
As western stars who’ve been in the entertainment industry since we were nippers could tell you, reinvention is the cornerstone of a long and successful career. Just like Madonna and David Bowie, Japan’s mega-popular musical powerhouse Gackt loves a good makeover, and his newest incarnation has gotten Japanese netizens all riled up and excited. Why? Because he looks like a total badass!
Gackt’s newest form was unveiled on his official Facebook page, and is described to be the “new visual of Gackt”, which the artist will be rocking for the release of his 46th single to be released on October 7. The song, “ARROW” will hopefully be accompanied by a music video featuring Gackt throwing some shapes in his newest duds and fancy hairstyle.
So, let’s break down Gackt’s newest look: long, black braids, very pale skin, and some distressed vinyl rags. Who knew THAT combination could look so awesome?
Japan’s netizens were quick to weigh in on Gackt’s newest attire, with many praising the new direction.
“GACKT-sama‘s new look transcends reality, in fact he appears to be some kind of formidable enemy character which nobody could possibly defeat. Amazing!”
“As one would expect from the genius that is Gackt.”
“So cool! SO COOOOOOL!”
“He looks like a final boss from the Final Fantasy series!”
“Uh… does he look like Sephiroth to anyone else…?”
“He is overwhelmingly awe-inducing here.”
“He looks like Medusa. I wonder what the concept behind this look was?”
“Kinda looks like Hyde, lol!”
“If he was the final boss in a game I’d be scared!”
“He’s kinda stopped being an artist and become like a character now…”
We can’t wait to see what look Gackt comes up with next. We bet this isn’t even his final form…
Source and Image: Facebook/GACKT
[ Read in Japanese ]

Singer Gackt claims he was victim of racial discrimination in Paris hotel, handled it with class
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Elderly couple donates 400 million yen to erect Myaku-Myaku statue in Osaka
Japan Railways announces unlimited-ride train pass for fall travel
Lawson convenience store opens its first mobile, trailer-style location in Japan
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】