Zeke Deux and GERTENA: A candid conversation between Kakeru and Satsuki.
Zeke Deux will hold their tour final at Shibuya WWW on June 24, while GERTENA has announced their 5th anniversary oneman at Shibuya club asia on December 1. Although both bands started around the same time five years ago, this time two close friends were interviewed: Vocalist Kakeru (Zeke Deux) and guitarist Satsuki (GERTENA) for an honest conversation. The two spoke openly like real brothers. In July, they will also hold the <Brotherly rivalry great battle tour!!> to celebrate each other’s birthdays. Be sure to check out this collaborative project that goes far beyond a typical Taiban show.
※taiban: battle of the bands; an event in which multiple bands compete against each other.
—— First, please tell us how you two first met.
Kakeru: It’s been a long time, but do you remember when and how we first met?
Satsuki: I remember! It was at the time when I started my own band with all my heart, there was a senior who helped me and with whom I am close. At that time he was doing a Taiban against your previous band, Scarlet Valse.
Kakeru: That’s right! My friend (Satsuki’s senior) told me, “Satsuki wants to start a visual kei and is doing his very best, so be nice to him.” After the show, I invited Satsuki to the afterparty, and he said yes immediately. I was really impressed. Even though it was our first meeting, he didn’t hesitate at all. He seemed to be a real quick-witted guy.
Satsuki: I just started my band, so I was focused on making as many connections as possible. There are some embarrassing stories from that afterparty though (laughs)
Kakeru: There is definitely one (laughs)! Well then, please share that embarrassing story to everyone! (laughs)
Satsuki: I got completely drunk in front of a lot of people I was meeting for the first time… and cried nonstop.
Kakeru: A senior even pulled me aside and asked, “Is that guy really serious about it” because Satsuki got way too motivated.
Satsuki: Yeah (laughs). I had a senior I just met take me home, but I don’t remember the conversation or anything about being taken home.
Kakeru: But I thought, “This guy is interesting” (laughs).
Satsuki: Thank you for staying friends with me for so long despite that embarrassing incident (laughs).
—— How do you view your friendship with each other?
Satsuki: He is my senior, a big brother figure, and at the same time, someone I want to catch up to and surpass.
Kakeru: What Satsuki said is the same for me too. He is my junior, a little brother figure, and also a rival. Since I’m in the position of the one being pursued, I feel like I can’t lose to my little brother. It would be uncool if I lost, so I always feel I have to stay one step ahead of Satsuki.
Satsuki: Kakeru is always lecturing me, so I want to show him my neat side too.
Kakeru: Both GERTENA and Zeke Deux are given everything we have, but I hope we can become even better by stimulating and inspiring each other.
Satsuki: I’ll do my best to make that happen.
—— Is there anything you want the other person to change?
Kakeru: The way he immediately gets too emotional and loses his self-control (laughs)!
Satsuki: You actually lectured me about that right before this interview, didn’t you? (laughs). As for Kakeru, I don’t really have anything I want him to change.
Kakeru: Really? But when you get emotional and I try to stop you, you yell “Shut up!” and go wild, right? (laughs)
Satsuki: Well… but I apologize right away, don’t I? (laughs)
Kakeru: Yeah, but still… (laughs)
Satsuki: I know I get emotional too quickly and that there are things I’m lacking…
Kakeru: Getting emotional has its good sides too. I think that’s part of Satsuki’s charm. Sometimes you remind me of feelings I had forgotten; frustration and dissatisfaction, I understand those emotions very well.
Satsuki: We often have these kinds of chats together, lectures included… Oh, if I had to pick something, it’s that every time we play live at a taiban against each other, he always says, “You’re taking me home today as well, right?” (laughs). But then we go eat together, he treats me, and we have great talks on the way home, so it’s actually nice!
Kakeru: I also enjoy it a lot when you take me home. But Satsuki is also a band leader, so I really like to exchange opinions about band matters and music as often as possible!
—— Could you share a memorable story?
Satsuki: There are so many. During a year-end party hosted by Kakeru, band members and staff went to an izakaya. I got into a fight with another customer. I remember that clearly. Because we didn’t all arrive at the same time, I arrived before Kakeru…Kakeru arrived later and he actually got mad and told me “Don’t start fights when I’m not around!” (laugh). But he wasn’t angry about the fight itself, but that I started the fight without him. (laugh)
Kakeru: Yeah that happened! But later I heard that a drunk customer was bothering our staff, so Satsuki stepped in to protect our staff. Another time, we had a barbecue with a bunch of musicians. Satsuki and another junior went shopping with me, but we got separated on the way back (laughs).
Satsuki: Yeah, and we ended up getting off at a completely different station.
Kakeru: You guys were carrying cardboard boxes of drinks… but I and some others arrived at the barbecue spot earlier, but there were no drinks yet. It was terrible (laughs).
—— In July, you have a collaborative tour to celebrate both of your birthdays.
Kakeru: Since we were born in the same month (July), we’ve been talking about doing a birthday project for years. Last year Zeke Deux did a birthday tour and Satsuki only appeared at the final, but this time it’s a full collaboration tour! The main shows are in Nagoya and Osaka on July 13 and 14, with three additional shows before and after. On the 12th in Fukuoka (my hometown), some close friends will perform. The Tokyo shows on the 22nd and 31st will feature session projects. On the 22nd, I’ll join “Satsuki Birthday Session,” and on the final day (31st), Satsuki will join “Scarlet Valse Kakeru Session.”
Satsuki: It’s a project we’ve talked about several times, and it’s finally happening this year. The tour starts in Fukuoka, we play against precious friends Kakeru introduced me to, so it feels very special to me. I’m really looking forward to creating lots of new memories. I’ll try not to get too excited and go too wild (laughs).
Kakeru: Especially on the first day in Fukuoka; it’s the day before my birthday, so let’s both be careful nothing crazy happens! (laughs) Satsuki’s real birthday is on the 22nd, so be careful then too (laughs).
Satsuki: I will (laughs). But on a birthday show, I have to be the most put-together, so I’ll give my best until that day. For the final “Scarlet Valse Kakeru Session,” I plan to enjoy it to the fullest and really hype things up.
Kakeru: Satsuki helped with Scarlet Valse ONEMAN’s and he loved our music, so making the setlist was actually quite difficult.
Satsuki: I often listened to Scarlet Valse songs on YouTube, so some are stuck in my head. I think I’ll be able to learn them smoothly.
Kakeru: I vaguely remembered the songs you said you liked before, so I’m planning to include them.
—— Please tell us about Zeke Deux and GERTENA’s upcoming activities and tell us about the highlights.
Kakeru: Zeke Deux’s tour <Dawn of The Luminous Tears>, which started in March, will conclude on June 24 at Shibuya WWW. It’s an important show as we move to the next stage, so I hope even people reading this for the first time will come see us.
Satsuki: First, we’re preparing with strong passion for the birthday show on July 22. Then, on December 1, we’ll hold our 5th anniversary ONEMAN at Shibuya club asia. It’s a really important live, so I hope everyone looks forward to it.
Kakeru: club asia is also where Zeke Deux held a ONEMAN last year. Satsuki came to watch our live. But what did you actually think of the live?
Satsuki: Honestly, I thought it was really cool, and I felt envious. Since I’ve been involved with Zeke Deux as a support member for about three years since the start, it was very emotional for me.
Kakeru: That feeling of envy is exactly why GERTENA is now challenging the same venue. Zeke Deux will also celebrate our 5th anniversary in November, so our bands are like brothers.
Satsuki: Exactly. I’ll do my best so that everyone who comes says it was worth it. Also, we’ve just released new artist photos and also a music video with a slightly different concept, I hope you enjoy those as well.
Kakeru: With Zeke Deux, we released a new song “JaiL” (released on the first day of the tour) and nurtured the song through live performances. We also just released “Restoration” on May 19, and we want to nurture the song together with our fans as well. It’s a song where we tried something new, so I hope fans will be more vocal. We’re currently recording an unreleased track that will be released at the tour final. It’ll be another song that pumps up our live shows. I want to create great moments together with everyone’s voices.
Satsuki: Zeke Deux really releases speed is so fast! New songs are being added one after another, aren’t they?
Kakeru: Yeah. I have such a strong desire to release a lot of songs! Also, I wanted to ask you something. Zeke Deux has been using support drummers for a long time, but TOSSY has now officially joined as a full member. What do you think of the new lineup?
Satsuki: From a guitarist’s perspective, I get the impression that TOSSY is a very serious drummer. How many times have you done artist photos since TOSSY joined?
Kakeru: The latest visual is the third time.
Satsuki: He’s starting to look more and more like he belongs in Zeke Deux. Also, since Nazuki and Miria joined, the sound has become much more delicate and detailed. I feel like the whole band has much better unity both visually and sonically.
Kakeru: Thank you for the high-and-mighty review (laughs)!
Satsuki: No, no, no (laughs)! That’s my honest impression after just seeing the new visual!
Kakeru: GERTENA also has a new drummer named Tatsushi, he joined at the end of last year. He’s really good, isn’t he?
Satsuki: He’s a great guy. Though he’s extremely humble in daily life (laughs).
Kakeru: Exactly! The gap between his normal self and when he gets on stage is huge. He is like those anime characters who change completely when they get on a motorbike (laughs). Thanks to him, I feel GERTENA has become a much more powerful band. Not just female fans; male fans are going to go crazy too.
Satsuki: I feel the same. The sound has more depth now, he really enhances GERTENA’s appeal.
—— Finally, please send a message to your fans and readers.
Satsuki: Our birthday tour starts in July. I intend to enjoy it more than anyone else, so everyone, please keep up with us!
Kakeru: Satsuki and I will be lifelong friends as musicians. I hope the people around us who know us both will think, “This kind of friendship is great.” As brothers and rivals, we’ll keep pushing each other forward, so please continue to support us!
Interview by Starwave Records; JROCK’N’ROLL obtained the permission to publish the translation.
Kakeru Official X : @ZekeDeux_Kakeru
Kakeru Official Instagram: @xkakerux0712
Zeke Deux Official WebSite : https://www.zekedeux.jp/
Satsuki Official X : @GERTENA_satsuki
Satsuki Official Instagram: @gertena.satsuki
GERTENA Official WebSite : https://gertena.jp/
LIVE PICKUP
2026/06/24 (WED) Shibuya WWW (Zeke Deux ONEMAN)
2026/07/11 (SAT) Fukuoka graf (Couple tour)
2026/07/13 (MON) Shinsaibashi CLAPPER (Couple tour)
2026/07/14 (TUE) Imake CLUB 3STAR (Couple tour)
2026/07/22(WED) Ikebukuro BlackHole (Satsuki Birthday)
2026/07/31(FRI) Ikebukuro BlackHole (Kakeru Birthday)
2026/12/01 (TUE) clubasia (GERTENA ONEMAN)
★★★Zeke Deux Power Push!!★★★
2026/06/24 (WED) Shibuya WWW
Zeke Deux Tour Final
「Dawn of The Luminous Tears」
Starwave Records presents
OPEN 18:15 / START 19:00
CAST：Zeke Deux
[Ticket Details]
◆Premium Ticket SS: 15,000 yen (+drink)
・Postcard-style ticket (SS ticket specifications)
・Invitation to the after-party solo concert at Ikebukuro RED Zone on June 25th
・Unreleased 8cm single
・Photobook
・Group acrylic stand (approx. 15cm wide x 9cm high)
◆Premium Ticket S: 10,000 yen (+drink)
• Postcard-style ticket (S ticket specifications)
• Unreleased 8cm single
• Photobook
• Group acrylic stand (approx. 15cm wide x 9cm high)
◆General Advance Ticket A: 1,000 yen (+drink)
• Unreleased 8cm single
◆Picture Ticket B: 1,000 yen (+drink)
• Unreleased 8cm single
◆Door ticket: 0 yen (+drink)
• Unreleased 8cm single (no jacket)
［TICKETS］
■SS&S：Starwave Records Online Shop
SS •Purchase URL
S •Purchase URL
■Ａ：e+
•Purchase URL
■Ｂ：venue sales＆Starwave Records Online Shop
• Purchase URL
■Ｃ：Door ticket.
[Ticket Bonus Notes]
※The “unreleased 8cm single” is the same for all ticket types.
※Bonuses will only be mailed to SS and S ticket holders. Please select whether you will be attending the event when purchasing.
※Bonuses included with A, B, and C tickets (same-day tickets) cannot be mailed at a later date. They will only be given to attendees at the venue on the day of the event.
★★★GERTENA Power Push!!★★★
2026/12/01(TUE) clubasia
GERTENA 5th Anniversary
『死にたいと願ったあの夜に』
『Shinitai to Negatta ano Yoru ni 』
OPEN 18:00 / START 18:30
CAST:GERTENA
SS Ticket ¥15,000 (+drink)
S Ticket ¥10,000 (+drink)
Advance Ticket A (e+) ¥1,000 (+drink)
Advance Ticket B (Picture Ticket) ¥1,000 (+drink)
Free Admission on the Day (+drink)
[Ticket Information]
All attendees will receive a limited edition single as a gift.
[Ticket purchase]
■SS •Purchase URL • (GERTENA webshop) – Sales start 7/05
■S •Purchase URL • (GERTENA webshop) – Sales start 7/08
■B •Purchase URL • (GERTENA webshop & venue sale) – Sale start 7/19~10:00am
■A •Purchase URL• (e+) – Sale start 7/19~10:00am
[Ticket Benefits]
■SS Ticket
1. Invitation to the After-Party One-Man Live (December 2nd at Ikebukuro RED-Zone ANERIS, Doors open 17:00)
2. Limited Single (Includes a comment from each member)
3. Limited Photobook
4. Group Acrylic Stand
■S Ticket
1. Limited Edition Single (Includes a comment from each member)
2. Limited Photobook
3. Group Acrylic Stand
■ A Ticket (e+)
1. Limited Edition Single (No Jacket)
■ B Ticket (Printed ticket of 6 types, shuffled)
1. Limited Edition Single (No Jacket)
Available at GERTENA merchandise booth, GERTENA ONLINE SHOP and special locations.
■Door Ticket: Free Ticket on the Day
1. Limited Edition Single (No Jacket)
[Benefits Notes]
※If you have an SS ticket or S ticket, please select whether you will be attending when purchasing your ticket. For those who cannot attend, we will send it by mail.
※For those attending with an A ticket, B ticket, or C ticket, benefits will only be given to attendees at the venue on the day of the event.
★★★ コラボツアー兄弟喧嘩大バトルツアー！！★★★
★★★COLLABORATION TOUR Kyodaigenka Dai BATTLE TOUR! ! Bangai-hen!!★★★
●2026/07/11(SAT)Fukuoka graf
Zeke Deux Kakeru ×GERTENA Satsuki Birthday
コラボツアー兄弟喧嘩大バトルツアー！！番外編
(COLLABORATION TOUR Kyodaigenka Dai BATTLE TOUR! ! Bangai-hen!!)
「～Relation of the Different Colors [Kakeru Birthday Zen’yasai Fukuoka-hen]～」
Starwave Records Presents
OPEN 16:00 / START 16:30
ADV 4,000 / DOOR 4,500 (+DRINK)
CAST：Zeke Deux、GERTENA、MBJ、SABA、(ANI-V)、MADARA
【Ticket sales】
■Ａ：e+
•Purchase URL •
※To prevent resale, the starting number of the queue numbers is random.
■B: Tickets available on the day of the event
※No band reservations
Entry order: By ticket number
●2026/07/13 (MON) Shinsaibashi CLAPPER
Zeke Deux Kakeru ×GERTENA Satsuki Birthday
コラボツアー兄弟喧嘩大バトルツアー！！番外編
(COLLABORATION TOUR Kyodaigenka Dai BATTLE TOUR! ! Bangai-hen!!)
OPEN 16:00 / START 16:30
ADV 4,000円 / DOOR 4,500 (+DRINK)
CAST：Zeke Deux、GERTENA、deva:ed、BlacK TeaR、Luvielle、LESSFEAR
【Ticket sales】
■Ａ：e+
•Purchase URL •
※To prevent resale, the starting number of the queue numbers is random.
■B: Tickets available on the day of the event
※No band reservations
Entry order: By ticket number
●2026/07/14(TUE) Imake CLUB 3STAR
Zeke Deux Kakeru ×GERTENA Satsuki Birthday
コラボツアー兄弟喧嘩大バトルツアー！！番外編
(COLLABORATION TOUR Kyodaigenka Dai BATTLE TOUR! ! Bangai-hen!!)
OPEN 16:00 / START 16:30
ADV 4,000円 / DOOR 4,500 (+DRINK)
CAST：Zeke Deux、GERTENA、UNTIL’D ASH、【2nd/A】Re:bellion、クリッククラック、MEME
【Ticket sales】
■Ａ：e+
•Purchase URL •
※To prevent resale, the starting number of the queue numbers is random.
■B: Tickets available on the day of the event
※No band reservations
Entry order: By ticket number
●2026/07/22日(WED) Ikebukuro BlackHole
Zeke Deux Kakeru ×GERTENA Satsuki Birthday
コラボツアー兄弟喧嘩大バトルツアー！！番外編
「絆〜all for one unity～Vol.5 [Satsuki Birthday東京編ONE MAN]」
(COLLABORATION TOUR Kyodaigenka Dai BATTLE TOUR! ! Bangai-hen!!)
「Kizuna〜all for one unity～Vol. 5 [Satsuki Birthday Tokyo-hen ONE MAN]」
GERTENA Presents
OPEN 17:30 / START 18:00
Premium Ticket ¥10,000
ADV ¥4,000 / DOOR ¥4,500 (+DRINK)
CAST: GERTENA
OPENING ACT: Satsuki Birthday Session (Vo.Kakeru(ZekeDeux) Gt.Satsuki(Satsuki) Gt.マイム(ex.リリカ) Ba.GoH(ORSEAS) Dr.Seira(ORSEAS) )
[Ticket Information]
■Premium Ticket (GERTENA WEBSHOP):
Purchase URL
•Premium Ticket Benefits •
1: Picture Ticket
2: Group Acrylic Stand
3: 6-Shot Ticket
※Premium ticket holders receive priority entry (in order of ticket number)
■e+ URL
Purchase URL
■Entry
A. Premium Ticket
B. e+
C. Same-Day Ticket
●2026/07/31(FRI) Ikebukuro BlackHole
Zeke Deux Kakeru ×GERTENA Satsuki Birthday
コラボツアー兄弟喧嘩大バトルツアー！！番外編
「～Relation of the Different Colors [Kakeru Birthday東京編ONE MAN]～」
(COLLABORATION TOUR Kyodaigenka Dai BATTLE TOUR! ! Bangai-hen!!)
「～Relation of the Different Colors [Kakeru Birthday Tokyo-hen ONE MAN]～」Starwave Records Presents
OPEN 17:00 / START 17:30
ADV 5,000 / DOOR 5,500 (+DRINK)
CAST：Zeke Deux
CENTER ACT: Rosalia chante la Douce Douleur
OPENING ACT: Scarlet Valse Kakeru Session (Vo:Kakeru(Zeke Deux) Gt:Satsuki(GERTENA) Gt:MARTHA(SIRENE) Ba:欠-kakeru-(exリリカ) Dr:みちゃき)
[Ticket sales]
■Ａ：e+
Purchase URL
※To prevent resale, the starting number of the queue numbers is random.
■B：Available at the door.
※No band reservations
Entry order：By ticket number
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