Yoshiki with Pauline Vranken at a special launch of "Yoshiki: Under The Sky" and Y by YOSHIKI x Champagne Pommery

Magical doesn’t even begin to describe an evening with Yoshiki, Japan’s iconic superstar, who seeks to connect us through the power of music.  Although I wasn’t acquainted with Yoshiki before, over a special evening that included the screening of his new music documentary, an unveiling of his Y by YOSHIKI x Champagne Pommery, and a live performance by Yoshiki himself, his immense artistry and talent shines bright.  He is a virtuoso, channeling his creativity and passion into many different projects, from fashion to wine.  With all that he undertakes, he is a “Renaissance Man” for today, using his talents to entertain and make lives better, by inspiration and philanthropy, bringing joy to the world on a global scale.

Yoshiki’s bio is so impressive, yet many Americans have never heard of him.  Born Yoshiki Hayashi, he displayed musical talent at the tender age of 4, learning the piano so well that he began composing music at 8.  Then tragedy struck at 10, when his father committed suicide, and Yoshiki changed his focus, from classical music to rock, a way to vent his anger.  As the leader of the wildly successful bands X Japan and The Last Rockstars, he honed his skills as a songwriter and drummer, adding to his already impressive classical pianist and composer credentials, earning him legions of loyal fans and millions of record sales.

Courtesy of Yoshiki

As his fame and talent grew, Yoshiki sold out performances in Tokyo and New York City as a solo artist, notably Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, while continuing to produce several classical studio albums, collaborate with artists such as Bono, Gene Simmons of KISS, and Sarah Brightman, and compose movie and anime soundtracks.  Add to all the musical accomplishments, Yoshiki has many business ventures under his belt, a Hello Kitty doll, perfume, credit cards, line of high fashion kimonos, wine and champagne.  And in the past few months, it seems Yoshiki finally is being recognized in the US.  In September, he was the first Japanese artist honored with his hand and footprints in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.  In October, he embarked on his “REQUIEM” world tour, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his “Yoshiki Classical” album, which was co-produced and arranged by famous Beatles producer George Martin.

Courtesy of Yoshiki

“Yoshiki: Under The Sky” is Yoshiki’s directorial debut, a collection of powerful performances from renowned artists, alongside Yoshiki, that illustrates how music can bring us together.  Yoshiki conceived of this project in the first year of the Covid pandemic, seeking a way to bring the world together after being torn apart.  He collaborated with musicians from around the world, many of whom have worked with Yoshiki before, in a musical love letter to his fans.  Proving that music is the universal language, illustrious performances from Sarah Brightman (England), Jane Zhang (China), the Scorpions (Germany), HYDE, SUGIZO and SixTONES (Japan), St. Vincent, Lindsey Stirling, Nicole Scherzinger and The Chainsmokers (United States) connect the audience through 90 minutes of touching tributes.  Yoshiki composed and performed “Endless Rain” as an homage to all the people we’ve loved and lost, a melancholic theme that rises above tragedy and sorrow, with Yoshiki’s message “We can overcome any difficulties together”.

Pauline Vranken of Vranken Pommery America, with Y by YOSHIKI x Champagne Pommery

Yoshiki visits Champagne Pommery, Courtesy of Yoshiki

In Yoshiki’s hopes of bringing joy to the world, what better way to celebrate life than with a glass of Champagne.  Y by YOSHIKI x Champagne Pommery Brut is a collaboration between Yoshiki and the famous French Champagne maker that was four years in the making, blending the art of music with the art of champagne.  This is a first for Pommery, partnering with an international music star for a special cuvée.  Yoshiki was involved from the beginning, when he visited the cellars of Pommery and from the moment he played the piano there, the partnership seemed to be a perfect fit.  Yoshiki designed the bottle, and added his input to the final blend, “to make a Champagne as smooth and elegant as possible”.  For Pauline Vranken of Vranken Pommery America, who was on hand for this event, “Champagne Pommery has always been dedicated to crafting exceptional champagne, and our partnership with Yoshiki is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence.  'Y by YOSHIKI’ is a remarkable blend of cultures and talents, resulting in a champagne that is as exceptional as the artist behind it.” 

Y by YOSHIKI is a Brut Champagne (SRP $250), a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier whose grapes are sourced from 40 different villages in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions in Champagne.  Bright and delicate, yet rich and round, this fresh and elegant Champagne exhibits classic aromas of citrus, red apple, white flowers, brioche and mineral highlights, with a lingering finish.  In 2022, Y by YOSHIKI x Champagne Pommery’s release in Japan was a smash hit, the limited batch of 10,000 bottles sold out within ten minutes.  Because of its immediate success, Pommery increased its production to satisfy demand, both worldwide and for Yoshiki’s fans.  Currently, there is limited availability in the US, but extra shipments should be available for the holidays.

Yoshiki’s focus is unwavering, to create music that will last, and increase his worldwide cache.  He has done that through his performances and telling his story through “Yoshiki: Under The Sky”, to be released in theaters in the UK and US.  Building bridges and helping people through painful times by spreading joy fulfills his Champagne dreams.

What sets Yoshiki apart is how he has channeled his tremendous talent and immeasurable pain into music that deeply speaks to his fans.  His sense of loss is palpable through his performances, and during this intimate evening, he revealed the most recent and heartbreaking one, the loss of his mother last year.  Yoshiki shared his feelings, “I thought she was going to be with me forever, but I was wrong”  before he played his song, “Forever Love”, in tribute to her.

By sharing his journey through pain and loss, Yoshiki touches all of us and connects the dots of our humanity.  When he put his hand and feet in cement at the Chinese Theatre, he dedicated that moment to his beloved mother, who always believed in him. Yoshiki said, “She was the very first person to see my hands and feet, and now she can see them from the sky, looking down here at Hollywood.”  Now, it seems that the whole world can see them too.