NoB (Nobuo Yamada), best known for performing the opening theme of the anime Saint Seiya, passed away on August 9 at the age of 61 due to kidney cancer, his agency announced on its official website.

In their statement, MOJOST said:

“Our artist NoB (Nobuo Yamada) passed away peacefully at 1:39 p.m. on August 9, 2025, after a long battle with kidney cancer, at a hospital where he had been receiving treatment. Born on January 20, 1964, he was 61 years old. We deeply appreciate the kindness shown to him during his life and regret to share this sad news.”

The agency praised his career:

“NoB made his major debut in 1984 as the vocalist of MAKE-UP and was active in numerous bands and projects. In addition to singing, he also wrote and composed songs, including the opening theme of Saint Seiya, ‘Pegasus Fantasy,’ which became a globally recognized hit. He went on to perform many anime and tokusatsu hero songs, singing at concerts and events worldwide, captivating fans in Japan and abroad with his powerful voice and performances.”

Diagnosed with kidney cancer eight years ago, NoB underwent radiation and drug treatments. Although initially given a five-year prognosis, he “fought bravely with a strong will to keep singing,” according to the statement. “Even the day before his passing, he was discussing arrangements for his compositions and future stage appearances to meet his fans, remaining ‘rock musician NoB’ until the very end.”

The family held a private funeral in accordance with their wishes, and the agency asked for privacy regarding home visits or interviews. A public memorial service for fans is planned, with details to be announced later.

Pegasus Fantasy

Career Highlights

NoB began his career in 1983, participating as a vocalist on the solo album Hakai Gaisenroku by Munetaka Higuchi (drummer of LOUDNESS) and the album of the hard rock unit M’tFUJI. In 1984, he debuted as the vocalist of the hard rock band MAKE-UP, and in 1986 contributed lyrics, compositions, and vocals for Saint Seiya’s theme songs and soundtrack.

In 2005, he sang the insert song “Dark Magic Knight　Wolzard” for the Mahou Sentai Magiranger series, and in 2006, for the 30th-anniversary GoGo Sentai Boukenger, he composed and performed the opening theme. He later performed the theme song for Tensou Sentai Goseiger in 2010, joined Project.R to sing the ending theme for Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger in 2011, and composed the theme song “Armour Zone” for Kamen Rider Amazons in 2016. In 2018, he performed the movie theme “Eat’ Kill All” with Taro Kobayashi.

In April 2024, it was revealed that he had a brain tumor. In February 2025, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer seven years earlier and withdrew from scheduled performances, including a planned concert in Mexico.

The statement concluded:
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the fans who supported NoB’s career and to all the colleagues who worked with him over the years.”

Source : ORICON NEWS