SixTONES

The first group from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT that YOSHIKI produced was SixTONES. For their song “Imitation Rain,” YOSHIKI wrote both the lyrics and the music, and the track drew major attention as their debut single. By bringing his wide-ranging musical sensibilities to the sound of a young male group, YOSHIKI generated significant buzz not only among fans but also across the music industry.

Hello Kitty

YOSHIKI collaborated with Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty to create yoshikitty, featuring a rock-inspired, glamorous design. It has garnered support from fans around the world and stands out as a unique presence among Sanrio characters.

RAIN

GLAY’s debut single produced by YOSHIKI is “RAIN.” Released in 1994, it drew attention as a song that fused delicate, beautiful melodies with a powerful band sound. This marked the beginning of GLAY’s rapid rise to success.

Crystal.

Speaking of YOSHIKI, the crystal piano with its striking transparency is iconic. He often uses it in live performances and recordings, creating a glamorous, dreamlike atmosphere. He captivates not only with his music but also with his stunning visual presence.

piano

There’s a well-known anecdote that when YOSHIKI was hospitalized, he tried to bring a piano into the hospital. It shows that the piano is a part of his daily life and serves not only for creation and rehabilitation, but also as a source of mental support. The whole sequence of events, where his bold proposal was rejected, may seem comical, but it also feels like an episode that embodies his professional attitude.

DYNAMITE

The name of the first band YOSHIKI formed was “DYNAMITE.” He started it when he was still in elementary school, around the time he had just begun playing the drums. Even though it was a childhood band, the fact that Toshl was already a member back then, and that the band continued while changing its name and lineup, suggests that this can be seen as the roots of X JAPAN.

Ecstasy Records

Founded by YOSHIKI, Extasy Records was established with the mission of “breaking down the facade-ridden major industry with honest intentions,” with YOSHIKI himself handling ad taglines and more. Later, hugely popular bands like LUNA SEA and GLAY debuted from this label, laying the groundwork for the rock scene of the 1990s.