Random Fact of the Day
15
Jun, 2011
By the way, since we posted about JADE today. Did you know the cover was shot by Yoshiki? Yup yup! He has always had a passion for photography but this is official first work.
He should do some more photography and open a gallery or do an art showing! What can’t he do?
Posted in Random FactTags: X Japan, Yoshiki
Jade finally released & Yoshiki on XM Radio
15
Jun, 2011
Guys, its finally happened – a freaking release date for Jade. I feel like we’ve talked about this release for years. So now on June 28th – you can get your copy of Jade! It was supposed to be out earlier this year but complications and the devastation in Japan paused the single to be released.
OK – Yoshiki is going to be on XM Boneyard on Sundays. I feel like this should be talked about. Now for those who don’t have XM/Sirus radio – every once in awhile they will do artist showcases that lead up to an event. My personal favorite was the Paul McCartney radio on XM The Bridge which lead up to his live in New York….yeah I am hardcore!
Recently Howard Stern ranted about Yoshiki getting his own air time.
Thoughts?
Source: OHP
more info on Yoshiki X Stan Lee
3
Jun, 2011
This past weekend Yoshiki was a guest of honor at FanimeCon. There he announced his collaboration with Stan Lee will start out with “issue #0″ and should be released at Comic-Con which takes place this year in San Diego on July 21-24. We talked about the project last year over here, and talked about holding a press conference at Comic Con 2011.
Seems like they are really going through with it. I hope readers who will go to Comic Con will catch his announcement and report back to us!!! I still want to know how they met, Yoshiki should start making walk on roles on the Marvel films like Stan Lee does.
Source: AnimeNetwork
Yoshiki is guest of honor at FanimeCon
25
May, 2011
Amazing for those who are going to FanimeCon this year – just announced that Yoshiki will be one of their guest of honor attendees!
FanimeCon 2011 announces surprise Guest of Honor, Yoshiki. The talented co-founder of X Japan will hold a panel and autograph session in the evening on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the San Jose Convention Center.
Yoshiki and vocalist Toshi formed X Japan (originally named X) in 1982. Since then, X Japan has sold more than 30-million albums, singles and videos, becoming the most successful rock band in Japanese history. The heart of X Japan, Yoshiki has written popular hits such as “I.V.” from Saw IV and “Forever Love” from the X/1999 movie. He also plays drums, piano, guitar, bass, and trumpet. Beyond X Japan, Yoshiki has produced some of Japan’s most influential bands, including Dir En Grey and Glay.
Yoshiki is also an entrepreneur and a true renaissance man. He has a line of jewelry, his own wine, and a line of kimonos. In July, 2010, Yoshiki launched the Yoshiki Foundation America, which has already helped organizations including The Grammy Foundation, Make-a-Wish, and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. After the March 2011 earthquake in Japan, the foundation has partnered with the Japan America Society of Southern California and is focusing on disaster relief efforts.
Yoshiki will be at FanimeCon 2011 for only a few hours on Saturday, May 28, and www.fanime.com will have more details about his appearance. Visit the web site for the latest news about the convention as FanimeCon gears up for Memorial Day Weekend, 2011.
Source: FanimeCon
YOSHIKI to donate piano for earthquake relief
14
Mar, 2011
YOSHIKI recently announced that he will be auctioning off his crystal piano and all the money will be donated to the earthquake relief.
The crystal piano will be the one in the photo below.
On the March 11st, 2011 the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake happened, and YOSHIKI conveyed his thoughts saying: “Thank you for your concern. Although there are some friends I can’t get in contact with, I’ve contacted all my family members. I intend to prolong the period of staying in Japan to support everyone. LOVE YOU….”
And YOSHIKI also decided to put the piano he used during the live at Tokyo Dome in May 2009, which carries the name logo “YOSHIKI” on it, up for auction and he will donate all the money to support organizations.
For more details on the auction, do visit YOSHIKI’s official mobile site [YOSHIKI mobile].
Other than the auction, the YOSHIKI Foundation founded by YOSHIKI will also be collecting donations.
Source: Music Japan Plus & Yoshiki’s Facebook
X Japan performing at Asia Girls Explosion
4
Mar, 2011
X Japan hasn’t slowed down in the new year, they are set to perform at the Asia Girls Explosion fashion event at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium on March 6. They are going to perform their US single: Jade (comes out March 15th). They are also going to preform Scarlet Love Song – which is being featured on the animated film: Tezuka Osamu no Buddha -Akai Sabaku yo! Utsukushiku- (we talked about that over here).
Yoshiki has already stated that his new brand YOSHIKIMONO will premiere here at the event. The brand is a collaboration with Tokyo Girls Collection producer Jay FR. On top of that, the special guest appearance has been interesting! Not only will Yoshiki’s Violet UK project perform their first live in Japan with SUGIZO but they also list a few familiar North American faces to model in the event. For those who watch tv: Olivia Palermo (Mtv’s The City) , AnnaLynne McCord (90210), Shenae Grimes (90210, Degrassi), Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl), Marilyn Manson and many more. Taylor Momsen’s band The Pretty Reckless will also be performing along side X Japan and Violet UK.
For more info check out the event page over here.
Source: AGE
Toshi’s solo dinner
23
Nov, 2010
Toshi’s solo project entitled ToshI feat. YOSHIKI will be throwing 2 dinner parties, you can go for a price…
ToshI, the vocalist of rock band X Japan, held a press conference on Monday to announce the first event for his “ToshI feat. YOSHIKI” project. On January 24-25, he will hold two dinner shows at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo hotel. Seats will cost as much as 100,000 yen, which is said to tie the record for the most expensive dinner show in Japan. (Chiharu Matsuyama charged the same price for a show in Fukuoka in 2008.)
As previously reported, “ToshI feat YOSHIKI” is primarily a solo project for Toshi, with support from his friend and bandmate Yoshiki. The dinner show is titled “Crystal Piano no Kimi,” named after the project’s first single that has been rescheduled for release in January.
The dinner will be provided by distinguished French cuisine chef Kiyomi Mikuni. Toshi will then perform “Crystal Piano no Kimi” and other songs, backed by an orchestra of approximately 30 musicians. The program also includes joint performances with Yoshiki using two crystal pianos.
According to Toshi, the other members of X Japan are also planned to attend, with the possibility of providing some side entertainment during the dinner portion of the show. He joked, “HEATH is entertaining when he’s drunk. You’ll get to see that secret.”
I don’t know about you but at 100,000 yen a seat – not sure if many fans can afford that! What do you think about this appearance??
Source: TokyoGraph
Yoshiki at Hello Kitty party
12
Nov, 2010
We told you guys about Yoshiki going to a Hello Kitty party yesterday morning. Now he posted some pics from the event. You can view the rest of the photos over here.
Did anyone go to the event? What do you think about Yoshiki and X Japan in America?
Source: Yoshiki’s twitter
Yoshiki will appear at Hello Kitty party
11
Nov, 2010
Yoshiki tweeted that he will be in attending a Hello Kitty Party in LA tomorrow.
The event he will be attending is:
Sanrio’s “I Heart Nerds” Party!
Starting from November 12th till November 21st 2010
The event will be held at:
Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Price: $15.00 (You can purchase your tickets in advance from www.brownpapertickets.com)
Meet Hello Kitty who will be nerding it up for the occasion!
You could dress-up as your fave Sanrio character in our costume photo booth and take home a complimentary picture print!
All the Small Gift LA elements including the art show curated by JapanLA, product retrospective, pop-up shop, miniature golf, game booths, activities, retro arcade and a Ferris wheel will be open for your enjoyment as well!
Parking will be $10.00 and additional charges may apply for other activities.
Sounds Fun!!
Those who will be in LA tomorrow can go there and take a look.
Special thanks to Junne for the tip.
Source: Yoshiki’s twitter , www.brownpapertickets.com & sanrio.com
More info on Stan Lee x Yoshiki project
12
Oct, 2010
Tokyo Graph posted this bit of extended news on the odd collaboration of comic tycoon Stan Lee and Yoshiki. IF you weren’t at comic con this past weekend and missed the announcement, it seems that the duo will be working on a new comic series.
X Japan’s Yoshiki held a panel at the New York Anime Festival/New York Comic Con on Saturday. The panel included a special guest appearance by the legendary American comic creator Stan Lee, and the two announced that they are collaborating to create a “music superhero comic book series.”
The series is planned to be translated into multiple languages, and will be adapted into a motion comic as well. It was also mentioned during the panel that Stan Lee makes an appearance in the music video for X Japan’s “Born to Be Free.”
Although the rest of X Japan was not present, the band is scheduled to perform at the Roseland Ballroom in New York on Sunday, October 10.
Kind of strange but I am kind of intrigued. What do you think?
Source: Tokyo Graph
Yoshiki & Stan Lee at Comic Con
8
Oct, 2010
We talked about the guest list so far at the New York/Comic Con Festival over here. Now a new announcement that Yoshiki will be present at Comic Con along with Stan Lee for a special announcement.
X Japan is the most successful rock band in Japanese history, and the heart of X Japan is Yoshiki – a songwriter, drummer, and classically-trained pianist who also plays guitar, bass and trumpet. Referred throughout his professional career by his first name only, Yoshiki, “X Japan” has sold more than 30 million albums, singles and videos. He is uniquely both an iconic rock star/drummer for the band, as well as a world renowned classically trained composer/musician who has performed for the Emperor of Japan. Yoshiki is arguably Asia’s most influential musical artist and biggest rock icon and has now set his sights on the U.S. But, it’s not only his music! Yoshiki is extremely influential in the U.S. with American fans of Japanese culture be it fashion, anime, visual kei, music, J-rock and J-Pop! This summer, X Japan performed on the main stage at the Lollapalooza Festival and received rave reviews from his established fan base and his new fan base. X Japan is performing at Roseland Ballroom on Sunday, October 10. The day before — on Saturday, October 9 — he’s appearing at the New York Comic Con and New York Anime Festival from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in Room 1A08 for a spotlight panel — including special guest Stan Lee!
DATE: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 6:30pm in room #1A08
LOCATION: Jacob K. Javits Center
655 W. 34th street
New York, New York 10001
What could the announcement be of? Maybe a special X-Men/ X Japan crossover comic issue? Who is going this weekend?!
Yoshiki’s interview on ShockHound
1
Sep, 2010
I got an email blast about new updates on ShockHound and guess who was featured on the site this week? Thats right, Yoshiki! Take a look at the interview – its all in English. You can also buy a couple of releases on the site.
What do you think?
Source: ShockHound
Toshi’s solo comeback
30
Aug, 2010
Some more X Japan news, this time positive and focused around vocalist, Toshi. Last time we talked about Toshi as a solo artist, he was going through hard times with his divorce and departure of Home of the Heart label. Now he is back and there is even talk about a new single coming out soon!
X Japan vocalist Toshi (44) recently stated in an interview that he will be resuming his solo activities later with a new single next month. He also mentioned that he will team up with Yoshiki to start a new project next year.
Earlier this year, Toshi revealed that he was divorcing his wife Kaori after more than 12 years of marriage. He also finally severed ties with the Home of Heart group (labeled by many as a cult), though he had to declare personal bankruptcy as most of his money has gone to that organization. In February, he held a “sayonara concert” to symbolize his break away from his past.
Now, with the help of his friend and bandmate Yoshiki, Toshi is getting back on his feet. In May, Toshi finished a piano and violin ballad titled “Crystal Piano no Kimi” and recorded it at Yoshiki’s studio in Los Angeles. The song will be released as a single in late September.
In addition, the two of them are launching a project in January called “Toshi feat. YOSHIKI,” though it will start off as just a solo project by Toshi. They are still determining how it will develop, though they seem to be planning to release CDs and hold concerts domestically and overseas, while still being involved with X Japan.
What do you think? Are you ready for some new Toshi music?
Source: TokyoGraph
Posted in New release, Project, SoloTags: TOSHI, Yoshiki
X Japan involved in another lawsuit
30
Aug, 2010
I’m guessing most of you guys already know about this but just in case – we’re posting it here for those who have missed it. Seems like Yoshiki is in a bit of trouble involving hide’s management company Headwax.
More details have emerged regarding the impending lawsuit between Japan Music Agency (the management office of X Japan’s Yoshiki) and Headwax Organization (the management office of X Japan’s late guitarist Hide). It was learned several days ago that Headwax plans to seek an injunction against X Japan’s use of Hide’s likeness unless they fulfill their contractual obligations, and now Yoshiki has declared that he may file a counter-suit if that happens.
X Japan has previously used images of Hide during their concerts. Most recently, X Japan performed two shows at Nissan Stadium on August 14-15.
Yoshiki informed the media on Thursday that Japan Music Agency (JMA) received a formal notice from Headwax on August 17. Headwax claims that the contract regarding the use of Hide’s likeness is invalid unless JMA completes its part of the arrangement. According to the statement, JMA owes 2 billion yen to Nexstar Corporation (X Japan’s former production company), while Nexstar owes 300 million yen to Headwax.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Yoshiki filed a lawsuit against Nexstar this past March, seeking roughly 375 million yen in unpaid revenue from 2008 and 2009. Sources say that the issue regarding Hide’s image started around that time, and that the matter picked up steam in early May, when an event for the 13th death anniversary of Hide was held.
Yoshiki and JMA publicly responded to Headwax’s notice, stating that if Headwax does follow through with a lawsuit, then there will likely be a counterclaim. Headwax said that their lawyer plans to release an official comment within the next few days.
Source: TokyoGraph
Yoshiki sues production company
16
Mar, 2010
Yoshiki has been in the news alot these past few months. Sadly this isn’t really positive news.
X Japan leader Yoshiki has filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against the music production company Nexstar Corporation, seeking approximately 375 million yen in damages. However, that figure could grow by another 600 million yen.
According to the lawsuit, after X Japan reunited, they entered a contract with Nexstar Corporation in January 2008, which included the use of some recordings. That initial deal was for the sum of 600 million yen in advance royalties and contract money, which has so far been entirely unpaid.
Between 2008 and 2009, the company also sponsored ten of the band’s concerts in Japan and other parts of Asia. About 320 million yen in performance fees and merchandise sales from those concerts is due to the band as well. In all, the total unpaid amount is more than 900 million yen.
Yoshiki’s side points out that the ticket and merchandise sales have earned more than 2.5 billion yen in revenue for Nexstar, making it unreasonable that the company still has not paid any of it. Although attempts were initially made to resolve the dispute between the two parties, a lack of progress led Yoshiki to take the matter to court.
The lawsuit is currently seeking only 375 million yen for the revenue earned from the concerts, but should the case go to trial, Yoshiki’s side plans to file an additional claim for the 600 million yen in the initial contract.
When reached for comment, Nexstar stated that they have not yet received the lawsuit. The company reportedly acknowledged that there is some unpaid money due to the band, but they said that the amount is different from Yoshiki’s claim.
Source: Tokyo Graph
YOSHIKI’s announcement at the GRAMMYs
2
Feb, 2010
Just a quick greeting to say hello to everyone out there; I’m new to the wonderful Shattered Tranquility, and I look forward to bringing you all translations and news from the Visual scene as of today =)
There was updated news about YOSHIKI on Barks.jp about his appearing at the GRAMMYs, plus information about X JAPAN’s next gigs!
YOSHIKI announces X-JAPAN to take part in ‘Lollapalooza’ at the GRAMMY Awards
On 1st February (31st January in US), YOSHIKI made his apperance at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles.
YOSHIKI, who is also a voting member, last made his appearance at the Awards in 2008, and appeared again this year on the red carpet with a flamboyance. There is even a photograph of him displayed on the Official GRAMMY website.
On the red carpet, YOSHIKI confirmed to Press interviewers from around the world that X-JAPAN would be headlining the main stage at the ‘Lollapalooza’ Music Festival in Chicago, on August 6th to 8th.
This huge event, held at the Chicago Grand Park, had big names such as The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kayne West, Queens of the Stone Age and Sonic Youth take part in 2009, with over 77,000 people attending the first day, resulting in a total of over 225,000 attending within 3 days.Having had a keen offer from sponsors of the event, it was decided that X-JAPAN would take the main stage. Official details of the event are not to be announced until the end of February, but following up from last year, we can expect another great lineup of Top Artists.
Although X JAPAN is the first Japanese Artist to take the main stage at the Lollapalooza, their popularity continues to spread rapidly not just within Japan but also throughout Asia and Europe, with clear signs of this beginning to happen in America. Evidence of this would be when X JAPAN were shooting their large-scale Music Video in Hollywood in January this year, as many fans arrived at the scene.
X-JAPAN’s appearance in the Lollapalooza festival can now be seen as a start towards resuming their World Tour. Having been about 6 months since YOSHIKI’s operation, surely these Monsters of Rock will be roaring on stage again.
You can check out the GRAMMYs Official Website here: http://www.grammy.com
Plus the Lollapalooza festival Official Website, although as stated, it has not yet updated this year’s lineup: http://www.lollapalooza.com
Source: barks.jp
Random Fact of the Day
29
Oct, 2009
Once again it’s time for everyone’s favorite part of the day…. RANDOM FACT TIME!
Today’s random fact is about YOSHIKI, and what he’s been up to recently.
Did you know, that on October 27th, YOSHIKI attended a private premiere of the Michael Jackson movie, “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT”?
In fact, YOSHIKI was friends with M.J and as the news said, it seemed YOSHIKI went to the screening as himself as an artist, more than anything else, and to show his respect for Michael Jackson’s work. YOSHIKI didn’t even appear on the red carpet like many of the other stars, and snuck out the back of the theatre when it all was over!
Of course this random fact cannot be complete without a photo:
Now that the movie has been released world-wide, how many of our S-T readers are going to see it? (Or have you already?)
Posted in Random FactTags: Yoshiki
YOSHIKI hits the 「ATOM」 premeire
22
Oct, 2009
The following article was posted on Barks.jp. Please note this is not the entire article (as it goes on to talk about the movie), but what’s posted is what (mostly) what pertains to YOSHIKI.
The full feature film “ATOM”, based on Tedzuka Osamu’s immortal work “ASTRO BOY”, was was released for pre-screening on October 10th. In America is has now been open to the public, and YOSHIKI from X JAPAN made an appearance at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles.
Before “ATOM” was released to the general public in America on October 23rd, the premiere was held on October 19th in LA. Yokusho Kouji, who was in charge of dubbing the original Japanese version of the film showed, along with a red carpet filled with an overseas cast. At the premiere 2000 fans gathered at the hall, as well as more than 90 media personnel. This made for an extremely magnificent premiere.
Also attending was YOSHIKI. Originally, YOSHIKI had been chosen to produce to movie for the film. However, he recently underwent a surgical operation on his neck, and due to the circumstances had to give up the position. At the LA premiere he commented,
“We also talked about me being in charge of the theme song, however, due to things such as the operation on my neck, I was unable to do it, and I really regret that I could not. When I was a child, I was raised watching ATOM. A long time has passed, and I’m very happy that “ATOM” is now able to be seen in America. (Watching the movie), without thinking, I ended up crying. I really want a lot of people to see this film”.
YOSHIKI was seen wearing a seemingly painful neck brace, however, he appeared to be happy and healthy.
For a couple more photos, check out the article on Barks.jp.
YOSHIKI’s recovery
1
Oct, 2009
Sankei Sports has posted an article about YOSHIKI, the outcome of his surgery and a bit of information about his future plans. I thought that it was a nice little article for anyone who’s a YOSHIKI fan and was curious to how he’s been doing.
Please note that this is a translation of the article. The photos were also courtesy of the Sankei Sports website, which you can find here.
At the end of July, the leader of the successful rock band, X JAPAN, underwent surgery for his cervical foraminal stenosis, and on the 23rd, is has been released that he has made a wonderful recovery.
Immediately following the operation, Sankei Sports were able to obtain a photo of the scar.
YOSHIKI has already restarted his studio work, and is officially establishing the new members for his solo project, 「VIOLET UK」.
Making an early comeback to the stage, he’s taken on reality.
This is the first public look at the two shocking photos [of his scar]. Right after the surgery the scar which is approximately five centimeters in length, was red, swollen and painful. However, about a month and a half after the operation, in recent photos the scar still remains, but the skin around the wound has almost completely healed. They say that the medical personnel were astonished [by the quick healing].
After his come-back performance at Tokyo Dome in March of last year, YOSHIKI’s herniated disk which is a chronic disease of intense drum playing, was growing worse day by day. He was diagnosed by doctors with cervical foraminal stenosis, and at the end of July underwent surgery in Los Angeles. There is currently still a slight numbness left in YOSHIKI’s hands, and some pain in his neck, but along with rehabilitation, he is again working in the studio. In the middle of the night on the 23rd, he officially commented via a cell phone site, making a promise for a comeback, “Perhaps in about two months, if I can, I think I will begin touching the piano and drums again. In regard to the nerves, it seems that about one millimetre heals per day. I’m waiting for the doctors to give me the go ahead. I’m doing my best”.
Also, YOSHIKI has decided on the new official members for his solo project, 「VIOLET UK」, which is in charge of the theme song for the movie 「GOEMON」 that is coming out in May. The details such as their names and genders are not yet clear, however, in the past ten years the members are constantly changing, and therefore we can expect a new development. The day when we learn the details about the recording and so forth, is coming soon. Climbing over all these obstacles, it seems that we can anticipate an even bigger jump.
Source: BMA, Sankei Sports.
Posted in News, TranslationTags: Yoshiki
CURE USA!
23
Feb, 2009
We here at Shattered Tranquility are happy to announce some exciting news for English speaking VK fans. CURE USA’s first issue is here and ready for you guys!
Curious about the magazine? The publication is very similar to the Japanese CURE we all know and love. Issues will have interviews, live reports, fashion snap, style council and more!
The first issue features none other than Yoshiki himself. Other interviews in this issue include – DIO, Sugar, Born, BLOOD, Dolly, GPKism and Suicide Ali!
How do you get the issue? Visit the main CURE USA site for ordering info. Best part of all the issue is only $4.99! Can’t beat that!
Source: CURE USA
Browse by
Calendar
Donate
Translator
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||
Affiliates
