Drummer Yasunori Arai Cause of Death: Band Member Behind 'Slam Dunk' Hit Opening Song Dies

Yasunori Arai, the drummer of Japanese rock band BAAD that performed the theme song of "Slam Dunk" anime, has died, multiple media outlets confirmed.

Local news outlets shared reports this month revealing that drummer Yasunori Arai died on May 22, days after the BAAD held a special event appearance.

Drummer Yasunori Arai Dead at 55

Yahoo! News Japan cited the announcement posted on BAAD's official website regarding Yasunori Arai's death. The band shared the saddening news with everyone who has been supporting the group over the past decades.

According to the post, penned by Giza Artist Co., Ltd., the BAAD drummer died after undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed health issue.

"We apologize for the late notice, but please refrain from individual inquiries or interviews with the bereaved family and his BAAD members," the website said. "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you for your kindness and support throughout his lifetime."

Yasunori Arai did not participate in the BAAD's first reunion in nearly 30 years, which was held on May 18, in order to focus on his treatment amid his health battle. As part of the reunion, the group also shared a live version of the song "Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai (I Want to Shout 'I Like You')," the opening theme for the hit anime series "Slam Dunk," on Twitter.

The website disclosed that a funeral and a farewell ceremony already took place and was held exclusively by his family and close relatives.

BAAD, Yasunori Arai's Career and Legacy

Yasunori Arai started his career with BAAD in 1992 until he debuted in February 1993 alongside Shinichiro Ohta, Kobayashi Masamichi, and Yamada Kyouji. The latter member was replaced by Hata Hideki following his departure in 1995.

BAAD marked its debut with the single, "Donna Toki Demo Hold Me Tight," but rose to fame even more following the release of "Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai" which was used as the opening theme song of "Slam Dunk" original anime series.

They released the single "Koishite Hajimete Shitta Kimi" and the album "B-SOUL" in 1998 before disbanding due to unknown reasons the following year.

The news regarding Yasunori Arai's death came after the anime's movie, "The First Slam Dunk," confirmed its arrival on the US and Canada's big screens this summer. GKIDS secured the license from Toei Animation to proceed with the North American release, according to Comicbook.