BugLug

BugLug are a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 2009, originally comprising vocalist Issei, guitarists Kazuki and Yu, and bassist Tsubame. Beginning live activities in 2010 under Resistar Records, they developed a sound that combines punchy punk-rock guitars, electronic elements, infectious pop melodies, and Issei’s often sarcastic, emotionally charged lyrics. Their colourful styling and mischievous sense of humour have become trademarks, although their music frequently deals with frustration, insecurity, and the determination to overcome personal difficulties.

Drummer Masaumi joined in 2011, completing the five-member line-up that released albums including ‘G.A.G’ (2012) and ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY KILL YOU’ (2015). The band progressed from Tokyo live houses to headline concerts at Akasaka BLITZ, Zepp DiverCity, and Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, followed by an extensive tour covering all 47 Japanese prefectures. Their career faced a serious interruption in May 2016 when Issei suffered a severe head injury after falling down a staircase. Following months of rehabilitation, he made his full return at the band’s first Nippon Budokan concert on 7th May 2017, exactly one year after the accident.

BugLug continued releasing music with albums including ‘KAI•TAI•SHIN•SHO’ (2018) and ‘Futoumei na Sugao’ (2019). Masaumi departed in December 2019, with former Dangan No Limit drummer Yusuke joining in August 2020. The new line-up released ‘i CON’ in 2023 and celebrated the band’s fifteenth anniversary in 2025 with a headline concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall and the mini-album ‘Namairo.’. Their 24th single, ‘Original Not Found’, followed in July 2026.

Beyond their own concerts, BugLug have become prominent organisers within Japan’s visual kei scene through BugSami, an annual festival launched in 2018. The event has grown from a band-hosted gathering into a large multi-venue showcase involving established names and newer acts. Its 2026 edition expanded to Nagoya and Osaka before bringing a 94-act lineup to six venues in Shibuya across two days, with performers including MUCC, lynch., deadman, and DEVILOOF. The festival has become an important part of BugLug’s identity, providing a platform for different generations of visual kei musicians while the band continue their own recording and touring activities.