KISS will be teaming up with X Japan’s Yoshiki for a special performance on Japan’s NHK network. The artists will be taking the stage as “Yoshiki feat. KISS” (“YOSHIKISS”) during the New Year’s Eve “Red And White Music Battle” (“Kouhaku Uta Gassen”). This news comes after Yoshiki recently joined KISS onstage at the Tokyo Dome.
[via Blabbermouth]
“Yoshiki – Life Of A Japanese Rock Star,” a new six-episode documentary series focusing on X Japan’s Yoshiki, will debut on YouTube Originals in March, 2020. The following was said about the series [via Blabbermouth]:
“Yoshiki – Life Of A Japanese Rock Star” follows Yoshiki’s many facets as a composer, rock drummer, classical pianist, and fashion designer and approaches the sometimes challenging behind-the-scenes reality of when music and passion intersect. “Yoshiki – Life Of A Japanese Rock Star” offers a glimpse into the life of an artist who is active on the global stage. Yoshiki commented that he hopes to inspire viewers as much as possible by discussing “why I became a musician, why I continue to be active, why I continue to exist.”
X Japan’s Yoshiki has donated $100,000 to Earth Alliance’s Amazon Forest Fund in an effort to help out with the fight against the fires throughout the Amazon region. He had the following to say about that:
“The Amazon fires deserve the world’s attention. I want to encourage people in every nation, including Japan, to take action.”
On August 24, X Japan’s Yoshiki will take part in a special musical performance at the private grand opening event for Japan House Los Angeles at Hollywood & Highland. Japan House Los Angeles is a “premiere venue designed to showcase Japan’s art, culture, business, technology, and entertainment to help strengthen cultural ties between Japan and the world.” Yoshiki, who is an adviser for Japan House alongside honorary adviser Larry Ellison, will be giving a congratulatory performance at the event, which will also feature a cocktail reception and seated dinner with international government, business and cultural leaders, including the Ministry officials of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Consul General of Japan, and celebrities. Yoshiki is inviting a limited number of American fans, but it is worth noting that the applications reached the capacity limit within minutes. More info can be found HERE. Directly after the event, Yoshiki will go back to a Japan for an unannounced TV appearance.
X Japan’s Yoshiki has donated 10 million yen (approximately $89,000) to the Red Cross Society in an effort to provide disaster relief for those affected by the heavy downpours and flooding that has caused significant damage around Western Japan. The donation was made through his nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America. The Japanese Red Cross Society began accepting donations for the “July 2018 Heavy Rain Disaster Relief Fund” on July 10. Yoshiki said the following on social media: “I just saw the news in the U.S. and I pray for those who passed away. I truly hope the damage caused by heavy rain will not spread any more.”
Marilyn Manson recently joined X Japan onstage at Coachella, and now it appears he will be guesting on the band’s new album as well. Yoshiki confirmed the news during a recent interview with Consequence Of Sound. He also revealed that the effort should be out in “late summer or early fall.”
Yoshiki said the following about the album:
“Recording’s done pretty much, we just have to mix it. It’s pretty edgy. It’s eclectic. Even though people want to say X Japan’s heavy-metal or hard rock, the album is very eclectic and a wide range is covered. I hope this album can contribute in bringing rock to the mainstream. I think I’m pretty confident.”
The effort has been in the works for almost 10 years, and a 2016 release was originally planned until it was shelved after guitarist Pata suffered from a serious medical situation. Yoshiki continued:
“I know it’s a long time, but when you listen to the sound you’ll understand why it took that long. 99% of the songs are in English and it’s our first record targeting a worldwide audience.”
He also added:
“This is the evolved version of X Japan, regardless of what happened in our past, it’s a new album. It’s sentimental because we had 2 deaths since our previous record. I have been influenced by so many types of music, hardcore punk-rock to classical, and everything in between, but I try to focus on the rock side which is my strength. I also try not to think about what people and X Japan fans want. Today, artists can speak to fans directly through social media, don’t get me wrong, their opinions are extremely important, but to create art sometimes you have to be selfish in your own way.”
Despite the fact that he was previously banned from Coachella, Marilyn Manson took the stage at the festival to play his cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)“ with X Japan. The performance took place last night (April 21) at the second weekend of the event in Indio Valley, CA.
