It seems like I can't go a week or two lately without hearing a bit of sad news from Japan. The other week I heard about the loss of rock starlet Kaori Kawamura who finally lost her long battle with cancer. It was a sad story, but she had prepared herself for it. Knowing death was on the horizon, she spent her final days playing concerts, writing books, and coming to accept her fate. Unfortunately for Jasmine You, he was not awarded that luxury.

Last Saturday, he passed away at the age of 30. While the details surrounding his death have not been released, Jasmine had suspended all musical endeavors as of August 3rd due to health concerns. From what I understand, the latest Versailles album is currently nearing completion and the bass tracks were being recorded at the time. No word on if they were finished before he passed away this weekend. It's a real shame considering how successful the band had become, having just recently moved from an independent label to a major one. I can't help but feel he was robbed of the stardom both he and the rest of his band had worked so dearly for.