OSAKA -- The Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau has taken action against the bass player of rock band Phantasmagoria, accusing him of evading about 46 million yen in taxes, it has been learned.

The bassist, Tadashi Matsuura, 30, faces about 64 million yen in tax penalties, including heavy additional taxes after he filed a tax return after the deadline.

"I wanted to save money for advertising so we could make it onto TV," Matsuura, who managed the band, was quoted as saying.

Matsuura's band, which was based in Osaka's Kita-ku, had given performances and produced music. Sources close to the group said he had deposited money from live performances and CD sales into the bank account of a family member without declaring the earnings, raking in about 150 million yen over the three-year period ending in 2005.

Phantasmagoria members are known for their extravagant makeup and clothing. They have performed at clubs across Japan, with most of their performances based in the Kansai district. (Mainichi)

Saying he's just the bassist rather minimizes his role. He's the leader of the band, and a central figure in the VK scene. But I digress. The whole story is good for a nice, long laugh.