5 Shocking Ways Dir En Grey’s Toshiya Redefined Bass And Visual Kei In 2025
The enigmatic presence of Toshiya, the bassist for the avant-garde metal giants Dir en grey, continues to captivate fans worldwide, with his influence extending far beyond the low-end frequencies of his instrument. As of late December 2025, the buzz around the band is at an all-time high with major announcements that solidify their legendary status, and Toshiya is central to this renewed creative surge.
From a massive US tour to the promise of a twelfth studio album, Toshiya's unique blend of technical mastery, fashion-forward visual style, and compositional contributions makes him one of the most compelling figures in modern Japanese music. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates and the five core pillars that define his impact in the current era.
Toshiya: Biography and Essential Profile
Toshiya, known for his commanding stage presence and deeply expressive bass lines, is a foundational element of the Dir en grey sound. His journey from a student of fashion to a globally recognized metal icon is a testament to his dedication to the arts.
- Real Name: Hara Toshimasa (原 敏政)
- Nickname: Totchi
- Date of Birth: March 31, 1977
- Hometown: Nagano, Japan
- Band: Dir en grey (Bassist, since 1997)
- Previous Bands: GOSICK, D+L
- Side Project: DECAYS (Guitarist/Vocalist/Bassist)
- Notable Compositions: "Erode," "Bottom of the Death Valley," "The Domestic Fucker Family"
- Education: Studied fashion design, which heavily influences his visual style.
The Latest: Dir en grey's 2025-2026 Era and Toshiya's Role
The current period marks a significant chapter for Dir en grey, with Toshiya playing a critical role in the band's relentless touring schedule and highly anticipated new material. The band’s activities in 2025 and 2026 highlight their enduring commitment to their intense, experimental sound.
1. The Anticipation for *MORTAL DOWNER* (2026)
Following the successful domestic "TOUR25 EN'EN (蜿蜒)," Dir en grey made a monumental announcement: their 12th full-length album, titled *MORTAL DOWNER*, is slated for release in 2026. Toshiya, alongside his bandmates Kyo (vocals), Kaoru (guitar), Die (guitar), and Shinya (drums), is expected to push the boundaries of their avant-garde metal sound even further. His compositional flair, which has historically contributed to some of the band's most dynamic tracks, will undoubtedly be a key factor in the album's sonic landscape.
2. Returning to North America with "TOUR 25 WHO IS THIS HELL"
In a move that thrilled international fans, Dir en grey returned to the US in April 2025 for their first North American tour in six years, titled "TOUR 25 WHO IS THIS HELL." Toshiya's performance during this sold-out run, including multiple nights in Los Angeles and Anaheim, showcased his powerful stage presence and technical precision. The tour, which also featured a high-fidelity vinyl edition release of their 2002 album *MACABRE* in December 2025, reaffirmed their global appeal.
Toshiya's Technical Mastery: The Signature Bass Gear
Toshiya’s bass sound is a signature blend of thick, clear tone and aggressive articulation, a sonic identity he achieves through a carefully curated selection of high-end instruments and gear. His choice of basses is as distinctive as his visual style, often featuring unique shapes and custom finishes.
3. The Iconic ESP Signature Models
Toshiya's primary instruments are his ESP signature models, which are central to his live sound. His main live bass is often cited as the ESP RU-DRIVE, a model that allows him to deliver the complex, driving bass lines required for Dir en grey’s music. Other notable signature models include the ESP D-TT [TRICK STAR] and the more accessible EDWARDS E-T-TR, all designed to produce a bass sound with an "outstanding presence."
- Live Main: ESP RU-DRIVE
- Signature Series: ESP D-TT [TRICK STAR]
- Notable Alternatives: Killer 3epo Bass Guitar (nicknamed 'The Prawn'), Dingwall Lee Sklar Signature Bass (used for some recording sessions).
His technique is often praised for its ability to cut through the band's dense, heavy arrangements, a necessity in the J-Rock and Japanese metal scene where the bass often takes a more melodic and prominent role than in Western metal.
Beyond Dir en grey: Toshiya’s Creative Outlets
While Dir en grey remains his main focus, Toshiya has channeled his extensive creative energy into other projects, showcasing his versatility as a musician and artist.
4. The DECAYS Project
In 2015, Toshiya formed his solo project band, DECAYS. This venture allowed him to step out of his traditional role, often performing as a guitarist and vocalist in addition to bass. DECAYS offered a space for Toshiya to explore different musical textures and styles that might not fit within the confines of Dir en grey's intense sound. The project highlights his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and his desire to constantly evolve.
5. Toshiya's Unconventional Collaborations and Style
Toshiya’s artistic reach extends into the world of fashion and unexpected collaborations. Having studied fashion design, his personal style is a continuous evolution, often described as outlandish, razor-smart, and deeply rooted in the visual kei aesthetic that Dir en grey helped pioneer. His stage outfits—from intricate leatherwork to thigh-high heeled boots—are a performance art in themselves, embodying the band's dark and dramatic themes.
Furthermore, Toshiya has embraced unique partnerships, including a collaboration project with the iconic cartoon character Snoopy and the toy company Bandai, demonstrating his willingness to bridge the gap between high art, rock music, and mainstream pop culture. This openness to diverse creative avenues, including his upcoming 2025 event with fellow bassist J, keeps his profile fresh and unpredictable.
The Enduring Legacy of Toshiya
Toshiya’s influence on the landscape of Japanese metal and visual kei is undeniable. He is more than just a bassist; he is a composer, a fashion icon, and a powerful visual artist. As Dir en grey prepares for the release of *MORTAL DOWNER* and continues its global tours, Toshiya remains a driving force. His commitment to technical excellence and artistic expression ensures that the band's music, and his own legacy, will continue to resonate with fans for years to come. The current era of Dir en grey, defined by new albums, international shows, and Toshiya’s signature sound, is proof that after decades, the band is as vital and relevant as ever.
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