X Japan Leader Yoshiki Donates $100K to U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts
The rock and metal community have been very good over the years about chipping in when there are those in need, and X Japan leader Yoshiki is paying it forward to hurricane victims in the U.S. after so many American fans stepped up to help out when Japan was hit by a tsunami in 2011.
The musician has donated $100,000 to the MusiCares organization that will be used immediately toward helping fund relief efforts on the ground of the recent hurricane tragedies in the U.S. The donation comes through his Yoshiki Foundation America charitable arm.
"I'm from Japan but I live in America," Yoshiki stated. "When Japan got hit by the Tsunami Earthquake in 2011, the people of America supported Japan. I was really moved by that, so I'd like to keep supporting America as much as I can. My heart goes out to all those who are affected."
Yoshiki presented the check following a Q&A session during a recent screening of We Are X, the X Japan documentary, at New York City's Bryant Park Hotel. The film is being shown theatrically across Europe throughout the month, while fans can pick up the limited edition DVD, the rare vinyl soundtrack and more via the band's PledgeMusic order site.
Back in May, the drummer underwent emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery. It forced Yoshiki out of the band's promotional activities for a period, but was deemed successful. The musician has returned to X Japan, who are currently putting the finishing touches on their first studio album in over 21 years. The disc is expected to arrive in 2018.
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