DOES has announced that vocalist and guitarist Wataru Ujihara has been diagnosed with an ulnar nerve disorder, which has affected his ability to play guitar.

According to a statement shared on the band's official social media accounts, Ujihara suddenly experienced numbness and loss of sensation in the little and ring fingers of his left hand sometime after DOES' 20th anniversary concert on September 13 at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo.

After his symptoms persisted, he consulted a specialist and was diagnosed with an ulnar nerve disorder. Recovery is expected to take approximately three to six months, although the extent of recovery varies from person to person.

Despite the diagnosis, DOES will continue performing live with the addition of a support guitarist, temporarily operating as a four-member band.

In a message to fans, Ujihara apologized for causing concern and expressed his determination to remain positive. He wrote, "It's a bit of a sad turn of events, but I'm going to stay positive and make sure we can show you a special four-piece version of DOES. I'm also looking forward to seeing how I'll do as a vocalist-only member, rather than a guitar-vocalist."

Ujihara added that he plans to focus on rehabilitation while continuing his musical activities, hoping to eventually return to singing and playing guitar like before.