Last week, the death of Jun Seba, better known as Nujabes, was publicly announced. He died in an automobile accident on February 26, and was buried privately by his family. It is unknown as to why the announcement of his death was kept a secret for 3 weeks.

Seba was renowned as a hip-hop producer in Japan, and is probably best known internationally for his contributions to the Samurai Champloo soundtrack. His music incorporates a number of influences and relies on sampled riffs and unique instrumentation.

Announcement From the Record Label

Available here: http://hydeout.net/hydeout/2010/03/_hydeoutproductions.html

＜ Hydeout　Productions から　緊急のお知らせ ＞

突然の、本当に突然の、悲しいお知らせをしなければなりません。

hydeout productions主宰nujabesは、2010年2月26日深夜
東京都港区内の首都高速を降りた地点で、突然、車の事故に遭遇し
救急車で渋谷区内の病院に搬送され、懸命の救命治療が施されましたが、
再びその心臓の鼓動を甦らせることなく、天空へと飛び立ちました。
36歳の誕生日を迎えたばかりの急逝でした。

葬儀は、nujabesの音楽とともに、家族だけの密葬として、しめやかに執り行われました。
ここに生前のご厚誼に深謝し、謹んでご通知申し上げます。
突然の訃報に接し、日一日と悲しみ、悔しさがさらに募っております。

nujabesがこれまで世に送り出した数々の楽曲は、音楽への深い愛情、
才能ある先駆者達への尊敬、自由な精神と独創性に溢れ、
聞く人の感情を揺るがすような最良の音楽の領域にまで高まっていたと思います。
彼は、自分の音楽を高めるために、自分自身の心と精神を極限まで昂揚させ、
ひとつひとつの音をやさしく紡ぎ、音楽の新しい地平をめざし、
日々懸命に努力を積み重ねておりました。

幸いにも、nujabesが紡ぎ織り続けた未発表の新しい音源が、スタジオに残されています。
hydeout productionsとしては、今後、このnujabesのメッセージを、
盟友のUyama Hiroto等と共に、多くの方に、一日も早くお届けしたいと思っております。

ファンの皆様、関係者の皆様には、これまでのご支援を深く感謝すると共に、
今後ともnujabesの音楽を大切にご愛聴していただけますことを心より願っております。

Translation:

Suddenly, really suddenly, we have to make an incredibly sad announcement.

The owner of Hydeout Productions, Nujabes, was leaving the highway in Tokyo’s Harbor Ward when he got into an accident. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital where he was given the best lifesaving measures possible. However, his heart could not be restarted, and he went to heaven.

He had just turned 36.

His funeral service played his music and was attended only by close friends and family.

Nujabes gave the world a number of great songs. He was a respected pioneer in the hip-hop genre, his freedom of expression in music that boiled over and affected other people. I think those that have danced to or been deeply moved by his music understand this.

He wanted his music to lift spirits to their highest point. One by one people listened to his music, and his fanbase grew through his eager efforts.

Thankfully, there is unreleased music still present in the studio.

From now on, Hydeout Productions will be releasing statements from Nujabes’ friends probably at the beginning of next month.

Fans and supporters alike, your well wishes are appreciated.

Now, it’s important that you let Nujabes live on in your hearts.

Further Resources:

Steel Closet quick summary

Shing02′s statement

My apologies for a rushed summary, but I’m preparing for a wedding soon. Since 2005, Nujabes is #6 on my list of artists that I listen to most often, so the news hits close to home.