ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION has paid tribute to drummer and drum technician Shigeo Mihara, who passed away on July 31 at the age of 66 following a battle with lung cancer.

In a statement shared on the band's official website, the members reflected on Mihara's impact on their career, saying he had helped shape the band's sound since the recording of their debut album.

"It's not exaggeration to say that Mihara-san helped shape ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION's drum sound," the band wrote. 

They also credited Mihara with helping them through a difficult period in the early 2010s, adding that without him, they don't believe the band would still be together today.

Mihara's passing was announced on August 5. Throughout his career, he was active as both a drummer and drum technician, collaborating with numerous artists and earning widespread respect for his technical expertise and musicianship.