YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA

Yoshiki Foundation America is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public benefit corporation founded in 2010 by Japanese musician Yoshiki of the multi-million-selling rock band X Japan. A number of personal experiences brought Yoshiki to the launch of his foundation beginning with the loss of his own father when he was just a teenager. Like so many people around the world, he read news accounts and was deeply moved by the devastating effects of the 1995 earthquake in Kobe; in 2009, he paid an emotional visit to an orphanage in Sichuan, still reeling in its recovery, with so many children still displaced and orphaned. Additionally and as a tribute to Yoshiki’s late X Japan band mate, Hide, who embraced the support of children with bone marrow disease, The Yoshiki Foundation provides funds to offer assistance through music to children with this debilitating illness. Music is what kept Yoshiki moving forward with his life after his father’s passing, and bringing music to children in need is at the heart of his Foundation. While he was thankful he was in a position to donate several pianos and other musical instruments to the schools affected by the Kobe and Sichuan earthquakes, as well as having the children in the local orphanages as his personal guests at local X Japan concerts, he wanted to do more, something permanent and enduring.

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NEWS: YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA PROUD SPONSOR OF PABLOV TENNIS CLASSIC 2018

Yoshiki Foundation America is proud to sponsor the Pablove Tennis Classic again this year, raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research! Presented by WME, YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA , and CityNational Bank​

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NEWS: YOSHIKI holds presentation of signature drum set for 6 million JPY donation to Japan Red Cross

YOSHIKI held the presentation ceremony of his special drum set which was donated to the charity auction for the Great East Japan Earthquake. The highest bid price of 6,040,000 JPY will be fully endowed through YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA 501(c)(3) to the Japanese Red Cross.​

NEWS: YOSHIKI donates 10 million yen to heavy rain disaster area in western Japan

After YOSHIKI received the report of heavy downpours and flooding in July 2018 which greatly damaged various places around western Japan, he made a donation of 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society through his own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America. The Japanese Red Cross Society also began accepting donations for the "July 2018 Heavy Rain Disaster Relief Fund" on July 10th.

YOSHIKI sent the following message via social media, re-posting the article from the New York Times. "I just saw the news in the U.S. I pray for those who passed away. And I truly hope the damage caused by heavy rain will not spread any more."

Japanese Red Cross Society

July 2018 Heavy Rain Disaster Relief

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NEWS: YOSHIKI performs marathon of sold-out dinner shows in Tokyo and continues fundraising efforts.

YOSHIKI completed the first wave of his sold-out dinner shows in Tokyo on July 16, a marathon 7 shows over 4 days celebrating the fifth anniversary of his intimate concert series.

“EVENING WITH YOSHIKI 2018 IN TOKYO JAPAN 6 DAYS 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL” included guest appearances by Yoshikitty, a string quartet, guest vocalists Katie Fitzgerald and Ashley Knight, a YOSHIKIMONO fashion show, a collaborative performance with the Maki Asami Ballet Group, and a surprise drum performance from YOSHIKI.

In addition, YOSHIKI continued his fundraising efforts through Yoshiki Foundation America with a charity auction of the rock star’s clothing worn in TV performances and music videos as well as precious personal items including a signed ball from FC Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, who attended YOSHIKI’s dinner show the same week. The total bids over seven performances amounted to ¥47,760,000, bringing the total amount raised from YOSHIKI’s dinner show charity auctions to ¥148,220,000.

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NEWS: YOSHIKI gives inspiring performance with young blind drummer at Budokan and donates 3 million yen for environmental protection and disaster relief.​

NEWS: EVENING WITH YOSHIKI 2018 IN TOKYO JAPAN 6 DAYS 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL raises 69 Million Yen for Charity

YOSHIKI completed his 5th Anniversary solo concert series on September 1, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, bringing the total to 10 sold-out performances over 6 days.

The event’s charity auction, which included personal items and valuable clothing that had been used in filming, resulted in bids totaling 69.26 million yen. The total amount gained from the charity auction sales is being donated to support disaster relief and other domestic and foreign charitable institutions through YOSHIKI’s 501(c)(3) non-proft organization, Yoshiki Foundation America.

In addition to contributing 10 million yen in June toward areas devastated by flooding in western Japan, YOSHIKI brought a certificate for 3 million yen to an appearance on “24 Hour Television” on August 26th. It was also revealed that YOSHIKI readily agreed to the offer without accepting a performance fee, stating that “Charity work is something I wish to continue as my life’s work for as long as I live.”

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NEWS: YOSHIKI donates 10 miilion yen to Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake relief  

Upon receiving the news of the large scale damage caused by the Hokkaido earthquake on September 6, which brought more destruction to Japan following Typhoon Jebi two days earlier on September 4, YOSHIKI posted a message of support on his .

“I recently learned of the typhoon and earthquake in Japan through the American news. I’m praying for everyone’s safety, and that there can be a swift recovery. My prayers go out to all those who are affected by typhoon and earthquake in Japan.” 

On September 12, YOSHIKI announced the 10 million yen contribution to the Japanese Red Cross Society’s Heisei 30 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake Relief Fund through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America. 

Donations to the Japanese Red Cross Society Heisei 30 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake Relief Fund can be made at: http://www.jrc.or.jp/contribute/help/308/

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NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES 100 MILLION WON TO SOUTH KOREA FIRE VICTIMS

YOSHIKI has donated 100 million won (approximately $90,000) through Yoshiki Foundation America, to ChildFund Korea to support victims of the devastating forest fire which struck South Korea last week on April 4, 2019.

The forest fire spread quickly over a wide area, and over 4,000 residents were evacuated. The South Korean government declared a national emergency, and 1 death,11 injuries, over 820 affected people, and over 530 hectares of forest and 478 homes destroyed in the fire have been reported as of April 8.

After hearing that his close friend, Korean-born Hollywood actor Lee Byung-hun, had donated 100 million won to the affected area, YOSHIKI felt moved and also decided to donate in order to help those suffering from the disaster.

“I was moved when my close friend Mr. Lee Byung-hun made a donation, and I was inspired by our international friendship," said YOSHIKI. "I wanted to help those people suffering from the disaster, and I pray from the bottom of my heart that they can recover as soon as possible.”​

NEWS: YOSHIKI MAKES $150K DONATION AND PRESENTS MASTER CLASS AT PRESTIGIOUS FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

"Play every concert as if it is your last."

Yoshiki made a rare appearance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami on Thursday, June 27, to present the school with a donation of $150K on behalf of his non-profit 501(c)(3) organization Yoshiki Foundation America, and Dean Shelton Berg’s office suite was officially renamed in Yoshiki’s honor. The presentation was attended by a host of dignitaries from the school and the Consulate of Japan in Miami. Yoshiki also conducted a Master Class with students and Yoshiki’s fans hosted by Shelly Berg, with whom he has collaborated on several projects including the Golden Globe Awards theme and Yoshiki's sold-out Carnegie Hall performances.​

Info      ARTICLE:

NEWS: YOSHIKI donates 10 million yen to Kyoto Animation

YOSHIKI has donated 10 million yen to support the victims and survivors of the Kyoto Animation fire which occurred on July 18.After learning about the tragedy that befell the studio, YOSHIKI made the donation to the dedicated support fund established by Kyoto Animation through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America.

“I’m always doing tours around the world,” said YOSHIKI. “No matter where I go, animation fans come to my concerts and support my global activities. I’m always grateful to them. And I always want to contribute to the development of Japan’s anime culture, which I consider one of the world’s treasures. I truly share the pain of those who lost their families. I really hope this will assist the bereaved, and also hope that the circle of support around them will expand.”

Kyoto Animation Dedicated Support Fund Information

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NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES $100,000 TO EARTH ALLIANCE AMAZON FOREST FUND TO PREVENT DESTRUCTION OF AMAZON RAINFOREST

AUGUST 29, 2019

YOSHIKI has donated $100,000 to Earth Alliance and its Amazon Forest Fund in support of local efforts on the ground that are working to support the indigenous and local communities that are protecting the land and biodiversity. After hearing about the increasing fires throughout the Amazon region, YOSHIKI discovered the newly launched Earth Alliance and reached out to make the donation through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America.YOSHIKI chose to donate to the Amazon Forest Fund and Earth Alliance, which is hosted by Global Wildlife Conservation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Earth Alliance is a new organization co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio in order to help address the urgent threats to our planet’s life support systems. 

For more information and to donate to the Amazon Forest Fund directly, visit: https://ealliance.org/amazonfund.

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NEWS: YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA SPONSORS PABLOVE FOUNDATION TENNIS CLASSIC FOR 5TH STRAIGHT YEAR​

Yoshiki delivered a personal message in support of childhood cancer research and the Pablove Foundation. "Fighting childhood cancer with love."​

NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES 10 MILLION YEN TO HOMETOWN STRUCK BY DISASTROUS TYPHOON​

YOSHIKI has donated 10 million yen (appx. $93,000) to Japan’s Chiba prefecture which suffered a devastating blow from Typhoon Faxai on September 10, 2019.

YOSHIKI posted his personal message on Twitter after the disaster. "I'm in America now, and I just became aware that my hometown of Tateyama was hit, along with the entire Chiba prefecture, by a typhoon causing massive amounts of damage. I'm very concerned, and I’m praying for a fast recovery."​

NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES 10 MILLION YEN TO AID TYPHOON HAGIBIS VICTIMS IN EASTERN JAPAN

OCTOBER 2019

YOSHIKI has donated 10 million yen (appx. $93,000) to the Japanese Red Cross Society in support of areas affected by Typhoon Hagibis (Typhoon 19) on October 12, 2019. YOSHIKI’s donation through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America came immediately after the storm, one of the strongest in Japan’s history, brought severe flooding and power outages, destroying homes and claiming over 70 lives across Eastern Japan.

"I came to Japan for a concert and fashion show around the same time as the typhoon,” said YOSHIKI, “and I saw the force of the storm with my own eyes. It caused problems with my own recordings and rehearsals, but when I thought about how the struggles reported on TV of those affected by the disaster are infinitely more serious than that, it brought tears to my eyes. I donated in hopes that I could provide even the slightest assistance.”​

NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES $100,000 TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES: AUSTRALIAN WILDFIRE RELIEF AND RAINFOREST TRUS

January 13, 2020

YOSHIKI has donated $100,000 ($50,000 to the Australian Red Cross to aid victims of the Australian wildfires and $50,000 to the Rainforest Trust’s Conservation Action Fund) to two of the world’s most urgent environmental issues through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America.

“Conservation and sustainability are two of my primary concerns,” said YOSHIKI. “No matter what country you are from, we are all one planet. This is an issue that concerns everyone, and I hope more people will join this cause.”​

Click here to donate the Australian Red Cross (Australian Wildfire Relief)

Click here to donate to the Rainforest Trust's Conservation Action Fund

NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES 10 MILLION YEN TO JAPANESE RED CROSS FOR GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY

MARCH 10, 2020​

YOSHIKI has donated 10 million yen (appx. $100,000) to the Japanese Red Cross this week in commemoration of the ninth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The disastrous event, which occurred on March 11, 2011, was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan. YOSHIKI responded to the devastation and loss of life in his home country with charity performances with his rock band X Japan and a series of donations which continue through the present day.​

NEWS: YOSHIKI MAKES DONATION TO MEALS ON WHEELS ACROSS LOS ANGELES, URGES SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY SUDDEN FOOD SHORTAGES

MARCH 20, 2020

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YOSHIKI has made donations in support of multiple Meals on Wheels branches across Los Angeles through his 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Yoshiki Foundation America.

"I think now is the time to support each other. It's time to give, not take, especially when there are people who are vulnerable during the current crisis," said YOSHIKI, who has made Los Angeles his home for the past 20 years.

"I wanted to make a donation to the elderly people who have difficulty going out and cannot get enough to eat. If I can help just a little, then maybe others can also be inspired to give. This situation is not just limited to L.A., and I myself am having more difficulty than usual getting food. I hope it will end soon.

"YOSHIKI's relationship with Meals on Wheels extends back 10 years, and his support this week includes gifts of $3000 each to Meals on Wheel locations in:Long Beach, Culver City, West Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Downtown L.A., Orange County, Pasadena, Santa Monica.

Donations to Meals on Wheels can be made through the organization's website

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NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES $100,000 TO COVID-19 RELIEF FUND FOR MUSIC INDUSTRY DEVASTATED BY CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

MARCH 30, 2020

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YOSHIKI has donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund established by the Recording Academy and its charitable foundation MusiCares to help music creators and professionals affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

YOSHIKI said, "As a musician, I decided to donate to the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help my colleagues who might be struggling. With this virus threatening not just one country but the entire world, I sincerely hope that, through self-restraint and patience, we can contain the spread of new infections and eliminate this threat as soon as possible, and all industries can be revived again, including the entertainment industry." 

Recording Academy and MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund​

NEWS: YOSHIKI INTERVIEWED BY BBC NEWS "OUTSIDE SOURCE"

APRIL 15, 2020

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YOSHIKI was interviewed on the BBC News program "Outside Source" to discuss the current COVID-19 situation with over 100 million viewers worldwide. YOSHIKI was asked about his charity efforts, his #SING4LIFE collaboration with Bono, will.i.am , and Jennifer Hudson, and his concern for the safety of his fans.​

WATCH #SINGFORLIFE

NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES 10 MILLION YEN TO JAPAN'S NATIONAL CENTER FOR GLOBAL HEALTH AND MEDICINE

APRIL 27, 2020

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YOSHIKI has donated 10 million yen (appx. $100,000) to the National Center for Global Health and Medicine through his 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Yoshiki Foundation America.

The National Center for Global Health and Medicine researches infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases, including the coronavirus. The organization’s Center Hospital is the National Center's only general hospital, and it has the largest number of accommodations for specified infectious diseases.

YOSHIKI said, "I believe that the people we should be supporting are the healthcare workers who are treating coronavirus patients as we speak. I wanted to support as much as I could. I want people, including myself, to remember that the actions of everyone who's enduring staying home are contributing thousands of times more to the healthcare workers than what I have donated. I will also do my best as a musician to support people."

NEWS: YOSHIKI DONATES TELEVISION PERFORMANCE AND 3 MILLION YEN FOR CHARITY, BREAKS RECORD FOR NTV'S 24-HOUR FINALE​

AUGUST 24 , 2020

YOSHIKI appeared on NTV's "24-Hour TV: Love Will Save The World" broadcast on August 23, 2020, to deliver a passionate performance of "Forever Love" with the beautiful Los Angeles ocean in the background. He donated his performance without pay and gave 3 million yen to charity, helping to raise the program to its highest-ever audience rating. YOSHIKI dedicated his performance to the world's first responders and medical personnel.​

NEWS: YOSHIKI receives prestigious Japanese medal of honor for HIS CHARITABLE WORK WITH YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA

MARCH 10, 2021

YOSHIKI received the Japanese Medal of Honor in March of this year (2021), but since he had been away from Japan for a long time, the award ceremony was held on December 21, more than half a year later.

YOSHIKI received the Medal with the Dark Blue Ribbon, which is awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions to the national government, local governments, and public entities.

YOSHIKI commented, "I am very honored to receive the Medal of Honor. I hope to continue supporting these efforts in the future. I would be grateful if the circle of charity would expand further through these activities. Thank you very much."​

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NEWS: YOSHIKI PARTICIPATES IN BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL 2021 CHARITY AUCTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

MARCH 29, 2021​

YOSHIKI is participating in the Birdlife International 2021 Charity Auction with rare personal items including an autographed Alexander McQueen silk scarf, an exclusive autographed photo, and five bottles of the new YOSHIKI wine "Y by YOSHIKI". At a previous auction at YOSHIKI's Dinner Show, a personally-autographed scarf raised 5.3M JPY to benefit charity.

BirdLife International (headquarters: Cambridge, UK) is the world's oldest international environment NGO, conducting important activities related to the protection of habitats (forests, marshes, grasslands, etc.) and the continued existence of all life on this planet in 120 countries.

BirdLife International Auction 2021

March 29, 2021 - April 5, 2021 (JST)

Information

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NEWS: YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA Teams with MusiCares® on $100,000 Annual Grant Supporting Mental Health with Focus on Suicide Prevention and Awareness

March 29. 2021

In March 2021, YOSHIKI donated $100,000 in support of mental health to MusiCares®, a partner of the Recording Academy® and the leading music charity, to help music creators and industry professionals affected by depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health concerns.

Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, said "We are so thankful to YOSHIKI and Yoshiki Foundation America for their continued support of MusiCares. This annual grant will help us continue to provide important mental health services to the music people we serve. Artists, bands, stage and touring crews and so many others in the music industry have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. It is our responsibility to support them with the necessary services to help them make it through these difficult times."

MusiCares

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ARTICLE: Nikkei Asia - X japan's yoshiki sees music as a potential cure for trauma 

September 10, 2021

Yoshiki, the leader of Japanese rock band X Japan, is also known for his more than 20 years of involvement in a broad array of charitable and philanthropic activities. The X Japan drummer and pianist has made donations to support disaster victims as well as charitable organizations and causes, including victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the U.S. and health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent interview with Nikkei, Yoshiki discussed his views about the role of music in society.

Read more

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NEWS: YOSHIKI raises $9M for Ukraine with fans' help

March 24, 2022

ABC News Article

NEWS: YOSHIKI Donates 10 Million Yen to the International Organization for Migration Toward Ukraine Relief

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

YOSHIKI, has donated 10 million yen to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on his birthday, November 20th. The donation will support emergency relief operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries.  

"I really appreciate all the messages I received on my birthday. I don't need gifts for myself, so I would appreciate if you could instead give to a charity you support,"commented YOSHIKI.  

Regarding this donation, he continued: "As the war continues, so many people are unable to live their normal lives, from those who were forced to flee Ukraine or its neighboring countries, to those who are still displaced within Ukraine. This is heartbreaking, and it’s not something I can overlook as someone living in these times. As winter approaches, I hope to help so that as many people as possible can settle in a safe place and spend time with some peace of mind.”

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NEWS: YOSHIKI Announces His Holiday Wish & Donation to Help All Refugees Affected by War in Ukraine

December 22, 2022

YOSHIKI announced today that he is making a donation of 10 million yen to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), bringing the total amount he donated to 20 million yen. This donation will enable IOM to further support all those affected by the war in Ukraine and will directly support emergency relief operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries.

YOSHIKI said,

“It’s hard to celebrate the holidays when I know there are people suffering. I hope this gift will support people in need and hope this charity movement will continue to spread and inspire others to help. I’m praying for all those people affected by the war and hoping this donation will help in any way possible.”

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NEWS: YOSHIKI Donates 10 million yen to the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

August 28, 2023

On August 30th, YOSHIKI made a donation of 10 million yen to the International Organization for Migration (IOM),  on the Japanese TV Show "24-hour TV". This is the third time YOSHIKI has donated to the organization, bringing the total amount to 30 million yen.​

International Organisation for Migration

NEWS: YOSHIKI Receives Japan Society Award of Honor

november 1, 2023

YOSHIKI received the Japan Society's most prestigious Award of Honor in recognition of his achievements spreading Japanese culture to the world and for his wide range of charitable activities including refugee support and disaster relief in Ukraine.

The 37th Award of Honor Gala, held by the Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC), an American non-profit organization (NPO) based in Silicon Valley with a history of over 110 years. Past recipients of the Award of Honor include Professor Shinya Yamanaka, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry, and former Opus One CEO David Pearson.

https://www.usajapan.org/gala/

NEWS: YOSHIKI AUCTIONS HIS BELOVED CRYSTAL PIANO TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF JAPAN EARTHQUAKE, RAISING 40 MILLION YEN 

YOSHIKI Said at the Historical TCL Chinese Theatre Hand and Footprint Unveiling Ceremony: "I want to expand the circle of support."

January 16, 2024

YOSHIKI auctioned his beloved crystal piano this week, with the winning bid reaching 40 million yen (over $270,000 USD) when the 4-day auction ended on January 16.

YOSHIKI announced the auction on January 9 at his ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre, where his cement handprints and footprints were unveiled at the forecourt of the Hollywood landmark. YOSHIKI is the first Japanese star to receive the rare honor from the Chinese Theatre since the tradition began nearly 100 years ago.

During the ceremony, YOSHIKI said, "This year, on January first, came more sad news, a huge earthquake struck Japan. It hits me so hard. I’d like to share this moment with those who are mourning loved ones lost. If I may, I’d like to take the opportunity of this special event to give something back, as I’ve done before."

YOSHIKI also donated 10 million yen earlier this month to the Japanese Red Cross to aid disaster relief through his 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Yoshiki Foundation America. YOSHIKI said, "I want to spread awareness and expand the circle of support. I sincerely hope that everyone in the disaster-stricken areas can return to their normal lives as soon as possible."

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NEWS: YOSHIKI Donates 10 million Yen to Red Cross to Support Victims of the Taiwan Earthquake

APRIL 3, 2024

YOSHIKI donated 10 million yen to the Taiwanese Red Cross organization through YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, to support victims of the Taiwanese earthquake that occurred on April 3rd. The donation was made to the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China. 

Taiwan Red Cross Organization (Red Cross Society of the Republic of China)
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NEWS: YOSHIKI Donates $100,000 for Urgent Disaster Relief to Victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton

OCTOBER 15, 2024

YOSHIKI, who is recovering from emergency spinal surgery last week, made the donation through 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Yoshiki Foundation America in partnership with the charitable foundation MusiCares®, a partner of Recording Academy® / GRAMMYs®. The funds will go toward aiding in disaster relief for music professionals impacted by the recent hurricanes.

YOSHIKI – who had just returned to Los Angeles for medical treatment after the Paris Fashion Week debut of his high-fashion brand Maison Yoshiki Paris – said, "I hope to raise awareness about the situation and encourage support for the victims. I believe my involvement can help draw more attention, especially within Asia."​