Genki Takebuchi

Genki Takebuchi (竹渕玄規, Takebuchi Genki), also known as Tsuzuku (綴), is a Japanese singer and songwriter. He became known as the lead singer of the visual kei bands VanessA and, most notably, Mejibray. After Mejibray disbanded, he formed the duos 8P-SB, 30sec certain victory, and solo projects. He is currently active with his solo project tzkwym, while also being part of the supergroup Drugs. He is also a vocal coach, writes poetry, and produces other musical artists.^[2]

Before discovering visual kei bands, Takebuchi listened to artists such as Exile, Kinki Kids, and Chemistry. Childhood friends introduced him to visual kei/rock bands such as Baroque and Sex Machineguns, although he mentioned that his favorites are Dir en grey and The Gazette.^[3] He says he was impressed by Dir en grey's album Vulgar.^[4]

Born in Yokohama, he moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school to form his first band, which lasted three months.^[3]

Genki said in an interview with Rock and Read that the vast majority of his lyrics are inspired by his personal experiences.^[3]

Genki began his career as a vocalist in 2004, at age 18.^[2] In October 2005, he formed the band Ruru (るる), which was active for only one year.^[5] He went on to form DIS in June 2006, which also lasted about a year; they disbanded in March 2007.^[6]

In 2007, he formed VanessA, which gained more prominence than his previous bands. They played their first solo show in 2009, but had already performed with artists such as R-Shitei.^[7] In 2010, after six singles and one EP, the guitarist decided to leave the band, leading to their breakup.^[8][9] Today, bassist Nao is part of Xanvala.^[10]

With his bandmates Koichi and Ippu (Haruki when at VanessA), he changed his stage name to Tsuzuku and formed Mejibray, initially as a solo project. Mejibray became his best-known band and left its mark on the visual kei scene of the 2010s, with sold-out shows and high rankings on Oricon's indie charts.^{[11][12][13][14]} At the end of 2017, Koichi and Tsuzuku suddenly terminated their contracts with Mejibray's record label, resulting in the band's activities being put on hold.^[15]

In 2018, the two formed the pop duo 8P-SB, contrasting their previous musicality.^[16] In 2020, Takebuchi released two solo songs under his real name: “Bookshelf” and “Tenbin” in February and June, respectively, teasing a possible end to 8P-SB.^[17] The duo officially ended in July, with both members focusing on their solo careers.^[18]On December 8, Genki formed a new solo project, SpelL, releasing his first self-titled single on the 15th.^[18] In 2021, he formed the duo 30sec certain victory with musician Ryutaro. They debuted on June 19 with the single "Screaming right now".^[19]

In April 2022, VanessA was revived with the live show RE:birth of the CHAOS. Then, on the 21st, the group released two new singles.^[20] In 2024, the singer started another solo project, tzkwym. He debuted with the EP "A Connectiv Sistem" in February, with references to Mejibray.^[21] On December 15, he released the single "Bisou".^[22] In 2025, the singer formed the supergroup Drugs with Yoshiatsu (Dadaroma, Fukuro), Wataru Shindo, and Taizo.^[23] Tzkwym released the EP And Yet I Remain on June 29, and the day before, he held the live event Abracadabra, featuring artists such as Neth Priere Cain and The Devil Inside.^[24] On November 2, he released the single "Rakuen", accompanied by a national tour starting on the 8th.^[25][26] On the 25th, he will perform at visual kei band Liza's concert in Shinjuku.^[27]

Genki Takebuchi

• "Bookshelf" (February 28, 2020)
• "Libra" (天秤, Tenbin; June 19, 2020)
• "Zankyo" (響; September 1, 2020)

SpelL

• "SpelL" (December 15, 2020)

Tzkwym

• "A CONNECTIV SISTEM" (February 29, 2024)
• "Koe" (聲; June 27, 2024)
• "-6-" (October 31, 2024)
• "Bisou" (美葬; December 15, 2024)
• "And Yet I Remain" (June 26, 2025)
• "Rakuen" (November 2, 2025)