L'Arc-en-Ciel vocalist Hyde pays tribute to west Japan hometown in relocated gallery

WAKAYAMA -- A special gallery commemorating the appointment of popular Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel vocalist Hyde, who hails from this western Japan city, as the city's hometown tourism ambassador, reopened at its new location at Wakayama-jo Hall on Oct. 30.

Some 50 fans of the singer attended the relocated gallery's opening ceremony and received a message from Hyde, saying, "Please enjoy the history and culture that the city of Wakayama boasts."

Hyde served as the city's first tourism ambassador for two years from January 2019 to January 2021. Hyde himself apparently supervised the entire concept of the renewed gallery, which had previously been located in the city hall. The gallery was named "Hyde Memorial Gallery," to express the singer's feelings toward his hometown.

Written on a huge board is a message from Hyde welcoming visitors to the city with the catchphrase, "What a wonderful Wakayama," which became popular among fans and others after the singer posted it on his social media account in his capacity as tourism ambassador.

In addition to a replica of the singer's tourism ambassador commission letter and his autograph, a limited-edition Hyde-shaped doll commemorating the 20th anniversary of his solo career is newly displayed. Previously at the city hall, the display could not be seen outside business hours, such as on weekends and holidays. But following the relocation to the Wakayama-jo Hall's third floor, it's open to the public between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. throughout the year, except during from Dec. 29 to Jan. 3. Admission to the gallery is free.

(Japanese original by Tomokazu Komaki, Wakayama Bureau)