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X Japan

From Alfawiki
X Japan
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1982
FounderYoshiki, Toshi
Headquarters
Chiba
,
Japan
ProductsStudio albums, live albums, singles
is a Japanese rock ensemble originating from Chiba, established in 1982 by drummer and pianist Yoshiki alongside lead singer Toshi. Initially rooted in power metal and speed metal with symphonic influences, their sound evolved to embrace a progressive approach that highlighted ballads. They are recognized as trailblazers of visual kei, a Japanese music style comparable to Western glam rock.

Initially performing under the name , the band issued their debut album, Vanishing Vision (1988), through Yoshiki's Extasy Records after solidifying their members with bassist Taiji, lead guitarist Hide, and rhythm guitarist Pata. Their major-label breakthrough arrived in 1989 with Blue Blood. Following 1991's Jealousy, Taiji departed and was succeeded by Heath. The group then adopted the name X Japan and released the mini-album Art of Life (1993), featuring a single track lasting 29 minutes. By 1995, they transitioned from visual kei fashion to a more relaxed image, releasing Dahlia (1996), which, like earlier albums, debuted at number one. Their final performance before going on hiatus was held at the Tokyo Dome on December 31, 1997, marking the end of five consecutive sold-out New Year's Eve shows at the venue.

X Japan reunited in 2007, unveiling the new track "I.V." and staging multiple concerts, including their inaugural overseas appearance in Hong Kong. Following Hide's passing in 1998, they officially incorporated Sugizo as lead guitarist and embarked on a North American tour in 2010. The band launched their first global tour in 2011, covering Europe, South America, and Asia. Work on their sixth studio album commenced soon after reuniting; despite several projected release dates and Yoshiki's statement of completion in September 2018, the album remains unreleased. Since then, the band has been inactive.

The discography of X Japan comprises five studio albums, six live albums, and 21 singles. In 2003, HMV Japan ranked them as the 40th most significant Japanese pop artist. In 2007, Rolling Stone Japan placed Blue Blood at number 15 on its list of the top 100 Japanese rock albums. In 2017, Loudwire honored X Japan as the Best Metal Band from Japan. It is reported that their global record sales exceed 30 million copies.

1977–1992: X

At age 11 in 1977, Yoshiki and Toshi formed a band named Dynamite in Tateyama, Chiba. The following year, during high school, Dynamite was renamed Noise.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag They appeared at Asia Girls Explosion on March 6 and scheduled concerts in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru.[1]

In the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the release date for "Jade" was delayed until June 28. Yoshiki auctioned off his signature Kawai crystal grand piano, donating the proceeds to disaster relief through the Yoshiki Foundation America.[2]

"Scarlet Love Song" was launched in Japan on June 8, while "Jade" became their initial worldwide single on June 28 via iTunes.[3] This date also marked the beginning of the European segment of their world tour, with performances in London, Paris, Utrecht, and Berlin.[4]

In August, X Japan took part in the 2011 Summer Sonic festival held in Tokyo and Osaka.[5] Their South American tour included shows in Santiago, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Mexico City from early to mid-September.[6] The Asian portion of the tour featured concerts in Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Bangkok between late October and early November; however, a planned Beijing performance was cancelled due to production complications.[7]

After a hiatus exceeding two years without new releases, X Japan issued a remastered compilation titled The World ~X Japan Hatsu no Zensekai Best~ on June 17, 2014.[8] A digital edition called X Japan World Best was made available worldwide via iTunes starting May 21.[9] They held concerts at Yokohama Arena on September 30 and October 1,[10] followed by a show at Madison Square Garden on October 11.[11] Both events included a performance of "Beneath The Skin," originally by Sugizo’s project S.K.I.N.[12]

X Japan returned to television after seventeen years during Music Station Super Live 2014 on New Year's Eve; their previous appearance was in 1997 at Kōhaku Uta Gassen.[13]

Since 2015: Sixth studio album delays, We Are X, and Heath's passing

In June 2015, Yoshiki announced that X Japan's sixth studio album—their first in two decades—was scheduled for release on March 11, 2016. The album was expected to contain between thirteen and fourteen tracks, including some shorter compositions. The band planned a concert at London's Wembley Arena the following day alongside the premiere of We Are X, a documentary chronicling their journey. Additionally, they performed at Luna Sea's Lunatic Fest in June 2015. Their first single from this era, "Born to Be Free," was released on November 6, 2015. December saw them embark on their first nationwide tour in twenty years across major Japanese venues, coupled with an appearance on Kōhaku Uta Gassen after an eighteen-year absence.

On January 15, 2016, guitarist Pata was hospitalized due to a serious blood clot, resulting in postponements for both the album release and Wembley concert by one year; the rescheduled show occurred on March 4, 2017. Later that year, Pata underwent surgery but had recovered by August. In October 2016, X Japan headlined the Visual Japan Summit. The soundtrack for We Are X was released on March 3, 2017; it achieved No. 4 on the Oricon Albums Chart, No. 27 on the UK Albums Chart, and topped the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. A signing event in London sold out all physical copies rapidly. The track "La Venus," used as the documentary’s closing theme, was among ninety-one songs submitted for Academy Award consideration.

By April 2017, Yoshiki confirmed that recording for the album was complete with only mixing and mastering remaining; a release planned for spring 2018 was later announced. In May 2017, Yoshiki required urgent spinal surgery which cast doubt over his future ability to perform drums. Subsequently, in June, X Japan announced an acoustic tour featuring Yoshiki playing piano. They returned once more to Kōhaku Uta Gassen in November 2017; here Yoshiki performed drums for the first time since his surgery.

Early in 2018 brought several accolades for X Japan: they were named "Best Musical Act" by Neo magazine and received "Best Event" honors for their Wembley Arena show from that year. The film We Are X won "Best Music Film" at the Space Shower Music Awards. In April, they gave limited-attendance concerts in Tokyo broadcast across Asia; guest artists included Richard Fortus and Wes Borland. These musicians also joined X Japan during their debut appearance at Coachella in April 2018; Marilyn Manson made a special guest appearance during the festival's second weekend. Yoshiki indicated that the album's release would occur during summer or autumn of that year.

X Japan appeared at TV Asahi Dream Festival in September 2018 and secured the forty-third spot in Oricon’s Favorite Artists poll that December. In February 2019, Yoshiki stated that after over ten years of recording work, the album was finished but awaited ideal timing for its launch.

On July 28, 2023, X Japan unveiled "Angel," marking their first new track in eight years. That same month brought reports that Twitter Japan intended to rebrand as "X Japan," conflicting with the band’s trademark rights; as a result, Twitter Japan adopted the name "X Nippon." Yoshiki expressed admiration for Elon Musk while suggesting fans should decide the platform’s name.

On November 7, 2023, longtime bassist Heath passed away following a colon cancer diagnosis earlier that year. His health declined rapidly before his death on October 29. An official announcement confirmed Heath’s passing and stated that Yoshiki would organize a memorial concert honoring his wishes.

Musical style

X Japan’s sound developed from influences rooted in American and British glam and heavy metal music, characterized by energetic speed and power metal arrangements enriched with symphonic components, as demonstrated in tracks like "Kurenai" and "Silent Jealousy". The band also became known for heartfelt ballads such as "Endless Rain" and "Forever Love". Orchestral segments frequently appear throughout their discography, especially in extended compositions like the ten-minute "Tears", "Crucify My Love", and the nearly half-hour-long "Art of Life".

The majority of their lyrics are delivered in Japanese, often interspersed with English phrases, as heard in songs like "Rusty Nail" and "Week End". The initial rendition of "Kurenai" from Vanishing Vision was performed entirely in English.

Yoshiki stands as the primary composer, with occasional songwriting input from other members. Hide contributed several pieces, including the single "Scars". Pata holds a single writing credit for "White Wind from Mr. Martin ~Pata's Nap~". A few lyrics were penned by Toshi. Taiji composed tracks such as "Voiceless Screaming" and "Desperate Angel". On the 1996 album Dahlia, Heath co-authored the instrumental "Wriggle". The band collaborated fully only once on songwriting with "Easy Fight Rambling" from 1989’s Blue Blood. Former member Jun wrote "Time Trip Loving" featured on the "Orgasm" single. Reports from 2010 indicated that Sugizo had contributed to some compositions, although specifics remain unclear. Yoshiki described new creations in 2010 as similar yet more intense, later emphasizing a heavier, melodic, and modern approach by 2014.

Yoshiki begins his songwriting process with handwritten musical scores prior to rehearsals. His compositions often feature chord progressions extending beyond eight chords combined with riff-driven motifs or call-and-response elements, merging classical piano influences with rock structures. Additionally, Yoshiki is responsible for producing much of X Japan’s later material. Their live shows integrate live instrumentation—frequently involving role switches between Yoshiki and guitarist/violinist Sugizo—with pre-recorded orchestral strings, spoken word passages, and parts of Hide’s guitar performances.

Appearance and image

X Japan’s visual presentation drew inspiration from glam rock, iconic acts like Kiss and David Bowie, as well as traditional Japanese kabuki theatre, where male performers portray female characters. Visual kei artists commonly adopt feminine aesthetics for their stage personas. Josephine Yun highlighted X Japan’s distinctive style: Toshi’s leather and metal attire evoked anime characters; Taiji embraced glam’s delicate beauty; Pata’s relaxed image became emblematic; Hide captivated audiences with dynamic engagement; Yoshiki blended effeminate elements with powerful performance intensity. Will Hodgkinson of The Times described their aesthetic as a fusion of Queen’s theatrical grandeur, Iron Maiden’s metal frenzy, classical elegance, and melodramatic flair.

Initially, their look featured heavy use of make-up, dark eyeliner, painted faces, and voluminous hairstyles. Yoshiki’s androgynous appearance included lace garments and pearls, earning descriptions such as "decadent." Their accessories reflected glam-goth influences. On stage, they balanced aggressive heavy metal energy with Toshi’s soaring tenor vocals and Yoshiki’s gentle piano playing, often appearing in long dresses.

By the release of the 1995 album Dahlia, the band adopted a more subdued image featuring shorter hairstyles and outfits inspired by rock fashion. In 2010, Yoshiki explained this transformation as a natural progression in their style while noting that they continue to wear varying levels of make-up during performances, preserving their visual kei identity.

Legacy and influence

X Japan is widely acknowledged as a trailblazer in the visual kei movement, a Japanese music genre comparable to Western glam rock, deriving its name from their motto "Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock".[14][15] In 2011, Yoshiki reflected on their formative period as an attempt to forge a distinct identity through intense music paired with striking visuals, which gradually transformed visual kei into more of an ethos of personal expression than merely a musical category.[16] The passing of former guitarist Hide in 1998 was described by Billboard as marking "the end of an era" for the pioneering generation of visual kei bands.[14]

A multitude of visual kei musicians acknowledge X Japan's impact on their work, including Miyavi,[17] Dir En Grey,[18][19] Kisaki,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Syu and Fumiya from Galneryus,[20][21] The Gazette,[22] D,[23] Mao of Sadie,[24] Tōru Kawauchi from 12012,[25] Maya of LM.C,[26] Flow,[27] Yuuki from Unsraw,[28] DJ Ozma,[29] Kei of Dio – Distraught Overlord,[30] aie from Deadman,[31] Jin of Screw,[32] Mari of Mary's Blood,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name and Daizystripper.[33] Members of Versailles and vocalist Kamijo have expressed their admiration for X Japan’s influence, with Kamijo remarking that few artists in Japanese music remain untouched by their legacy.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Leda, associated with both Galneryus and Deluhi, regards X Japan as his musical "Bible".Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Established performers such as Dancho (Nogod), Miya (Mucc), Yuu (Merry), Akane (formerly of The Scanty) and Daisuke (Jupiter) participate in the X Japan tribute group X Suginami.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name American guitarist Marty Friedman identified X Japan as the foremost visual kei band, commending their diverse musical abilities.[34] Kai from Esprit D'Air places them among his favorite Japanese rock and metal acts.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In the documentary We Are X, Gene Simmons proposed that if X Japan had performed in English and originated from the United States or the United Kingdom, they could have become the largest band worldwide.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Despite enduring challenges such as member suicides, Toshi’s brainwashing ordeal, and limited international breakthroughs, The Times labeled them "The world's unluckiest band", though Yoshiki attributes their global fanbase with making them "the world's luckiest band."[35]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

X Japan resonated strongly with disaffected youth due to their themes of alienation and defiance against societal expectations.[36] Their sound was perceived as a vehement repudiation of conformity.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Radio personality Bryan Burton-Lewis described their fans as rural young people deeply devoted to the group.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Yoshiki recalled early resistance from the music industry but emphasized that the band has sold over 20 million albums.[34]

They rank among the earliest Japanese artists to gain mainstream recognition while signed to an independent label.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 1990, they received the "Grand Prix New Artist of the Year" at the Japan Gold Disc Awards.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name HMV Japan placed them 40th on its list of significant Japanese pop artists in 2003; Oricon ranked them third in a 2010 poll regarding bands desired by future generations.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Consequence of Sound included them in its Top 15 Cult Acts in 2011.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 2012, they earned Revolver's Golden Gods Award for Best International Artist,[37] won Loudwire Music Awards' Most Devoted Fans in both 2013 and 2015,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name and secured victory in the Best Live Band Tournament in 2015,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name while LA Weekly ranked them tenth among top progressive metal bands in 2014.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Loudwire honored them as Best Metal Band from Japan in 2017.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Beyond their musical contributions, Yoshiki composed a classical piece performed during Emperor Akihito’s enthronement anniversary celebration in 1999,[38]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name and former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is known to be an admirer; his political party utilized X Japan’s "Forever Love" in promotional campaigns.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Koizumi also endorsed the inauguration of the Hide Museum in Yokosuka in 2000.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes credited Yoshiki with inspiring the naming of Air Asia X.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Yoshiki acknowledges punk influences including Iron Maiden’s albums Iron Maiden and Killers, alongside bands like Sex Pistols, The Clash, GBH, and Chaos UK.[39]

Current lineup

  • Yoshiki – drums, piano, keyboards (1982–1997, 2007–2018)
  • Toshi – lead vocals, occasional acoustic guitar (1982–1997, 2007–2018)
  • Pata – guitar, backing vocals (1987–1997, 2007–2018)
  • Sugizo – guitar, violin, backing vocals (2009–2018) previously touring musician (2008–2009)

Past members

  •  – guitar (1982–1985; deceased 2002)
  •  – guitar (1984–1985)
  •  – bass guitar (1984–1985)
  •  – guitar (1985)
  •  – guitar (1985)
  •  – guitar (1985–1986)
  •  – guitar (1985, 1986)
  •  – bass guitar (1985–1986)
  •  – guitar (1986)
  •  – guitar (1986)
  •  – guitar (1987)
  • Taiji – bass guitar, occasional acoustic guitar, backing vocals (1985, 1986–1992; deceased 2011)
  • Hide – guitar, backing vocals (1987–1997; deceased 1998)
  • Heath – bass guitar, backing vocals (1992–1997, 2007–2018; deceased 2023)

The group continues to pay tribute to their late members by acknowledging them during live shows and occasionally integrating audio or video recordings of their performances.

Discography

Studio releases

Kōhaku Uta Gassen appearances

X Japan has participated seven times in Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the esteemed NHK year-end television event.

Year Song performed
1991 / 42nd Silent Jealousy
1992 / 43rd 紅 (Kurenai)
1993 / 44th Tears
1994 / 45th Rusty Nail
1997 / 48th Forever Love
2015 / 66th 紅白スペシャルメドレー 〜 We are X ! 〜 (Forever Love / BORN TO BE FREE)
2016 / 67th 紅 (Kurenai)
2017 / 68th Endless Rain / Kurenai

Live events

Performances at Tokyo Dome (18)[40]
  • August 23, 1991
  • January 5–7, 1992
  • December 30–31, 1993
  • December 30–31, 1994
  • December 30–31, 1995
  • December 30–31, 1996
  • December 31, 1997
  • March 28–30, 2008
  • May 2–3, 2009

Awards

Year Award title Category Nomination for Outcome
1990 4th Japan Gold Disc Awards Grand Prix New Artist of the Year X Japan Template:Won
1991 33rd Japan Record Awards Pops and Rock Album Award Jealousy Template:Won
2012 '’Revolver’’ Golden Gods Award Best International Artist X Japan Template:Won
2016 89th Academy Awards Academy Award for Best Original Song longlist La Venus Template:Nom
2017 Neo magazine awards Best musical act X Japan Template:Won
Best Asian movie We Are X Template:Won
SSE Live Awards Best Event at SSE Wembley Arena X Japan World Tour Template:Won
2018 Space Shower Music Video Awards Best Music Film '’We Are X’’ Template:Won


Video games

  • X Japan Virtual Shock 001 (1995, Sega Saturn)

Additional reading

  • by Taiji, Tokuma Shoten, 2000,
  • Hide Days, Takarajimasha, 2003,
  • , Narumi Kamotsu, Kadokawa Shoten, 2009,
  • , Toshi, Kodansha, 2014,

External links

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  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NYTimes
  15. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bounce
  16. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named visualkei
  17. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Miyavi
  18. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named dir en grey
  19. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named dir en grey 2
  20. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Syu
  21. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Fumiya
  22. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Gazette
  23. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named D
  24. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Mao
  25. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Toru
  26. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Maya
  27. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Flow
  28. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Yuuki
  29. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Ozma & Luna Sea
  30. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Kei
  31. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named aie
  32. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jin
  33. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named DaizyStripper
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GlobalMetal
  35. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named The Times
  36. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named asiaweek_death
  37. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Loudwire
  38. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named WashYoshiki
  39. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named headbang09
  40. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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