TOKYO, Oct 11 — The vocalist of Japanese electronic duo Boom Boom Satellites has died after a battle with brain cancer, the band said today.

Michiyuki Kawashima, 47, who was also the group’s guitarist, passed away early Sunday, according to the duo’s official website.

"It is our sad duty to inform you that Michiyuki Kawashima of BOOM BOOM SATELLITES passed away,” it said.

His partner Masayuki Nakano, a bassist and programmer, hailed his longtime musical partner who had been left paralysed by repeated operations for brain tumours.

"I imagine he is soaring around the world, finally freed from the restrictions of his body,” Nakano said on the website.

The duo debuted in 1997 with Belgium label R&S, building a niche but firm fan base in Europe.

They also grew in popularity at home, with their European techno-influenced songs imported back to Japan.

Throughout the group’s career, however, Kawashima had suffered recurring brain tumours with the last one, his fifth, discovered in August last year.

In May, they announced an end to the band’s nearly two decades in music due to Kawashima’s poor health.

Boom Boom Satellites, who performed at major music festivals such as Glastonbury in Britain and Fuji Rock in Japan, are best known for early singles Dub Me Crazy and 4 a Moment of Silence. — AFP