On Sunday (March 29), X Japan bandleader and noteworthy composer Yoshiki gave 130,000 global racing fans something to remember, with his performance of “Kimigayo,” the Japanese national anthem, at the start of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Series Aramco Japanese Grand Prix Race at the Suzuka Circuit.
Celebrated as “one of the most influential composers in Japanese history,” Yoshiki brought his blend of classical technique and hard-rock drumming to the track, delivering a unique take on the national anthem, which started as a soft piano melody and built into a rock-infused crescendo.
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Last week, The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall announced dual performances on July 16th and 17th — titled “Scarlet Night” and “Violet Night” — which will mark Yoshiki’s first U.S. shows since his third cervical spine surgery in late 2024.
“To perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall is an honor, and in this moment it’s personal,” Yoshiki says. “After my surgery, I wasn’t sure when I would return to the stage. These two nights are a celebration of resilience and the bond I share with my fans. Of course, there will be classical piano, but I also want to push beyond the traditional format. I’m experimenting with new sounds and new ideas: something emotional, powerful, and explosive.”
General on-sale begins April 10 at 10 a.m. PT. For more information and tickets, head to his website.