Friday, May 26, 2023 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with KPBS Passport!
One of Japan’s most popular musicians, Yoshiki has found worldwide success as both a rockstar and classical composer. Enjoy this sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall of Yoshiki’s classical compositions, featuring Yoshiki on piano with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yoshiki has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. He was named by Consequence of Sound as "one of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history" and is described by Billboard Magazine as "prolific" and "a musical innovator."
In 1982 Yoshiki co-founded the rock band X Japan, which was a pioneer of visual kei – a subgenre that has been compared to Western glam rock. The band’s popularity – which, in Japan, landed Yoshiki’s image on everything from credit cards to a line of products from Hello Kitty – is now spreading around the world, with sold-out performances in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
Yoshiki is also well known to fans of anime, who recognize him as the superhero in a comic book created by legendary Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee – Blood Red Dragon. In October 2018, Yoshiki composed the theme song "Red Swan" for the Attack on Titan anime series, one of the most popular animations in the world, and the track reached #1 on iTunes Rock charts in 14 countries. Yet Yoshiki’s career as X-Japan’s drummer, pianist and songwriter grew out of his childhood study of classical music. His classical training culminated in a solo career, with the release of his albums "Eternal Melody I" and "II."
Then, his 2013 album "Yoshiki Classical" debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Music chart in 10 countries. The album includes works co-produced by Sir George Martin, the acclaimed producer of The Beatles’ music, and features performances by Yoshiki (the composer and pianist) and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
His success in the realm of classical music led to the launch of Yoshiki Classical Tour, which debuted in 2014 to sold-out shows in ten countries. The tour continued into 2017, when Yoshiki performed two sold-out classical concerts at New York’s Carnegie Hall with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yoshiki’s Carnegie Hall concert includes music from Yoshiki’s classical repertoire, including the original songs he composed for the 69th Golden Globe Awards and the Emperor of Japan’s 10th Anniversary, along with selections from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
The public TV special also includes Yoshiki’s personal message of unity and peace before “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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