UNISON SQUARE GARDEN have announced they will go on hiatus following their July 15th, 2026 concert at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall, with drummer Takao Suzuki departing the band on the same date. The long-running three-piece rock band, including vocalist and guitarist Kosuke Saito and bassist Tomoya Tabuchi, confirmed the news on their official site on April 27th, bringing 22 years as an unchanged lineup to a close.
Suzuki posted a lengthy statement to his X account on the same evening, opening with a warning to fans: “I think this will be unwelcome news, so brace yourself before reading”. He confirmed the decision to leave was his own, citing repeated clashes with his bandmates over the years and a major conflict in 2025 over differences in management policy. According to Suzuki, that conflict prompted Tabuchi to admit he had become exhausted by the band and wanted to quit following their 20th anniversary, and Suzuki acknowledged he was a major cause of that exhaustion. Rather than allow the band to fold, he chose to step away to keep UNISON SQUARE GARDEN alive.
Saito addressed the announcement on the band’s official member blog, framing the split as the result of two opposing creative philosophies finally reaching their breaking point. He described Tabuchi as someone who adheres to the band’s aesthetic and Suzuki as someone who pursues his individual expression, writing that their respective senses of justice no longer intersect, and that he respects both of their determination to stick to their beliefs until the end. He also clarified why the band chose hiatus over disbandment, pointing to encouragement from people close to the group urging UNISON to continue in some form.
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN at Nippon Budokan for their 20th anniversary live, ‘ROCK BAND is fun’, on July 24th, 2024. Photo: Viola Kam (V’z Twinkle)
Management company Sony Music Artists issued a statement on the official website crediting fans for the band’s longevity, writing that it was thanks to their support that UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “were able to continue as a three-piece for 22 years”. They also requested that fans refrain from making direct inquiries to members or management, and from speculation or slander on social media.
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN formed in July 2004 with Saito, Tabuchi and Suzuki, and made their major debut in 2008 with ‘Sentimental Period’. They became one of Japan’s most prolific anime tie-in artists, with ‘Sugar Song and Bitter Step’, the ending theme for Blood Blockade Battlefront, emerging as their signature track. The band celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2024 with their first best-of compilation and a Nippon Budokan show, and released the double A-side ‘Uruwashi / Azalea no Kaze’ in January 2026 for the anime In the Clear Moonlit Dusk.
Suzuki has confirmed he will continue uploading videos to his YouTube channel, and that he will share news of his next steps after the departure live. The final show, titled Sentimental Period, shares its name with the band’s 2008 major debut single.
Takao Suzuki’s full statement (translated from Japanese):
Sorry! I’ve decided to leave the band!
Throughout our long time as a band, there were often times when I clashed with the other members.
In 2025, we also had a major conflict over differences in management policy. During that time, Tabuchi approached me saying, “After reaching our 20th anniversary, I’ve become completely exhausted and want to quit”.
One of the major causes of that exhaustion was me. I wanted to keep the band going, so I proposed various approaches, but we couldn’t find a good compromise. However, it would be a waste if the band itself disappeared, so I decided to leave and prioritize the continuation of the band.
Of course, I’m fully aware of how big everything I’ve had until now is, being part of this miraculous lineup and being blessed with fans.
However, I’ve spent the past year coming to terms with my decision to leave. There are many things I want to do going forward, and I also have many friends who will support me. Thanks to that, I’ve resolved to live with hope. So please don’t worry.
I’ll share updates about what’s next on this account after the departure live. (The very pop-style videos on Takao Suzuki ch will continue to be uploaded after this post.)
I have nothing but gratitude for all of you fans, both in the past and going forward. If you’ll continue to stick with me, I’d really appreciate it!
As for UNISON, saying I’ll support them from afar might sound insincere, but they’re a great band, so please continue to give them your support!
Takao Suzuki
Kosuke Saito statement (translated from Japanese):
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN will conclude activities in its current lineup as of July 15th and will go on hiatus.
Over the past few years, we have continued searching for a way to keep the three of us going, but I feel that Tabuchi, who adheres to the band’s aesthetic, and Takao, who pursues his individual expression, have reached a point where their respective senses of justice no longer intersect. I think that’s very much like both of them, and I respect their determination to stick to their beliefs until the end.
I myself imagined various possible futures, but the voices of those close to us saying “We want UNISON to continue” also gave me the push I needed, leading us to the decision of a hiatus rather than disbandment.
Each of the three of us, in our own way, has continued these activities over a long period while thinking about the band, the music, and everyone who has supported us, and I am sincerely grateful.
Kosuke Saito
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