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Yoshiki

Sassy!!!

Yoshiki was X Japan's leader and main songwriter. He patterned the imagery of X Japan after "Western" glam, particularly the somewhat-revolutionary rock band KISS.

The multitalented Yoshiki had always wanted to form a rock band. X Japan was a long-time dream for him, and when it was born, he took great pains to raise it and make it the best of its kind. Among his many obstacles were the record labels who thought X was too "unconventional" and wouldn't produce X's records as they were composed.

Frustrated that X couldn't produce under ideal conditions, Yoshiki and his childhood friend Toshi, X's vocalist, formed Extasy Records. This label proceeded to discover top-selling artists such as Luna Sea, Glay and Dir en Grey. Yoshiki set about becoming the Asian Andy Warhol, uncovering underground talent and giving it the sun and air it needs to grow.

And for a while, X enjoyed full freedom -- even the glory of being counted among the most prestigious rock bands in the country. It was right at the height of their fame when they broke up, like a firecracker no one expected to explode so soon.

from his later "i'm just the producer but I AM EXTASY" days, I suppose

The breakup's origin is attributed by many to the resignation of Toshi from the position of vocalist. The reason Toshi cited for resigning was that the band suffered serious differences in their ideas regarding the direction of X Japan.

Their last concert was a huge success, and for a while the fans entertained hopes of the band's getting back together, with all its members intact. Alas, this was not to be. On May 2, 1998, Matsumoto Hideto -- X Japan's hide -- died. Evidence indicates that he had committed suicide, but the investigators did not rule out an accidental death. He was 33 years old.

Yoshiki, who was roaming the world on matters regarding the label, flew back to Japan for hide's funeral. This is the speech he read there.

~ oOo ~

In his songs, Yoshiki appears to be sneaking rock'n'roll into a foundation of ballad. The result: moderated energy, suffused angst. Not all of Toshi's angry wailing could drown out the melancholy behind many of Yoshiki's songs.

The Blue Rose I'm not saying Yoshiki is stuck in traditional Japanese balladeering -- far from it, in fact. His ballads sound more non-Japanese than anything (i.e. "Crucify My Love" and "Endless Rain"). But it seems to me that at the time X Japan disbanded, he was still finalizing his style. Now, with hide gone, it's hard for me to imagine if he still has that goal in mind.

~ oOo ~

On the year 2000, Hayashi Yoshiki was decorated by the Emperor of Japan as one of the country's best pianists. I've heard that lots of people attended the awarding not because of the Emperor, but because of Yoshiki. ^^; Well, at least they're true to themselves...

Perhaps Yoshiki is only biding his time. Maybe he is actually looking to form another band. Then again, maybe he wants to take a permanent break from performing. Whatever his plans, he has established himself as a figure of respect in Asia's popular music scene, and I am looking forward to him shocking the world again sometime soon.


* back to X Japan *

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