The Japanese electronic music community is in mourning. Classically trained DJ, pianist and producer ALESSA has passed away at the age of 33. Her team confirmed the news on Instagram, with the artist's family and staff still struggling to process the sudden loss.
Her official team’s statement reads: “To all of ALESSA’s fans and partners: It is with deep sadness that we announce ALESSA passed away on September 5, 2026. Her passing was so sudden that her family and staff are still struggling to process this heartbreaking reality. A private funeral was held on September 9 with close relatives.”
Continuing the statement, her camp wrote: “We sincerely thank all the fans and collaborators who supported her throughout her journey. Out of respect for her family’s privacy, we will refrain from disclosing further details. We kindly ask for your understanding. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your love for ALESSA. We hope her music and memories will continue to live on in your hearts.”
ALESSA was one of Japan’s most distinctive electronic music figures — a classically trained pianist with perfect pitch who fused her conservatory roots with high-energy club music. She made history performing Japan’s first ever DJ and orchestra concert with the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, and built her international reputation through releases on Sosumi Records, most notably 2020’s ‘Into The Unknown’ with Vadai, which marked the label’s return.
British DJ and Sosumi founder Kryder paid a lengthy personal tribute: “I’m truly heartbroken to hear of the passing of my good friend @alessa.amusic — this is an absolute tragedy and unbelievably sad. I’d known Alessa for over ten years. She was full of energy, really outgoing, a life-size personality and an incredible friend.”
Kryder continued: “We had some amazing and fun adventures together — techno tuk-tuks in Thailand, Christmas Day dinner in Bangkok’s tallest restaurant, boat parties in Amsterdam, and so much more besides. China, Japan, wherever we ended up. She was exceptionally talented too — an award-winning, classically trained pianist with perfect pitch. She was an incredible DJ and producer. I signed her to Sosumi in 2020, and ‘Into The Unknown’ with Vadai was the record that brought the label back.”
“She went on to play Japan’s first ever DJ and orchestra concert with the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, where she performed my track ‘STAY’ — hearing that with a full orchestra behind it is something I’ll never forget. I will miss her dearly, and I’m sure a lot of the Sosumi crew and Kryteria family from over the past decade will remember her as the absolute life of any room she entered. To her family and her sister, I wish you strength in this exceptionally difficult period. We all love you Alessa and will miss you so much.”
Our thoughts are with ALESSA’s family, friends and everyone who was touched by her music.
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