Articles by "X Japan"
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On Saturday, July 28, YOSHIKI made a surprise appearance on stage with internationally famous DJ and producer Skrillex at one of Japan’s biggest outdoor music events, Fuji Rock Festival ’18, held at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata, Japan.

The 40,000 fans at the main stage were shocked by YOSHIKI’s arrival, but soon began cheering and shouting for the unexpected collaboration between two globally famous artists. As Skrillex played a special mix he created for YOSHIKI, YOSHIKI began to perform X JAPAN’s "Endless Rain" on a crystal piano. At the otherworldly intro, loud cheers shook the venue, and the voices of tens of thousands of fans sang the song’s famous chorus while YOSHIKI played accompanied by Skrillex’s guitar.

VIDEO: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlzKVPmgWy-/.

YOSHIKI then moved to his drum set for one of Skrillex’s top hits, "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites", creating an amazing fusion of classical and rock music with EDM. YOSHIKI shared his thanks with the audience, "Thank you Skrillex! Thank you everyone here! You all are awesome!" Skrillex responded in Japanese "Domo arigatou! (Thank you so much!)", gaining further applause from the audience. Fans continued chanting "WE ARE… X!" long after YOSHIKI left the stage.

YOSHIKI and Skrillex, a multiple Grammy Award winner who is counted among the top 10 "DJ Mag Top 100 DJs", are close friends, and when Skrillex visited YOSHIKI’s L.A. studio several months ago and pitched this surprise collaboration, YOSHIKI accepted enthusiastically and made last-minute changes to his recording schedule to return to Japan for this day.

After his performance, YOSHIKI appeared on YOSHIKI CHANNEL and said about the event: "It was so satisfying! The fans were warm, and I was touched to hear everyone. The audience was wonderful." Skrillex also joined the YOSHIKI CHANNEL broadcast and talked about the reason for choosing "Endless Rain". "I’ve visited Japan a few times, but this was the first song I sang here," he said. The pair talked further about their comradery as artists from different genres who mutually inspire each other.

"Like hip hop expanded through collaborations," said YOSHIKI, "I want to expand, too, and contribute to the revival of rock in this world."
6:53 PM
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YOSHIKI completed the first wave of his sold-out dinner shows in Tokyo on July 16, a marathon 7 shows over 4 days celebrating the fifth anniversary of his intimate concert series.
"EVENING WITH YOSHIKI 2018 IN TOKYO JAPAN 6 DAYS 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL" included guest appearances by Yoshikitty, a string quartet, guest vocalists Katie Fitzgerald and Ashley Knight, a YOSHIKIMONO fashion show, a collaborative performance with the Maki Asami Ballet Group, and a surprise drum performance from YOSHIKI.

In addition, YOSHIKI continued his fundraising efforts through his non-profit 501(c)(3) Yoshiki Foundation America with a charity auction of the rock star’s clothing worn in TV performances and music videos as well as precious personal items including a signed ball from FC Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, who attended YOSHIKI’s dinner show the same week. The total bids over seven performances amounted to ¥47,760,000, bringing the total amount raised from YOSHIKI’s dinner show charity auctions to ¥148,220,000.

Other guests who attended YOSHIKI’s special concerts included former MLB player Barry Bonds, Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, Takarazuka Star Troupe’s top star Yuzuru Kurenai, Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi, and former British and US ambassadors.

YOSHIKI told the audience, "I’m amazed at how happy I am. I think I can keep going again tomorrow because I can see everyone’s faces like this." There were moments where he was moved to tears, and he expressed his gratitude and joy to his fans for being able to stand on stage again, saying, "Being supported by everyone like this, I want to create songs that can become support for others, even if it’s only a little."

EVENING WITH YOSHIKI 2018 will continue with three additional sold-out performances on August 31 and September 1.

EVENING WITH YOSHIKI 2018 IN TOKYO JAPAN 6 DAYS 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Final Day – July 16 (Mon) @ The Grand Hyatt Tokyo
1. Amethyst
2. Opening Video
3. The Last Song
4. Golden Globe Theme
5. HERO
6. Anniversary
7. YOSHIKIMONO video
8. Hello Kitty Theme / YOSHIKIMONO Fashion Show
9. YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA video
10. Charity auction
11. YOSHIKITTY introduction
12. Drum solo
13. I’ll Be Your Love
14. Swan Lake (w/ Maki Asami Ballet Group)
15. Forever Love (w/ Maki Asami Ballet Group)
16. Miracle
17. Without You
18. Kurenai
19. Art of Life
20. Endless Rain
21. Curtain Call
11:26 AM
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X JAPAN’s "Red Swan" has been chosen as the opening theme for Season 3 of the TV anime Attack on Titan. The new song, featuring YOSHIKI’s first-ever recording collaboration with vocalist HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel), was announced at Anime Expo on July 8, 2018 at the season opener’s world-premiere screening in Los Angeles.

"Red Swan" is an unreleased original piece of music written by YOSHIKI himself for Attack on Titan, and is X JAPAN’s first new release in a year and four months, following "La Venus (Acoustic Version)" from 2017's chart-topping "We Are X" documentary soundtrack.

This is YOSHIKI’s second contribution to an anime soundtrack this decade, following 2014′s "Hero", from the animated film "Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary". YOSHIKI has previously appeared on stage with HYDE, with whom he shares a deep public and private friendship and mutual artistic respect, at large-scale music events such as VISUAL JAPAN SUMMIT and VAMPS’ HALLOWEEN PARTY, but "Red Swan" is their first attempt at collaborating on a piece of music, and the song is also a contender to appear on X JAPAN’s upcoming album — the band’s first studio release in 22 years — which includes other international guest artists such as Marilyn Manson.

Attack on Titan Season 3 will begin broadcast on NHK in Japan on Sunday, July 22, followed by worldwide broadcast and distribution. "Red Swan" will also be available worldwide.
4:17 PM
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YOSHIKI shocked fans at LUNATIC FEST. 2018 with a moving tribute to X Japan guitarist hide and guest collaborations with members of LUNA SEA, GLAY, and MUCC in his first-ever solo classical performance at a music festival.

YOSHIKI opened his set with Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata" as a thematic homage to the festival’s organizers, LUNA SEA. As the final notes resonated over the audience, an image of HIDE appeared on the screen above the stage, causing shouts and tears from fans. With scenes from the documentary film We Are X and the newly-released HIDE 20th Memorial Project Film HURRY GO ROUND playing in the background, YOSHIKI performed a special arrangement to accompany HIDE’s unreleased vocal recording of "HURRY GO ROUND".

YOSHIKI was joined by guest musicians SUGIZO (LUNA SEA/X JAPAN) and TERU (GLAY), who came on stage for "Say Anything", RYUICHI (LUNA SEA) for "Kurenai", and SUGIZO, RYUICHI, TERU, Tatsurou and Miya (MUCC) joined together for "X". 20,000 fans joined together to do the "X-Jump" with YOSHIKI and the all-star musicians on stage.

"Without You" was dedicated to TAIJI and HIDE, and "ART OF LIFE" brought emotional reactions from the crowd, and the set climaxed with thousands of voices singing "Endless Rain".

YOSHIKI later returned to the stage for LUNA SEA’s performance of "I for You". In the 30 years they have known each other, this is the first time YOSHIKI and LUNA SEA have performed on stage together, and each of the band’s members embraced YOSHIKI in appreciation. At the end, he appeared with HIDE’s guitar in hand and played together with all the performers for a grand finale.

SET LIST:

1. MOONLIGHT SONATA
2. HURRY GO ROUND
3. SAY ANYTHING
4. MIRACLE
5. KURENAI
6. X
7. WITHOUT YOU
8. ART OF LIFE
9. ENDLESS RAIN
6:09 AM
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YOSHIKI's collaboration with film director David Lynch gets special mention in the auteur's new autobiography, "Room to Dream", which was released this week. You can view the book here: https://amzn.to/2JUQVEA.

Lynch says about working with YOSHIKI: "I did this thing for a song called 'Longing' that wound up being really fun... Some of the frames are so fuckin' beautiful you can't believe it."

YOSHIKI just posted a behind the scenes clip from the music video shoot for "Longing", directed by Lynch, which has never received commercial release. Check it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BkOn6CwARPP/.

YOSHIKI's message: "Amazing to be a part of your story". #DavidLynch new book #RoomtoDream
https://amzn.to/2JUQVEA. #XJapan #Longing #SeemsLikeYesterday
4:43 PM
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YOSHIKI has announced a solo performance at this year’s LUNATIC FEST 2018, to be held at Makuhari Messe on June 24.

YOSHIKI made the reveal with a video message in English and Japanese on his official Instagram account, found HERE where he promised special surprises for his appearance at the visual kei music festival produced by the band LUNA SEA. The announcement came a mere ten days before the day of the performance, and YOSHIKI will make an emergency trip back to Japan from Los Angeles, where he’s currently finishing work on X JAPAN’s upcoming album.

This will be the first time YOSHIKI has performed solo at a music festival. Starting with a his classical performance at L.A.’s Grammy Museum in 2014, YOSHIKI has been holding solo concerts in dozens of countries throughout the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. His upcoming appearance at LUNATIC FEST will be his first solo outing since his two sold-out Yoshiki Classical concerts at New York’s Carnegie Hall last year.

YOSHIKI commented, “I’m sorry to all the fans who were hoping for X JAPAN to perform. This time I will be performing solo, but I’d like to do my best to bring energy to LUNATIC FEST for my precious friends in LUNA SEA. I promise to impress you. Please be cheering for me.”

A select number of event tickets for the June 24 LUNATIC FEST concert are now available exclusively for YOSHIKI Fan Club members. YOSHIKI CHANNEL right HERE will also broadcast live from YOSHIKI’s dressing room on the day of the performance.

LUNATIC FEST 2018 Official Website: http://lunaticfest.com.
10:40 AM
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Fueled by massive international fan support, Yoshikitty — the popular Sanrio character based on X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI — is now in a close 3-way race for the top spot in Sanrio’s annual Character Ranking Contest.

In this week’s midway results announcement, Yoshikitty achieved #1 in the regional rankings in five countries (South Korea, China, Italy, Germany, and France), scoring #1 on Rakuten Ichiba’s official Sanrio shopping site “Sanrio Zone” and #3 overall worldwide. Only 20,000 total votes separate the top 3 characters, with the remainder of the 100 eligible characters trailing by large margins.

Yoshikitty, the first Sanrio character based on a living person, has surpassed even the original Hello Kitty character in this year’s voting and has strong momentum leading into the final weeks of the contest which ends June 11. Final results will be announced at Sanrio Puroland on July 1.

YOSHIKI aims to have the character rank first this year, with the help of powerful backup from fans across the globe who can vote daily to support the spiky-haired, headbanging rock star of Sanrio’s lineup. YOSHIKI also created the “Hello Kitty Theme Song”, titled “Hello, Hello”, which was dedicated to the late Sanrio VP Kunihiko Tsuji.

Fans can vote at this link every day from any device:
https://sanriocharacterranking.com/en/characters/yoshikitty/.

Video: Headbanging Yoshikitty
https://www.instagram.com/p/Biog7YOA0TA/

The "Sanrio Character Ranking Contest", held for the 33rd time this year, is a month-long voting event featuring the top 100 Sanrio characters selected out of more than 450. Every year, Sanrio fans wage a fierce battle in order to achieve victory for their favorite. Yoshikitty placed 12th in 2015, when she was featured in the contest for the first time, and 7th in both 2016 and 2017. She has succeeded in ranking in the top 10 for 2 consecutive years alongside very popular characters such as Pom Pom Purin, My Melody, and the original Hello Kitty. Yoshikitty’s popularity has been increasing yearly, and she continues to establish herself more and more as a prominent Sanrio character.
10:45 AM
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Yoshikitty — the popular Sanrio character based on X JAPAN’s leader, YOSHIKI — got off to one of her strongest starts ever in Sanrio’s annual Character Ranking Contest. In the initial results released after voting began May 10th, Yoshikitty ranked 4th on the very first day, while the original Hello Kitty ranked 3rd.

YOSHIKI aims to have the character rank first this year, with the help of powerful backup from fans across the globe who can vote daily to support the spiky-haired, headbanging rock star of Sanrio’s lineup.

https://sanriocharacterranking.com/en/characters/yoshikitty/.

Yoshikitty, created by the collaboration between YOSHIKI and Hello Kitty, is the first Sanrio character based upon a real-life figure. (Yoshikitty’s origin is detailed by Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi in the special features of the We Are X Blu-ray release.) YOSHIKI also created the Hello Kitty Theme Song, titled “Hello, Hello”, which was dedicated to the late Sanrio VP Kunihiko Tsuji.

The “Sanrio Character Ranking Contest”, held for the 33rd time this year, is a month-long voting event featuring the top 100 Sanrio characters selected out of more than 450. Every year, Sanrio fans wage a fierce battle in order to achieve victory for their favorite. Yoshikitty placed 12th in 2015, when she was featured in the contest for the first time, and 7th in both 2016 and 2017. She has succeeded in ranking in the top 10 for 2 consecutive years alongside very popular characters such as Pom Pom Purin, My Melody, and the original Hello Kitty. Yoshikitty’s popularity has been increasing yearly, and she continues to establish herself more and more as a prominent Sanrio character.

YOSHIKI voted for his own character on his phone during the episode of YOSHIKI CHANNEL which was broadcast live on May 10th, titled “The Yoshikitty Special”. He also sent an encouraging message live from L.A. to Yoshikitty, who made an appearance in the studio as a guest, and urged her to aim for 1st place. In addition to this, three public promises were made during the broadcast, which are to be carried out if Yoshikitty succeeds in placing first:

1. "Yoshikitty will play the drums on "YOSHIKI CHANNEL'"
2. "X JAPAN will release their new album"*
3. "Yoshikitty will collaborate with Nyango Star" (the mascot who previously wowwed Yoshiki with his drum cover of X JAPAN’s "Kurenai")

YOSHIKI added that X JAPAN’s album will be released regardless of whether Yoshikitty places first or not. Fans from all countries can vote for Yoshikitty once a day from all their devices (PC, smartphone, tablet) through Monday, June 11th, and the results will be announced on Sunday, July 1st.

Yoshikitty seemed pumped about the news of X JAPAN’s album release, as this will be the band’s first album release in 22 years and one that has been long-awaited by fans worldwide. Likewise, YOSHIKI was visibly happy to hear the heartwarming news regarding “Yoshikitty” during a hectic time when he is very busy putting the finishing touches on the band’s new album.
9:14 PM
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Legendary Japanese rock group X JAPAN made a triumphant return to the Coachella Music & Arts Festival this past weekend, Saturday, April 21st. As one of only a few rock artists performing at the festival, X JAPAN’s powerful rock performance and elaborate production thrilled the Coachella crowd with a rousing hard rock concert, pyrotechnics and special effects that delivered both surprises and guest stars.

Mid-set, YOSHIKI of X Japan welcomed Marilyn Manson on stage to perform "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", which the Los Angeles Times described as "…a haunting rendition" of the Eurythmics’ classic. Guitarists Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit) and Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) returned for Weekend Two along with holograms of X JAPAN’s two deceased members, Hide and Taiji.

"It was such an honor to be part of this amazing festival, playing with so many great artists," says YOSHIKI of X JAPAN. "Because of our time slot, I was sad I couldn’t see Beyoncé’s show, but at the same time I was shocked so many people showed up to support us. The mosh pits surprised me, too–the audience’s energy was unbelievable. There were so many rock fans onsite, let’s bring back rock to the mainstream — rock’s not dead. Thank you to our fans and Coachella from the bottom of my heart."

Watch video of YOSHIKI’s performance with Marilyn Manson on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh6MSNCgZ7X.

X JAPAN’s second Coachella performance capped off a frenzied media week which included a sold-out GRAMMY Museum event for the band’s award-winning documentary film "WE ARE X" as well as YOSHIKI’s appearance with Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols on his show, "Jonesy’s Jukebox," among others. Watch YOSHIKI’s interview with Steve Jones HERE.


X JAPAN
Coachella 4/21/2018
Set List:

1. Intro
2. Jade
3. Rusty Nail
4. Kiss The Sky
5. I.V.
6. Kurenai
7. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
8. Born To Be Free
9. X
10. Tears
8:04 PM
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X JAPAN made their Coachella debut on April 14 — YOSHIKI’s first major concert on drums since the band headlined SSE Wembley Arena in London last year — with a hard-rocking set that drew praise from music fans and media alike.

"…there was some perfect Beyoncé counter-programming in the form of X JAPAN, the only metal band of the entire otherwise largely rock-free weekend. Playing their first U.S. gig since the 2014 Madison Square Garden concert immortalized in their rockumentary "We Are X", the Japanese glam legends performed a pyrotechnic, utterly unsubtle set featuring band leader YOSHIKI playing a crystal piano while joined by Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland, Guns N’ Roses’ Richard Fortus and–in a different sort of reunion–holograms of the band’s two deceased members, Hide and Taiji. …the adjective "epic" very much applied to their ferocious, face-blasting show." –Lyndsey Parker, YAHOO Entertainment (4/15/2018)

"…a masterful rock n roll performance." –Brett Callwood, LA WEEKLY (4/15/2018)

"X JAPAN landed in the Mojave Tent to deliver on the flash and melodrama that has made them hugely popular across the globe. …There were hard rock explosions and teary ballads… "Jade" began with a speed metal riff and geysers of pyro, then shifted into an emotional glam melody and lyrics sung in English. The star behind the drums and piano was band mastermind YOSHIKI, shirtless and wearing a leather neck brace. He ended the night with the band’s traditional show of unity, shouting "We are! We Are!" and their followers responding with a rousing "X! X!"" –ROLLING STONE "The 18 Best Things We Saw At Coachella Weekend One" (4/16/18)

YOSHIKI, leader of X JAPAN, added his own comment: "Coachella is not only one of the biggest festivals in the world, but it’s edgy and fashionable," he said. "I love the style and I’m heavily influenced by David Bowie, so we wanted to do something unusual and exciting. It was an honor for us to rock Coachella this year and we’re looking forward to doing it all again next Saturday with even more surprises."

X JAPAN returns for their final Coachella concert on Saturday, April 21, 2018!

X JAPAN
Coachella 4/14/2018
Set List:

1. Miracle
2. Jade
3. Rusty Nail
4. Kiss The Sky
5. I.V.
6. Kurenai
7. Endless Rain
8. Born To Be Free
9. X
10. Tears
10:28 AM
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X Japan drummer/pianist YOSHIKI performed his first full concerts on drums following last year’s emergency spinal disc replacement surgery on April 10 and 11 at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo, warming up for the band’s debut performance at Coachella tonight, April 14.

At the sold-out, back-to-back shows — titled "X JAPAN LIVE 2018: 10th Anniversary of Reunion PREMIUM GIGS – YOSHIKI Night of Resurrection" — YOSHIKI’s intense drumming, including hard-rocking songs like "Jade", "Rusty Nail", "I.V.", and "Kurenai", led the 2500 fans into a powerful moment where the entire venue "X-jumped" together as one.

Richard Fortus of Guns N’ Roses, Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit, and Miya from MUCC joined the stage as special guests, adding more speculation about who might join X JAPAN on stage at their Coachella performances.

While Yoshiki’s neck has not yet completely recovered, it did not stop him from stage-diving into the crowd to join the celebration.

VIDEO (Yoshiki’s Instagram)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhboM6JBlsy/

The gigs marked 10 years since the band last held a solo event in a Tokyo live house (the most recent being the Akasaka Blitz event in 2008). Only a few lucky fans got to experience the "YOSHIKI Night of Resurrection", held in an intimate venue roughly 1/20 the size of the Tokyo Dome. The concert was also broadcast live broadcast in cinemas throughout the Japan and around the world in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Just hours before the main event began, the good news that Sugizo’s visa was approved in time was announced to the crowds at the venue. Immediately after the final Tokyo show, X Japan flew to America, were all seven members of the band (including holograms of Hide and Taiji) will appear to headline the Mojave Stage at Coachella 2018.

SETLIST:

 JAPAN LIVE 2018: 10th Anniversary of Reunion PREMIUM GIGS
- YOSHIKI Night of Resurrection -
4/11/2018 @ Zepp DiverCity

1. Miracle (Intro)
2. Jade
3. Rusty Nail
4. Kiss The Sky
5. I.V.
6. Guitar Solo
7. Drain
8. Violin Solo
9. Beneath The Skin
10. Forever Love
11. Piano Solo
12. Art of Life
13. Kurenai
ENCORE
14. World Anthem
15. Endless Rain
16. Born To Be Free
17. X
18. Tears (Outro)
10:33 AM
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Named by the Grammy Awards poll as one of Top 3 most anticipated acts at Coachella, X JAPAN will be performing as one of the only hard rock acts on the bill both weekends. With hip-hop recently taking the reins as the #1 genre in the world, the inclusion of X JAPAN at the festival amongst the likes of Beyoncé and The Weeknd is a testament to the band’s groundbreaking success far and wide.

The band will be headlining the Mojave Stage on Saturday, April 14th and Saturday, April 21st at 11:10pm. In addition to the holograms of deceased members HIDE and TAIJI, there will be a collection of guests gracing the stage alongside X JAPAN. Bandleader and illustrious drummer/pianist, YOSHIKI, will also be returning to the stage after his emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery less than one year ago, making the performance one you cannot miss. YOSHIKI asserts: “I’ll make rock mainstream again. After being nearly paralyzed and coming back, nothing is impossible!”

As the countdown to Coachella continues, legendary platinum-certified rockers and visual-kei pioneers X JAPAN are excited to announce that they will be unveiling a very special, deeply personal moment as a gift to fans. With HIDE (lead guitar) and TAIJI (bass) joining the band on stage as holograms, the band’s hypnotic stage show will be transformed into an otherworldly experience, bringing the band full circle in preparations for their first full-length album in over twenty years.

“If [X JAPAN] were born in America, they might be the biggest band in the world.”
– Gene Simmons of KISS, WE ARE X film

“Beyoncé, The Weeknd, X Japan: Most Anticipated Coachella 2018 Performances”
— Grammy Awards

“One of the best [Coachella] bookings… a real treat”
— Consequence of Sound

“5 Takeaways from Coachella’s 2018 Lineup…
Japanese metal heroes X Japan… sure to be a blast”
— Billboard

“11 bands to see at Coachella 2018…
Legendary — seriously, it’s hard to overstate how huge these guys are in Japan.”
— Time Out L.A.

“X Japan’s addition to a stellar Coachella lineup will make the festival one not to miss.”
— Paste Magazine
8:34 AM
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As X JAPAN prepares to return to the U.S. for their debut performances at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, the group has partnered with the Grammy Museum for a special screening of the award-winning documentary film "We Are X".

"Yoshiki’s return to drums! X Japan to perform at Coachella 2018 check out the video right here: https://youtu.be/YcRTKVW5tgM.

The film screening will take place on Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 pm in the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theater followed by an intimate conversation with band leader YOSHIKI. Tickets are limited and go on sale to Grammy Museum members and American Express cardholders starting Thursday, March 22th at 10:30am PDT with a general public on-sale starting Thursday, March 29th at 12:00pm PDT.

Tickets and information: https://www.grammymuseum.org/events/detail/we-are-x

TOUR DATES:

SAT (4/14) Indio, CA – Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
SAT (4/21) Indio, CA – Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
11:12 AM
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X JAPAN has announced that it will perform a pair of solo concerts to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their re-unification -- "X JAPAN LIVE 2018 pre-American music festival appearance PREMIUM GIGS ~ YOSHIKI: A Night Of Resurrection ~" -- on April 10 and 11 at Zepp DiverCity (Tokyo).

On March 8, X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI (drums, piano) appeared live from Los Angeles via his "YOSHIKI CHANNEL" broadcast on the NicoNico live-streaming service. The program, titled "X JAPAN Breaking News ~ YOSHIKI makes a sudden appearance from overseas ~", featured YOSHIKI himself announcing the concert dates. Scheduled special guests include Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) and Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit), who performed with X JAPAN in three reunion shows at the Tokyo Dome in March 2008.

X JAPAN is scheduled to perform on April 14 and 21 at the Coachella 2018 Music Festival in Indio, California. Since YOSHIKI’s return from surgery last year, this series of concerts will be his first full stage performances on drums. During the broadcast, YOSHIKI said that he would play drums as much he can be allowed, and that these performances would be a test of his resolve.

Tickets to "X JAPAN LIVE 2018 Pre-American Music Festival Appearance PREMIUM GIGS ~ YOSHIKI: A Night Of Resurrection ~" will be available starting today via the fan clubs for each respective member of X JAPAN. In addition, remote live viewing theatrical broadcasts of the concert will take place on April 11 in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea.

"X JAPAN LIVE 2018 pre-American music festival appearance PREMIUM GIGS ~ YOSHIKI: A Night Of Resurrection"
Concert dates: April 10 (Tuesday), 11 (Wednesday), 2018
Venue: Zepp DiverCity
Doors open: 6:00 p.m. Performance begins: 7:00 p.m.
*Special guests: Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) and Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit)

Information (Japanese): http://www.yoshiki-mobile.jp.

VIDEO: "Yoshiki’s return to drums! X Japan to perform at Coachella 2018"
https://youtu.be/YcRTKVW5tgM.


"X JAPAN LIVE 2018 Pre-American Music Festival Appearance PREMIUM GIGS ~ YOSHIKI: A Night Of Resurrection" LIVE VIEWING
Date: April 11, 2018 (Wednesday) Performance begins at 7:00 p.m.
Venues: Movie theaters throughout Japan nationwide, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea.
*Door opening times will vary depending on the theater.
Prices (Japan): All seats reserved: ¥4,800 (tax included)

Theater and ticket information will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. Please check websites for information.

X JAPAN – JAPAN LIVE VIEWING information
(Japanese) http://liveviewing.jp/xjapan2018.
(English) http://liveviewing.jp/xjapan2018-eng.

Planning/Sponsored by: Japan Music Agency
Distribution: Live Viewing Japan
9:40 PM
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X Japan’s 2017 London concert has been crowned "Best Event" at The SSE Arena, Wembley in the SSE Live Awards. Over one million votes were placed across SSE’s three sponsored venues to determine this year’s winner.

The X Japan World Tour came out on top after securing over 36% of the public vote from an impressive selection of 68 events.

The most successful rock band in Japanese history treated the audience to an exclusive 60-minute cut of their documentary film, We Are X, which premiered at the previous year’s Sundance Festival, followed by over three hours of live performance.

In their biggest UK show to date, they not only covered the fan favorites but also paid tribute to English singer and songwriter David Bowie with a selection of cover songs.

"We’re so grateful for the support of our fans, and it’s an honor to receive this award," said X Japan founder and drummer Yoshiki. "X Japan will try to return after our Coachella performance this year to come back and rock the UK again. Looking forward to seeing you all."

Check out SSE Wembley Arena’s announcement video:
https://twitter.com/ssearena/status/964107035854848001
https://www.facebook.com/ssearena/videos/10155247516427517

Colin Banks, Head of Sponsorship & Reward for SSE, said: "We have again been overwhelmed by the passion of fans in this year’s SSE Live Awards. The range of events across all three venues has never been wider and has shown that there really is something for everybody. Whether it was sharing videos and gifs on social media to back their favorite act, to encouraging other fans to join in, the events’ supporters really made their voices heard."

"Congratulations to all involved with the X Japan World Tour that took place at The Arena, Wembley in March. It really was an incredible night and they are a deserved winner."

WATCH: Yoshiki’s drum solo at Wembley Arena: https://youtu.be/RCpJ6jqrXxM.
4:26 PM
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Yoshiki will visit Moscow for the Russian theatrical premiere of We Are X on January 29. The award-winning film will be shown in a special double-feature event featuring renowned Russian rock band Mumiy Troll, and Yoshiki will participate in a live Q&A after the film.

The Moscow premiere is a part of the 2018 “Year of Japan in Russia” project to increase cultural exchange between the two countries, created after talks between Prime Minister Abe and President Putin. Information is available on the website of the Japanese embassy in Russia.

Japanese: http://www.ru.emb-japan.go.jp/japan2018/jp/event/mo7049-jp.html
Russian: http://www.ru.emb-japan.go.jp/japan2018/ru/event/mo7049-ru.html

The collaboration arose from the friendship of Yoshiki  and Ilya Lagutenko, the leader of Mumiy Troll, whose mockumentary film SOS to Sailor will screen as the first part of the Moscow event. YOSHIKI will continue his Russian promotional tour with a second We Are X screening and Q&A in St. Petersburg on January 31, his first-ever public appearance in that city.

This month’s promotional visit is Yoshiki ’s first time returning to Russia since his highly-acclaimed “Yoshiki Classical Tour – Part 1″ brought him to Moscow in 2014. After the premiere, We Are X will open in approximately 100 theaters across Russia on February 17.

TICKETS:

Moscow (1/29): https://karofilm.ru/film/3085
St. Petersburg (1/31): http://bit.ly/WeAreX_SPRussia

Watch the Russian sub-titled We Are X trailer:
http://www.wearexfilm.com/ru.html
4:24 PM
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Biggest rock group in Japanese history X JAPAN returns to the U.S. for Coachella 2018 debut! Band leader & drummer YOSHIKI makes comeback in first rock concert after artificial disc replacement surgery.

Legendary Japanese rock group X JAPAN will return to the U.S. this spring (Saturday, April 14, Saturday, April 21) for their debut performances at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

Returning to the states after major concerts at Lollapalooza (2010) and headlining Madison Square Garden (2014), Coachella 2018 will mark the dramatic return to drumming for the band’s creative leader YOSHIKI. After his emergency surgery last May to replace a cervical vertebral disc, YOSHIKI will perform his first major concert with X JAPAN since the group headlined SSE Wembley Arena in London last March.

X JAPAN has sold over 30 million albums, singles, and videos combined, and has sold out Japan’s 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome a record 18 times. WE ARE X, the documentary film about the band, was called a “fascinating and assured documentary” by the New York Times, winning awards at the Sundance and SXSW Film Festivals followed by theatrical premieres in over 20 countries and a worldwide chart-topping soundtrack.

X JAPAN is currently in the studio completing their first full-length album in over 20 years, set for release in 2018.
5:59 PM
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Yoshiki, leader of X Japan, made his return to the drums during a live television broadcast on New Year’s Eve, shocking the audience of the popular Japanese television program Kouhaku Uta Gassen with a rocking drum performance just over six months after his neck surgery last May.

X Japan’s appearance at the 68th annual Kouhaku, the holiday music showcase which gathers all of Japan’s top performers, began with an elegant rendition of “Endless Rain” – with Yoshiki on piano and Toshl on vocals – before the performance suddenly transformed into X Japan’s legendary rock song “Kurenai”.

As Yoshiki descended the stairs from the piano, his drum set appeared on the stage before him and the entire auditorium ignited with cheers. During the broadcast, social media was flooded with comments as all of Japan and music fans around the world shared the excitement. Performers and staff alike began applauding backstage, and many media outlets quickly reported the news.

With only half a year having passed since his surgery, Yoshiki was still not completely used to his artificial intervertebral disc. However, after his doctor told him that “performing on drums shouldn’t be a problem if it’s just one song,” he decided to make his drumming return on New Year’s Eve. While it couldn’t be said that his drumming was back to perfection yet, Yoshiki was determined to do his best in his current condition, practicing all night the day before in preparation for the special occasion on the renowned Kohaku Uta Gassen stage.

2017 had been a dramatic year for X Japan and Yoshiki, with his solo performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall followed immediately by X Japan’s Wembley Arena concert in London. X Japan’s tumultuous history was documented in the award-winning film We Are X, which opened in countries across the globe.

Yoshiki said, “I’m very proud to have been able to perform on drums on the stage of Kouhaku Uta Gassen. We will continue to push ahead toward new things next year as well, and I hope all of you will look forward to what X Japan has in store.”
3:35 PM
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X Japan launched its official Instagram account this week to commemorate the Japanese DVD/Blu-ray release of "We Are X" on December 13, 2017. The band’s award-winning documentary film is currently dominating this week’s charts, earning the #1 spot on Amazon, iTunes, and other retailers.

The "We Are X", Japanese video release is available in a Collectors Edition, Special Edition, and Standard Edition. The Blu-ray Collectors Edition includes exclusive gold commemorative packaging able to be wall-mounted for decoration, available as both a 3-disc and 1-disc version.

The 3-disc versions of the Special Edition and Collectors Edition feature original Japanese content, including Yoshiki’s piano performance at the Sundance Film Festival and the Japan “We Are X: World Tour 2017″ edition of the film.

The Japanese releases also include bonus footage, such as the songs “Kurenai” and “Forever Love”, from X Japan: The Last Live, held on December 31st, 1997, as well as unreleased footage and interviews with X Japan members not included in the theatrical release. In addition, the Special Edition also includes a 24-page photo book with rare images and liner notes.

The We Are X Limited Edition Color Vinyl Soundtrack, released by Sony Music Japan International on December 13th, achieved #1 on Amazon's vinyl chart and soundtrack chart. The We Are X soundtrack album also accomplished the unprecedented feat of ranking No.1 on the British rock album charts. We Are X is the first vinyl album to be released from X JAPAN in 20 years, and the first vinyl record to be released on their old label Sony Music in 28 years (the previous time was with their major debut album BLUE BLOOD, released in 1989).

Limited to 5,000 units, The deluxe exclusive Japanese original version features a red record jacket, double-sided collector’s item poster, 4-page booklet, 1 Japanese bonus track, a double jacket, and separately colored double albums (LP 1 is red, LP 2 is blue).

We Are X Limited Edition Vinyl Soundtrack at Amazon Japan: http://bit.ly/WeAreX_LtdVinylAmz
We Are X Limited Edition Vinyl Soundtrack at HMV: http://bit.ly/WeAreX_LtdVinylHMV.

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/S8T1zFMeU7M.

Web and Socials:

X Japan Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xjapanofficial.
We Are X International Website: http://wearexfilm.com.
We Are X Japanese Website: http://www.wearexfilm.jp.
9:24 AM
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YOSHIKI and Nobel Prize winner Shinya Yamanaka have joined together for a special video interview in support of the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Launched by the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in August, the “ONE TEAM PROJECT” is an endeavor to inspire and build enthusiasm for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, led by a unified team of the most important creators and innovators of Japan.

In the third edition of the Committee’s special programs, titled “A Prelude to 2020″, X Japan leader YOSHIKI and Professor Shinya Yamanaka, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and Director of the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, engage in a deep conversation about the upcoming Olympic events and the personal significance of the year 2020.

VIDEO (with English subtitles):
https://youtu.be/oA8JH91srE8

VIDEO (making of)
https://youtu.be/nHZjLIyFJJY

LINK:
https://participation.tokyo2020.jp/jp/oneteam/03.html

Leaders in their respective fields, the passionate conversation between YOSHIKI and Professor Yamanaka (who also has experience running full marathons) covers topics such as Yamanaka’s goals for IPS research, parallels between their personal ambitions and the training goals of the Olympic athletes, and YOSHIKI’s goal of helping Asian musicians become more prominent in the fields of rock and classical music. The second half of the video also includes a live piano performance by YOSHIKI of X Japan’s famous song “Forever Love”.

ABOUT THE “ONE TEAM PROJECT”

The goal of the “ONE TEAM PROJECT” is to cultivate anticipation and a desire to engage and participate, led by a unified team of the leading cultural influencers and artists of Japan who will inspire and build enthusiasm towards the Games, together as “ONE TEAM.” The first edition featured the Kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, and the second edition featured the participation of the Kyogen stage actor Mansai Nomura and the karateka Kiyou Shimizu.

The “ONE TEAM PROJECT – A Prelude to 2020″ discussion event became a reality when YOSHIKI and Professor Yamanaka (with whom YOSHIKI has a close personal friendship) both gave their approval of the endeavor’s aims and goals. Both men perceive the year 2020, when the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games are to be held, as a major turning point for themselves personally as well. The objective of this video — featuring two globally prolific leaders passionately talking about their goals and sentiments — aims for viewers to express their own ambitions and passions for the year 2020, and enhance anticipation towards these future tournaments.

Comment from YOSHIKI: “By the year 2020, I want to be recognized as both a globally relevant musician and a Japanese person. This opportunity to confirm my goals for 2020 together with Professor Yamanaka has reinvigorated my resolve. To the athletes who aspire to compete in 2020 in Tokyo, I’m behind them with all my heart as a fellow comrade who is chasing his dreams. And I hope the viewers of this video will also share the same hopes and dreams. We are ONE TEAM.”

Comment from Professor Yamanaka: “This opportunity has reaffirmed to me that the year 2020 is — for myself as well as for the Japanese people — an extremely important year. Personally, as a sports lover, as a Japanese person, I am looking even more forward to the 2020 Tokyo Games. I hope that this video can help to enhance anticipation for the 2020 Tokyo Games for as many people as possible. Experiencing YOSHIKI’s live performance was truly a moment of bliss for me.”
3:42 PM

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