YOSHIKI

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About YOSHIKI

YOSHIKI is a composer, classically trained pianist, drummer, and the frontman of rock bands X Japan and The Last Rockstars. Named “one of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history” by Consequence and “a musical innovator” by Billboard, YOSHIKI was the first Asian musician to perform at the iconic Madison Square Garden, Wembley Arena, and Carnegie Hall.

Led by YOSHIKI since 1982, X Japan has sold over 30 million albums and singles (including ‘Blue Blood’, ‘Art of Life’, and ‘Dahlia’) and sold out the Tokyo Dome a record-breaking 18 times. In July 2023, the band released their first single in eight years, ‘Angel’.

His worldwide projects include writing and recording the official theme songs for the World Expo and the prestigious Golden Globe Awards. In 2022, YOSHIKI formed the rock supergroup The Last Rockstars, followed by two single releases, ‘The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)’ and ‘Psycho Love’, plus a sold-out world tour.

In September 2023, he released the feature documentary film YOKSHIKI: Under The Sky, featuring live performances by The Chainsmokers, St Vincent, Sarah Brightman, Scorpions, HYDE, Nicole Scherzinger, and more. The film premiered in New York, Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles, followed by over 130 US, European, and Japanese theatre screenings.

A month later, YOSHIKI performed his Requiem: Yoshiki Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour with Orchestra 2023, headlining shows at Tokyo Garden Theater (Tokyo), Royal Albert Hall (London), Dolby Theater (LA), and Carnegie Hall (New York). In 2024, YOSHIKI is set to compose the global theme song for Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary.

Where was YOSHIKI born and raised?

YOSHIKI was born into a musically oriented family on 20 November 1965 in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture. His father was a tap dancer and jazz pianist, and his mother played the shamisen, while his aunt played the koto. He began taking piano lessons and music theory at the early age of four.

What instruments does YOKSHIKI play?

Leading chart-topping rock bands X Japan and The Last Rockstars, YOSHIKI mostly plays the piano, keyboards, and drums onstage.

Who are YOSHIKI’s influences?

YOSHIKI has named Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Iron Maiden, The Clash, and The Exploited some of his biggest rock influences. His favourite classical composers include J.S. Bach, Schoenberg, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett inspired him to learn jazz theory and improvisation, and he studied jazz piano under Dick Marx and Shelly Berg.

What businesses has YOSHIKI founded?

YOSHIKI owns two high-fashion brands, MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS and YOSHIKIMONO, with the latter being displayed at the V&A Museum in London and National Museum in Japan. He founded Yoshiki Foundation America, a non-profit public benefit organisation. He also launched a wine brand, Y by Yoshiki, becoming the first person to partner with French Champagne House POMMERY.