Today, Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer YOSHIKI donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund through YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA, a non-profit public interest company managed by the artist himself.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund was created by The Recording Academy® and MusiCares© to help support struggling music artists who are having to postpone and cancel tours in response to the pandemic outbreak. YOSHIKI is a board member of The Recording Academy®, which is known for presenting the Grammy Awards.
YOSHIKI said: “In a time when we are being told to conduct self-control and restraint, I’m still called out by people on whether it’s best to put shows on holdーfor the benefit of fans included. The financial damage of that is of course substantial. Many different industriesーnot just the entertainment industryーare on the verge of danger, as are people of varying positions [across society]. As someone in the world of music, I would hope there would be some way of offering help to those involved in the music industry around the world, Japan included, during this difficult time, and so I have donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The danger of COVID-19 is a global problem, not just Japan. I pray from the bottom of my heart that this will all be over much quicker by everyone cooperating to conduct self-restraint and wait this out to lessen the spread of the virus, and that the entertainment industry can once again return to its thriving self.”
Steve Boom, Chairman of the Board at MusiCares, also expressed his deep gratitude to the donations which go towards relieving the burden of musicians and those involved in music. He said that everyone’s cooperation will ensure that the necessary funds and resources are there for people to continue their careers.
YOSHIKI continues to post information related to the coronavirus via his social media pages. On March 11, he interviewed Shinya Yamanaka, the director of the Center for iPS Cell Research and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The interview can be seen below and has English subtitles.
Information
YOSHIKI Official Website: http://www.yoshiki.net/
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Rock group BAND-MAID has been chosen as the opening act for THE LAST ROCKSTARS' first live concert in the U.S., THE LAST ROCKSTARS Live Debut 2023 Tokyo - New York - Los Angeles, starting February 3, 2023.
THE LAST ROCKSTARS' U.S. shows in New York on February 4 and Los Angeles on February 10 are sold out. Reaction to the group has been incredible, leading to an additional New York show on February 3. To make things even more exciting, BAND-MAID will perform at all three U.S. shows. THE LAST ROCKSTARS (Paris Mix) Music VideoBAND-MAID has become overwhelmingly popular around the world. In the United States, the band recently performed at AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL 2022, one of the largest music festivals in the country. They also served as a supporting act for GUNS N’ ROSES during the legendary band’s Japan tour in November. This year, the group will once again perform at a selection of music festivals in the states, including Sonic Temple 2023 in Ohio and Welcome to Rockville 2023 in Florida.
This time around, BAND-MAID will perform as the opening act for one of the most impressive rock bands in recent memory. THE LAST ROCKSTARS is composed of YOSHIKI, HYDE, SUGIZO, and MIYAVI, making it a superband like no other. This will be the first time the newly-formed group will perform in the U.S.
The Ariake Arena concert on January 27 was broadcast live on WOWOW and was also streamed in movie theaters throughout Japan. The February 10 show in Los Angeles will also be streamed, so be sure to tune in!Information
THE LAST ROCKSTARS Live Debut 2023 Tokyo – New York – Los Angeles
February 3, 2023
Additional New York City Show Tickets:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-last-rockstars-live-debut-2023-new-york-new-york-02-03-2023/event/00005D8696D91717THE LAST ROCKSTARS Official Site: https://thelastrockstars.net
BAND-MAID Official Site: https://bandmaid.tokyo/ -
Starting August 11, Yoshiki will open his ‘EVENING/BREAKFAST with YOSHIKI 2022 in TOKYO’ event, consisting of 20 performances over 11 days, a new record for the artist. To celebrate the premium dinner show’s opening at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, some adorable new Yoshikitty goods will be available for guests to purchase! Yoshiki has attracted attention from around the world for his dinner shows, each expressing his unique worldview through his piano performances and the addition of lasers, LED lights, drums, and the inclusion of fashion throughout. The artist’s new dinner show series will take place over 11 days with 20 stunning performances. Inspired by the theme of ‘new entertainment to remind guests of the meaning of life,’ tickets for the event sold out immediately. The event will also feature four new items from the Yoshikitty Pastel Moon Series, a new iteration of Yoshiki’s collaboration with Hello Kitty.
Yoshikitty Pastel Moon Series
Since the creation of the character in 2009, Yoshikitty has sported Yoshiki’s debut hairstyle and purple eyeshadow, often appearing in the artist’s stage costumes and fashion. Yoshikitty has sported over 10 different designs over the years, and the new Pastel Moon Series shows the character in soft unicorn colors never seen before. In addition to the newly released items, don't miss the Lace Series, which features Yoshikitty, roses, and musical notes in luxurious black lace. Guests can also grab the Stick Diffuser, which contains rose essential oil directly imported from France! Information
Yoshikitty Pastel Moon Series
Available: August 11-15 / August 19-21 / August 26-28
Where to Buy: Grand Hyatt Tokyo Ballroom
*Merchandise will only be available to purchase for those holding a dinner show ticket.
Yoshikitty Online Shop: https://yoshikitty.shop/ -
Yoshikitty, a character formed in collaboration between Hello Kitty and rock legend YOSHIKI, now has an online shop! Yoshikitty first debuted in 2009 as a collaboration between YOSHIKI of X JAPAN and Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty. The character’s first goods collection sold out immediately, with additional items also selling out online the same day. Yoshikitty’s popularity isn’t limited only to Japan, with global fans also anxious to snag some of this sought-after merchandise. Since 2015, Yoshikitty has been nominated for the Sanrio Character Awards, rising in popularity year after year and keeping up with other beloved Sanrio personalities. To commemorate the eighth consecutive year of her appearance in the Sanrio Character Awards, the Yoshikitty Online Shop has opened its doors. Fans can now purchase a number of exclusive items whenever they please! Opening Announcement Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFDArLVYAuw
Pouch (3 colors: Purple, Red, Blue): ¥2,600 each (Tax Included)
Cushion (3 colors: Purple, Red, Gray): ¥4,400 each (Tax Included)
To celebrate the shop’s opening, a new collection of lace goods is on sale now, featuring the character alongside roses and musical notes in elegant black lace. Items available include pouches, tote bags, and plenty of other goods perfect for both everyday use and formal occasions. ©️ 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.L630057 ©️ 2022 Japan Music Agency Co., Ltd. -
BAND-MAID’s guitarist and vocalist Miku Kobato and vocalist SAIKI will appear on YOSHIKI CHANNEL on February 25, 2022 at 19:30! This will be BAND-MAID’s second appearance on YOSHIKI CHANNEL, with their first in 2019. During their last broadcast, SAIKI and YOSHIKI had a very fun impromptu chat, so fans can look forward to that (likely) happening again! Don’t miss this global chat between BAND-MAID and YOSHIKI, who both have made waves in Japan and the U.S. BAND-MAID released the official band scorebook for ‘Unseen World’ last month, which includes exclusive photos and interviews fully translated into English. Be sure to keep an eye on the band during 2022!
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YOSHIKI×BAND-MAID Miku Kobato and SAIKI Special Talk
Streaming Date: February 25, 2022 at 19:30
YouTube Channel Membership (Worldwide, including Japan)
For Japanese Viewers: https://youtu.be/Vrpto_rJPYg
Simultaneous English Interpretation Broadcast: https://youtu.be/_SWwVSnDCak
Niconico Channel (Japan Only):
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X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI was one of eleven designers chosen to submit an original design for Baccarat, commemorating the 180th anniversary of the crystal manufacturer’s Harcourt glass. The work was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in Fall 2021.
Baccarat is a manufacturer of fine crystal founded in 1764 in the Lorraine region of France. The company’s iconic Harcourt glass features a hexagonal base with three-button feet and is known as a timeless and iconic symbol of the brand. This year marks the 180th anniversary of the glass, which was first created during the time of Louis Philippe I. It’s hard to believe that these pieces have been on the tables of royalty for almost two centuries! YOSHIKIMONO, the kimono brand created by YOSHIKI, has been featured at Tokyo Fashion Week multiple times. In 2020, his works were shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK, along with the Tokyo National Museum. Known for his blend of rock and classical music, YOSHIKI continues to express his individuality in both his sound and fashion taste. From the front, the glass looks to be on fire, while from the top, there is a sense that a poisonous flower is taking bloom. The work is a one-of-a-kind blend of east and west and was a new challenge for the performer. Comment from YOSHIKI
“I am honored to have been chosen as a designer for the 180th anniversary of Baccarat’s Harcourt glass. I’d like everyone to also keep an eye out for some new music coming soon. Thank you to all of the fans who continue supporting me in everything I do.” -
Last year, the Pola Museum Annex in Tokyo hosted a charity auction to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic breaking out across the globe. As the world continues to feel the effects of the virus, the charity event is returning for a second year, and is set to be held from November 12 until December 5, 2021. The title for this year’s art exhibition is ‘Find Your Travel.’
Lemon Tree - Yuka Kashihara. Acrylic and oil on canvas. 2020.
POLA Dot or snowball ~Based on Tosa Mitsuyoshi’s Colored Painting of Yugiri from The Tale of Genji~ - Tetsuya Noguchi. Acrylic. 2020.
our whereabouts - Moe Nakamura. Camphor, bronze, oil. 2021.
Philanthropy - Yuko Higuchi. Hemp paper, pen, watercolor. 2020.
Baby Heel-less Shoes - Noritaka Tatehama. Cowhide, pigskin, dye, metal zipper, coated crystal glass. 2020.
Last year’s charity auction raised over ¥9,145,000 (about $83,000) for the Japanese Red Cross. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the globe, and as Japan remains locked down, this year’s event hopes to raise even more useful funds to help medical professionals on the front lines. 20 artists are participating in the exhibition, with each creating one work based on the theme of ‘travel.’ In addition to simply viewing these pieces at the exhibition, a silent auction will also be held online. With travel being severely restricted, these works of art seek to inspire and encourage visitors to imagine a better future, when the world is open once again. All proceeds will once again be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.Information
Find Your Travel Charity Auction
Running: November 12 – December 5, 2021
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last entry 18:30) / Admission Free
Address: Pola Museum Annex 3F (1-7-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: http://www.po-holdings.co.jp/m-annex/