, 2023}}{{cite news |date=October 4, 2022 |title=GACKT マレーシアに新豪邸を建築中!設計も手がけた"驚異のこだわり"を直撃告白 |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2139613/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=December 2, 2023}} In 2022 he was announced to be building and designing a new mansion in Malaysia.
He also speaks Mandarin, Korean, English, and some French. He has a second-degree black belt rank in ITF taekwondo, as well as experience in other martial arts like karate, boxing, jiu-jitsu among others.{{cite news|url=http://efight.jp/interview-20171217_275153|title=GACKTとの出会いと合氣道が梅野源治をさらに強くした=11月度ベストファイターインタビュー|date=December 17, 2017|work=eFight|publisher=Yoshikura Design|language=ja|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228231958/http://efight.jp/interview-20171217_275153|archive-date=December 28, 2017|url-status=live}} In the past years he enjoys playing poker and since 2017 plays competitively on live tournaments, with largest cash of $75,600 from fourth-place finish in Aria High Roller, Las Vegas.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldpokertour.com/news/s16-wpt-legends-gackt/|title=GACKT Aims To Make His Mark on the World Poker Tour|author=Kevin Taylor|date=August 27, 2017|publisher=World Poker Tour|access-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828105542/http://www.worldpokertour.com/news/s16-wpt-legends-gackt/|archive-date=August 28, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Gackt's profile on The Hendon Mob |url=https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=526282 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=The Hendon Mob Poker Database |language=en}}
He stated that his philosophical way of life is similar to Japanese Bushido.{{Cite web| url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-79430-interview-with-gackt.html| title=Interview with GACKT| date=September 28, 2011| publisher=JaME World| access-date=February 9, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216071205/http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-79430-interview-with-gackt.html| archive-date=February 16, 2016| url-status=live}} His personal religious belief is close to a nature god.{{Cite journal|date=February 2009|language=ja|title=Gackt Ghost|journal=B=Pass|issue=2|location=Japan}} His family believed that their deceased members became gods and they should venerate them, hence exist two conceptions of Ryukyuan religion in Okinawa whether to venerate the ancestors or nature. It does not have a well-defined theorization and rituals, but the practice is an acknowledgment of everything that surrounds people,{{Cite web|url=http://www.japanlifestyle.fr/2017/05/03/okinawa-international-movie-festival-interview-de-gackt-karanukan/|first=Victor|last=Lopez|title=Okinawa International Movie Festival: Interview de GACKT (Karanukan)|date=March 3, 2017|publisher=Japan Lifestyle|language=fr|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719151618/http://www.japanlifestyle.fr/2017/05/03/okinawa-international-movie-festival-interview-de-gackt-karanukan/|archive-date=July 19, 2017|url-status=dead}} "a love of nature". Gackt every year with his 20-30 staff members is cleaning his family Monchū tomb deep in the mountains of Southern Okinawa from where his ancestors originate, while the family altar in Northern Okinawa because his great-grandfather founded a town there.{{cite news |date=July 4, 2023 |title=「よくここまで生きたな」GACKT語った50歳の死生観…家族には「沖縄の海に散骨して」 |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/interview/2220313/3/ |work=Josei Jishin |access-date=November 30, 2023}}
Discography
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Solo=
=Malice Mizer=
Filmography
= Movies =
- Moon Child (2003), Shō
- Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker (2009), Joji Yuki
- Bunraku (2010), Yoshi
- The Tempest 3D (2012), Jo Teigai
- Akumu-chan (2014), Takashi Shiki/Yume Ōji
- Origami (2015, short film)
- Karanukan (2018), Hikaru Ooyama
- Fly Me to the Saitama (2019), Rei Asami{{cite web |url= https://eiga.com/movie/89016/|title= 翔んで埼玉|access-date= 27 November 2024|website= eiga.com|language=ja}}
- The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Princess (2020), Mysterious man
- Fly Me to the Saitama: From Biwa Lake with Love (2023), Rei Asami
- What If Tokugawa Ieyasu Became Prime Minister? (2024), Oda Nobunaga{{cite web |url= https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/558480|title= 映画「もしも徳川家康が総理大臣になったら」GACKTが織田信長に、竹中直人は「また秀吉!?」|access-date= January 26, 2024|work= Natalie}}
- Blazing Fists (2025){{cite web |author=S. Asami |url=https://www.popnewsjapan.com/movie/blue-fight-movie-gackt-teaser-release-2025/ |title="Blue Fight" Teaseer released: Gackt appears as the final boss in street fighter drama |date=October 4, 2024 |work=Pop News Japan |access-date=27 November 2024}}
= Television series and documentaries =
- {{nihongo|Ima Hadaka Ni Shitai Otoko-tachi|いま裸にしたい男たち}} (2001)
- Hero's Hero (2002)
- Fūrin Kazan (2007), Uesugi Kenshin{{cite web |url= https://thetv.jp/program/0000003267/cast/|title= 風林火山の出演者・キャスト一覧|access-date= 22 September 2024|work= The Television}}
- Mr. Brain (2009), Takegami Teijiro (Ep. 2)
- The Tempest (2011), Jyoteigai
- Akumu-chan (2012), Takashi Shiki/Yumeoji
- Sengoku Basara: Moonlight Party (2012), Oda Nobunaga
- Bima Satria Garuda (2013), Noir
- Renai ha Hitsuzen de Aru (2014), Storyteller
- Time Spiral (2014), Shuya Tatsumi
- Shin The Unfettered Shogun (2025) – Tokugawa Muneharu{{cite web |url= https://www.cinematoday.jp/page/A0009422|title= 17年ぶり復活!「新・暴れん坊将軍」登場人物&キャスト【まとめ】|access-date= 2 January 2025|website= Cinematoday|language=ja}}
= Voice acting =
- New Fist of the North Star (2003, OVA), Seiji{{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Gackt/|title=Gackt (visual voices guide)|website=behindthevoiceactors.com|access-date=June 18, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}
- Bujingai (2003, video game), Lau Wong
- Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (2006, video game), Genesis Rhapsodos
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007, video game), Genesis Rhapsodos
- Arthur and the Minimoys (2007, animated film, Japanese dubbing version), Maltazard
- Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2010, animated film, Japanese dubbing), Maltazard
- Shiki (2010, anime), Seishiro Kirishiki
- Tono to Issho (2010, anime), Kenshin Uesugi
- Dragon Nest (2010-2016, video game, Japanese dubbing), Velskud
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. (2010, video game), Ex-/Extreme Gundam
- Supernatural: The Anime Series (2011, anime), Andy
- Sket Dance (2011, anime), Kiyoshi "Dante" Date
- Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker (2012, animated film), Knight Commander
- Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012, feature film, Japanese dubbing), Travis Grady
- 3594e (2014, mobile game), Lü Bu
- Sengoku Shura Soul (2015, mobile game), Uesugi Kenshin and Sengoku Gackt
- Othellonia (2016, mobile game), Maten Ruedo
- Trickster (2016, anime), The Fiend with Twenty Faces
- Kong: Skull Island (2017, feature film, Japanese dubbing), James Conrad
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (2022, video game), Genesis Rhapsodos{{cite web|url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/ccffvii_reunion/character/genesis.html|title=
ジェネシス | CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION |website=jp.square-enix.com|language=ja|access-date=June 18, 2022}}
Bibliography
- {{Cite book|title=自白 (Jihaku: Confession)|language=ja|publisher=Kobunsha|year=2003|isbn=4-334-97412-0|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9784334974121}} (autobiography; sold over 100,000 copies)
- {{Cite book|title=Moon Child 鎮魂歌 (Moon Child Requiem)|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|year=2003|isbn=978-4048734615}} (novel)
- {{Cite book|title=Gacktionary|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa|year=2009|isbn=978-4048950701}} (quotes collection)
- {{Cite book|title=Moon Saga 義経秘伝 (Moon Saga Mysteries of Yoshitsune)|language=ja|publisher=Kodansha|year=2014|isbn=978-4062190565}} (novel)
- {{Cite book|title=Gacktの格゛言集 (Gackt no Gakugenshu)|language=ja|publisher=Takarajimasha|year=2015|isbn=9784800234674}} (quotes collection)
- {{Cite book|title=Oh!! My!! Gackt!!|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa|year=2017|isbn=9784046017062}} (blog post collection)
- {{Cite book|title=Gacktの勝ち方|language=ja|publisher=North Village, 株式会社サンクチュアリ・パブリッシング|year=2019|isbn=9784861133770}} (self-help book)
- {{Cite book|title=Gackt超思考術|language=ja|publisher=North Village, 株式会社サンクチュアリ・パブリッシング|year=2021|isbn=9784861133794}} (self-help book)
- {{Cite book|title=Gacktのドス黒いメンタリズム|language=ja|publisher=North Village, 株式会社サンクチュアリ・パブリッシング|year=2022|isbn=978-4861133800}} (self-help book)
- {{Cite book|title=Gackt敗戦記|language=ja|publisher=North Village, 株式会社サンクチュアリ・パブリッシング|year=2023|isbn=9784861133909}} (semi-autobiography)
- {{Cite book|title=自白 II (Jihaku: Confession II)|language=ja|publisher=Kobunsha|year=2023|isbn=978-4334101459}} (autobiography)
Tours
;Arena tours:
- 2000: Mars Sora Kara no Homonsha ({{Nihongo2|Mars 空からの訪問者}})
- 2001: Requiem et Reminiscence
- 2002: Kagen no Tsuki ({{Nihongo2|下弦の⽉}})
- 2003: Jogen no Tsuki ({{Nihongo2|上弦の⽉}})
- 2004: The Sixth Day & Seventh Night
- 2005-06: Diabolos ~Aien no Shi~ ({{Nihongo2|Diabolos 〜哀婉の詩〜}})
- 2008-09: Requiem et Reminiscence II ~Saisei to Kaikou~ ({{Nihongo2|Requiem et Reminiscence II 〜再生と邂逅〜}})
- 2009-19: Kamui Gakuen
- 2013: Best of the Best Vol. I
- 2016: Last Visualive Saigo no Tsuki –Last Moon– ({{Nihongo2|Last Visualive 最期ノ月 –Last Moon–}})
;Club tours:
- 1999: 99 Gackt Resurrection & Easter Live
- 2006-07: Training Days – Dears Reserved Unique Gackt (D.r.u.g./Drug) Party
;Theater, Hall tours:
- 2020: Khaos
- 2021-25: Last Songs 2021 feat. K
Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Category:Gackt |b=no |n=no |q=no |s=no |v=no |voy=no |species=no |d=Q44606| mw=no |display=Gackt}}
- [https://gackt.com/ Official website]
- [http://gackt-and-lovers.com/ Official community site] (discontinued 2020; Japanese)
- {{IMDb name}}
- {{Discogs artist}}
- {{MusicBrainz artist}}
{{Gackt}}
{{Malice Mizer}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gackt}}
Category:Japanese male pianists
Category:Male voice actors from Okinawa Prefecture
Category:Singers from Okinawa Prefecture
Category:Japanese expatriates in Malaysia
Category:Japanese male film actors
Category:Japanese male pop singers
Category:Japanese male rock singers
Category:Japanese male singer-songwriters
Category:Japanese male television actors
Category:Japanese male video game actors
Category:Japanese male voice actors
Category:Japanese poker players
Category:Japanese rock pianists
Category:20th-century Japanese male singers
Category:20th-century Japanese singer-songwriters
Category:20th-century Japanese pianists
Category:21st-century Japanese male actors
Category:21st-century Japanese male singers
Category:21st-century Japanese singer-songwriters