It's been reported that hy4_4yh producer Ezaki Masaru passed away on August 31st after being infected with COVID-19.

According to the announcement, hy4_4yh member yukarin tested positive for COVID-19 on August 21st. At the time, Ezaki was negative, but after chanchala was also confirmed positive on the 24th, he got tested again and got his positive diagnosis. As he was experiencing mild symptoms, he wished to recuperate at home while receiving instruction from the health center. However, his health took a sudden turn for the worse, and died on the evening of the 31st. 

After doing some acting, Ezaki formed the rock band Strobe Rhodies produced by Hakase Taro. When the band disbanded, he made his solo debut produced by Sumitomo Norihito. He was also a part of the alternative band AMIDA and comic band unit Suwa Masaru. 

Ezaki provided songs to many artists including AKB48 and Watarirouka Hashiritai 7. He also composed music for stage plays, games, and commercials. To commemorate 20 years of his activities, he started his solo activities under the name Ezaki Masaru 卍 in March and had released a digital single every month until July. 

Since 2005, Ezaki was in charge of producing hy4_4yh. The last song he produced was hy4_4yh's cover of Takehara Pistol's "Ishikoro Mitai ni Hitoribocchi de, Inochi no Soko kara Kakenukerunda' released on August 25. 

Our sincere condolences, and may he rest in peace.