The band began in 2002 with Ruki (vocals), Reita (bass) and Uruha (lead guitar) in Kanagawa Prefecture. After being involved with other bands in the visual kei movement, the trio decided that The Gazette would be their last band.^[4] They recruited Aoi (rhythm guitar) and Yune (drums) from disbanded visual band Artia and formally became The Gazette in January 2002.^[4]

Originally signed to Matina, they released their first single, "Wakaremichi", and first music video on April 30, 2002. "Wakaremichi" was re-released in June. By September, they had released "Kichiku Kyoushi (32sai Dokushin) no Nousatsu Kouza" and their second PV. In October 2002, they played their first solo live, and on Christmas 2002, the 5-song compilation Yougenkyou with the song "Okuribi" was released.