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There are some artists who will die on stage, some others geniuses for whom music is a declaration of life, some visionaries whose creativity never fades. YOSHIKI is one of them. One of those rare figures who have left an everlasting footprint on contemporary music, securing Japan a place of honor on the international stage.
A composer, pianist, drummer, and the leader of X Japan and The Last Rockstars, YOSHIKI is considered as one of the most influential musicians, not only in Japan but around the world, as TIME magazine wrote in 2025. His albums have sold more than 30 million copies, his concerts are consistently sold-out, and his fans follow him across the world. His career has been defined by groundbreaking achievements and record-setting milestones, such as becoming the first Japanese artist to headline New York’s Madison Square Garden. Yet for YOSHIKI, music is also a matter of humankind. As a committed philanthropist, he actively supports numerous charitable initiatives in the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia, an unwavering dedication that has earned him, among other distinctions, a gold medal.
Today, despite multiple surgeries and recurring health issues which are the consequences of a lifetime spent pushing himself to the limit on stage, YOSHIKI has no intention of slowing down. To say better, he never will : music is his oxygen, his purpose in life. On the occasion of Japan Expo’s 25th anniversary, he returned to the stage more vulnerable and emotionally open than ever, yet driven by the same determination to leave an indelible legacy here in France, a country he holds especially dear. During a press conference held for the event, YOSHIKI reflected on his remarkable career, the challenges he has faced, and the projects that will continue to shape his future.
Hello! Do you have any special routine when you are coming to Paris?
Eating macarons ! Macarons, yes ! But I’m also walking near the Eiffel Tower and enjoying Paris and the view of the Seine (river). But I would never swim in the Seine river.
This is your 8th time at Japan expo and if there were 70,000 visitors attending the event back then, nowadays there are more than 200,000 people. How do you feel about this ?
I’m very surprised that this is my 8th time. I feel like we are growing together. This time, I was surprised by the number of fans. It is really amazing that this many people are coming. The new generation is also very interested in j-culture. Europe is a place that I like even though I live in the USA. I’m definitely going to be back.
You have a lot of projects especially in France (your fashion and champagne brands…). How do you deal with all of these projects?
I naturally do it, but it is also thanks to my connections. There are a lot of projects that are coming up. I could not go to my champagne brand’s event because there were fires in Los Angeles and I was doing charity work there. But there are a lot of projects coming soon, so I will keep you updated.
French fans are really grateful that you keep coming back. Next week, you will hold two classical concerts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Do you plan to hold the same kind of concerts in Paris ?
Yes, next week, I will have big shows (on the 18th and 19th). This year, my schedule is tight as of now. Next year, I would like to expand the tour to Southeast Asia and also to Europe. I am pretty sure that I will come back to France for this kind of show. I am really confident.
Through your participation in Global Citizen Live in Tokyo, we felt that charity and music are the two most important things in your life. How did you feel knowing that you were the first Japanese person to headline this event ?
This was three weeks ago I think. I headlined the first day of Global Citizen Music in Japan. But my schedule was very tight so I did not think that I could make it, but at the last minute, I managed to attend. I’m really grateful to the organizators for not giving up on me. I really wanted to join the event but somehow, problems kept piling up. The reason behind all the charity works was that I lost my father when I was young. I grew up without my father and it truly had a big impact on me. But I managed to make it through that period so I wanted to focus on people who are going through unfortunate situations. That is why I started my own foundation almost two decades ago. I started doing my charity work too. Recently I also supported disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia. As long as I am living, I try to give back. Because people helped me to become who I am today, I want to give back and do charity work.
You released the movie Under the Sky in 2023, are you currently working on a new movie ?
Yes, I am working on a few film projects, as a director.
I’m not good at acting so I’m not planning to pursue my acting career, but I’m working as a director on a new film : one documentary, one upcoming movie. Thank you for asking me that.
Is there any project or any dream that you are willing to achieve in the next five years?
Yes, of course, starting with my musical career because I don’t think I made it yet. I want to create more music and take it to the next level. It is my number one goal. Secondly, I’m going to work on my fashion projects, YOSHIKIMONO in Kyoto and MAISON YOSHIKI in Paris. Thirdly, as I return to Japan, I will work on several film projects. I want to make that happen. I’m also working on several projects which will be announced in the next few months. Last but not least, I’m also continuing my charity work. I’m going to do a lot of things.
Has your music creative process evolved over time ?
Completely, yes. My background is in classical music and rock music. The show I did in Glasgow and the show I will do next week are going to be very different. When I talk about the album I am creating right now, people do not believe me. But I’ve made three albums, one rock album, one classical one and one pop/EDM album. I’m sure my music is evolving.
A few years ago, you produced young artists, XY for instance. Do you think that you will promote other artists in the future ?
Yes, if I had the opportunity to do that, I would love to do it. This business is very competitive, so I’m always grateful towards younger artists. At the same time, there are so many artists emerging around the world. But if I had the opportunity, I would like to do that again. Bringing new artists to the world is really hard, not only as a producer, but also as a committed artist. I’m really lucky to be here, but at the same time I worked so hard. I worked over and over again. Becoming a pop star or a rock star does not happen overnight. You have to work super hard as an artist, but as a producer you also have to work really hard to be here.
Your band The Last Rockstars has kept a fairly low profile in recent months. Can you tell us more about that?
The project was put on hold following my cervical spine surgery in October 2024. I recently traveled abroad and met up with Miyavi. Even though he has left The Last Rockstars, we are still working on songs together. A comeback of The Last Rockstars is likely—we’ll see what happens. I’m just getting back on stage now, so I’m returning to live performances step by step.
After being through those big surgeries, how are you doing now ?
The last operation was really painful but there were so many people who believed in my music. Nothing is impossible. I wanted to make music again. But nothing can ever be taken for granted.
A big thank you to Japan Expo and YOSHIKI for this talk.
Note: The order of the answers has been adjusted for better flow.
Article produced in collaboration with KAvenyou and Nautiljon.
