Former X Japan bass player Sawada Taiji has died in Saipan following a suicide attempt while in police custody. He was 45. He had been in a coma since attempting suicide by hanging using torn bedsheets on July 14. Members of his family traveled from Japan to see him in hospital and agreed for him to be taken off of life support on July 17. He was known to have suffered from several medical conditions, including epilepsy and a bone disease that caused difficulty in walking.
After playing with several bands and enjoying all the excesses of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, Sawada joined X Japan in 1986 despite having somewhat different musical tastes. Dissatisfaction about money led to arguments with band leader Yoshiki and Sawada was kicked out after series of shows at Tokyo Dome in early 1992. He returned to the lineup only last August for an emotional reunion at the Yokohama Arena (photo left).
According to Saipan police, Sawada flew into the US protectorate from Narita Airport on July 11, one day before his 45th birthday. He became violent during the flight, punching and kicking windows, other passengers and crew, and he was arrested immediately on arrival. He was due to appear in court on July 15. Yoshiki and the other X Japan members have yet to give any substantial statements to the media other than to express their shock. The band lost charismatic guitarist Hide to a suspected suicide shortly after they broke up in the late 1990s.