Yoshikazu Yahiro

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Yoshikazu Yahiro (born 5th July in Mie prefecture, Japan), better known by his stage name “Circuit V. Panther”, is Japanese Speed Metal band "Sex Machineguns" lead and rhythm guitarist. As he has often said, his stage name was born from the place he came (Mie prefecture, where there is Suzuka's racing ‘’circuit’’), his favourite guitarist (Steve Vai, in which homage he adopted the letter V.) and his look (many people think he looks like a ‘’panther’’, especially when he has pink-dyed hair).

He joined "Sex Machineguns" in April 2001 as a tour supporter and became one of the official members in September 2001. On 26/9/2003 he released a solo album named “Sexy Finger”, which included 6 instrumental songs. On 15/9/2004 “Sexy Finger II” (another 6 tracks solo work) was released. His biggest musical influences were Japa-meta (Japanese Heavy Metal) and, later, Western Heavy Metal. However, his style encompasses a wide variety of musical genres, including blues (Example: 'FireWire' in Elleguns), hard rock, and different genres of metal (Seen in 'Recycle' by Sex Machineguns). Panther also demonstrates the qualities of a guitar virtuoso; Fluid sweep-picking, tapping, etc. He has also been featured in Young Guitar Magazine.

Circuit V. Panther uses ESP guitars, and he, as well other "Sex Machineguns" members, has his own line of custom designed guitars.

Circuit V. Panther is currently in a band called "Cycle" as of December 2006 with other former Sex Machineguns members of the 4th stage such as Samurai W. Kenjilaw and Speed Star Sypan Joe. He also now refers to himself as simply "Panther".