Noted Japanese musician and philanthropist Yoshiki, of X Japan fame, recently performed at the Grand Opening of Japan House Los Angeles, a new restaurant meant to “showcase Japan’s art, culture, business, technology, and entertainment while strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the world,” according to a press release.
Yoshiki performed to a stunned audience a special setlist that captured the gravity of the occasion. He opened with “Miracle,” the song used to open every X Japan concert since 2010, and followed it up with “Anniversary,” a song he composed for the 10th anniversary of Emperor Akihito’s inauguration. He then performed a reportedly impromptu version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
He then gave a powerful speech, describing how grateful he was for being given the chance to pursue the “American Dream” for the past 20 years while living in Los Angeles. He closed out the set with a singalong rendition of X Japan’s classic song “Endless Rain.”
The event was a real who’s who of various Japanese and U.S. government officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Japanese Foreign Minister, Tarō Konō, and, most appropriately, actor George Takei as the master of ceremonies. Other Hollywood elite joined the audience, such as singer-songwriter Josh Groban and Aida Takla O’Reilly, former President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Check out videos of the performance below.
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
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