Jasmine You
Encyclopedia
Jasmine You was a Japan
ese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal
band Versailles
. In 1998 Jasmine You (then going by Yuu) entered the visual kei
music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time friend Hizaki
to join his solo project. Soon after he also took part in the theatrical rock show, Node of Scherzo, with Hizaki, Kamijo, Juka
and Kaya
. In 2007 he joined Versailles
and stayed with them until his illness and death in 2009.
. He formed the Nagoya based band Jakura (雀羅) in March 1998, under the name Yuu (勇). After Jakura disbanded on June 9, 2003, he decided not to join a full-time band and played in some session bands. In June 2006 he moved to Tokyo
and his long time friend Hizaki
invited him to join his solo project Hizaki grace project
.
) came together to create Versailles
and, according to some interviews, Jasmine You became a member without being formally asked. He was hanging around with Kamijo and Hizaki a lot at the time and it just felt natural to have him in the band. In the indies days Jasmine was in charge of the business side of the band, having a lot of contacts with other musicians, shops and companies. At the same time he was working with Hizaki grace project and Kamijo's project Node of Scherzo, which also consisted of Hizaki, Juka
and Kaya
. In June 2009, Versailles went major on Warner Music Japan with their single "Ascendead Master
". Versailles released five singles, one mini-album and one full-album before Jasmine You's death.
was in the final stages of production and the bass tracks were being recorded.
In the early hours of August 9, 2009, it was reported on the official site that Jasmine You had died. The translated announcement reads as follows:
2009.8.9 「Versailles」 Urgent Announcement: Though Jasmine You had taken time off in order to rest because of poor physical condition, we received a report that early in the morning on August 9, he died. Because of the extreme abruptness of this news, the members and staff are all dumbfounded and trying hard to accept this it. As soon as his family has been notified and updated as to the details and we receive their permission, we will further report to all of the fans. Moreover, with the current announcement, in regards to activity, please allow us to postpone it.
Versailles
now cites Jasmine You as an "eternal member".
held four memorial vigil
s throughout the country for Jasmine You on August 22, 2009; in New York
, California
, Washington and Texas
.
On January 4, 2010, Versailles held the "Jasmine You -Memorial Ceremony-" at Shibuya O-East, where themselves, Kaya
and Matenrou Opera
performed.
On the second anniversary of his death, his former Versailles band mate Teru composed and dedicated the song "「For You」" to Jasmine You.
Singles
Demos
Videos
Omnibuses
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
band Versailles
Versailles (Japanese band)
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements....
. In 1998 Jasmine You (then going by Yuu) entered the visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time friend Hizaki
Hizaki
Hizaki is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.- Biography :...
to join his solo project. Soon after he also took part in the theatrical rock show, Node of Scherzo, with Hizaki, Kamijo, Juka
Juka
Shaura, formerly known as Juka , is a Japanese visual kei metal singer who first became known in 2002 when he was recruited by Mana for his project Moi dix Mois. In late 2006 he joined HIZAKI's solo project, HIZAKI grace project. He then started a solo career before pausing all musical activities...
and Kaya
Kaya (Japanese musician)
is a Japanese visual kei musician, who was vocalist of the now defunct electro/darkwave duo Schwarz Stein , and also Meties and Isola under the alias of Hime. Originally on Mana's record label, Midi:Nette, Kaya recently signed to , and the label's name was changed to Kaya is also known for his...
. In 2007 he joined Versailles
Versailles (Japanese band)
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements....
and stayed with them until his illness and death in 2009.
Jakura
Jasmine You was born in Aichi PrefectureAichi Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :...
. He formed the Nagoya based band Jakura (雀羅) in March 1998, under the name Yuu (勇). After Jakura disbanded on June 9, 2003, he decided not to join a full-time band and played in some session bands. In June 2006 he moved to Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
and his long time friend Hizaki
Hizaki
Hizaki is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.- Biography :...
invited him to join his solo project Hizaki grace project
Hizaki
Hizaki is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.- Biography :...
.
Versailles
In 2007, Hizaki and Kamijo (ex-LareineLareine
Lareine was a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1994. The bands name is reported to have come from the French Queen Marie Antoinette. In 1999 the group signed to Sony, later in 2000 when all other members left, Kamijo created Applause Records...
) came together to create Versailles
Versailles (Japanese band)
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements....
and, according to some interviews, Jasmine You became a member without being formally asked. He was hanging around with Kamijo and Hizaki a lot at the time and it just felt natural to have him in the band. In the indies days Jasmine was in charge of the business side of the band, having a lot of contacts with other musicians, shops and companies. At the same time he was working with Hizaki grace project and Kamijo's project Node of Scherzo, which also consisted of Hizaki, Juka
Juka
Shaura, formerly known as Juka , is a Japanese visual kei metal singer who first became known in 2002 when he was recruited by Mana for his project Moi dix Mois. In late 2006 he joined HIZAKI's solo project, HIZAKI grace project. He then started a solo career before pausing all musical activities...
and Kaya
Kaya (Japanese musician)
is a Japanese visual kei musician, who was vocalist of the now defunct electro/darkwave duo Schwarz Stein , and also Meties and Isola under the alias of Hime. Originally on Mana's record label, Midi:Nette, Kaya recently signed to , and the label's name was changed to Kaya is also known for his...
. In June 2009, Versailles went major on Warner Music Japan with their single "Ascendead Master
Ascendead Master
"Ascendead Master" is the fourth single by Versailles and is also their first single on a major label. Released on June 24, 2009, this is also the band's last single to feature original bassist Jasmine You...
". Versailles released five singles, one mini-album and one full-album before Jasmine You's death.
Death
On August 3, 2009, it was announced that Jasmine You would temporarily suspend all musical activities, due to unknown circumstances regarding his health, in order to recover. It had been announced that Versailles' new album JubileeJubilee (Versailles album)
Jubilee is the major label debut album by Versailles, but is actually their second full-length release. Released on January 20, 2010, it's their last to feature all five original members, due to Jasmine You's death while recording it, bass parts are provided by both Jasmine You and Hizaki...
was in the final stages of production and the bass tracks were being recorded.
In the early hours of August 9, 2009, it was reported on the official site that Jasmine You had died. The translated announcement reads as follows:
2009.8.9 「Versailles」 Urgent Announcement: Though Jasmine You had taken time off in order to rest because of poor physical condition, we received a report that early in the morning on August 9, he died. Because of the extreme abruptness of this news, the members and staff are all dumbfounded and trying hard to accept this it. As soon as his family has been notified and updated as to the details and we receive their permission, we will further report to all of the fans. Moreover, with the current announcement, in regards to activity, please allow us to postpone it.
Versailles
Versailles (Japanese band)
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements....
now cites Jasmine You as an "eternal member".
Posthumous
Fans in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
held four memorial vigil
Vigil
A vigil is a period of purposeful sleeplessness, an occasion for devotional watching, or an observance...
s throughout the country for Jasmine You on August 22, 2009; in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, Washington and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
.
On January 4, 2010, Versailles held the "Jasmine You -Memorial Ceremony-" at Shibuya O-East, where themselves, Kaya
Kaya (Japanese musician)
is a Japanese visual kei musician, who was vocalist of the now defunct electro/darkwave duo Schwarz Stein , and also Meties and Isola under the alias of Hime. Originally on Mana's record label, Midi:Nette, Kaya recently signed to , and the label's name was changed to Kaya is also known for his...
and Matenrou Opera
Matenrou Opera
is a Japanese visual kei metal band. The band was formed in 2007 by Sono and Yuu who were previously the vocalist and drummer of Jeniva. Their first maxi-single was on the Office A to Z label...
performed.
On the second anniversary of his death, his former Versailles band mate Teru composed and dedicated the song "「For You」" to Jasmine You.
With Jakura
Albums and EPs- Jubaku to Fufu Tokage no Kakugo+3 (呪縛ト不フ吐陰の赫檎+3, April 15, 2002)
- Sora o Kura fu Tokage (空ヲ喰らフ吐陰, September 12, 2003)
Singles
- "Marii no Kakugo" (マリィの赫檎, April 25, 2001)
- "San ni Majiwaru Jikkai -Hebi Ichigo no Kanjou Trip-" (参ニ混ジワル十戒～蛇苺ノ感傷トリップ～, October 10, 2001)
- "San ni Majiwaru Jikkai -Katame no Shoujo ni Jojou Drug-" (参ニ混ジワル十戒～片目ノ少女に叙情ドラッグ～, November 11, 2001)
- "San ni Majiwaru Jikkai -Kaigoroshi Romanzai-" (参ニ混ジワル十戒～飼イ殺シ浪漫剤～, December 12, 2001)
- "Russian Roulette Kara no Seikansha" (ロシアンルーレットからの生還者, September 25, 2002)
- "Naki Tomanu Aka" (鳴き止まぬ赤, December 22, 2002)
- "Aieki de Nureta... Joukan" (愛液で濡れた・・・上巻, April 14, 2003)
- "Aieki de Nureta... Gekan" (愛液で濡れた・・・下巻, June 14, 2003)
Demos
- "Taiji" (胎児, August 12, 1998)
- "Jubaku to Fufu Hiro no Akumu" (呪縛ト不フ緋色ノ悪夢, June 23, 2000)
- "Three Flat" (すりぃふらっと, February 28, 2001)
Videos
- Ura Bake Neko Hakusho (裏化け猫白書, October 4, 2001, fan club only)
- Russian Roulette Kara no Seikansha - Gekijouban (ロシアンルーレットからの生還者・劇場版, 2002, fan club only)
Omnibuses
- B.J. Maniac (June 20, 2001, with "Jakura Shizenshuu")
- Shock Edge 2001 (September 29, 2001, with "Sonzai")
- Yougenkyou II: Bewicthing Illusion Mirror (April 6, 2005, with "Katame no Shoujo (Yougenkyou Mix)")