YOSHIKI has launched his first Japanese wine project under his own brand, “Y by YOSHIKI.” On May 30, he announced that he will begin full-scale winemaking in Japan at the Field of Dreams Winery in Yoichi, Hokkaido. The project will be led in collaboration with Takahiko Soga of Domaine Takahiko—one of Japan’s most renowned winemakers. YOSHIKI has previously earned high acclaim for his wines produced in Napa Valley, both in Japan and internationally.
YOSHIKI attended the signing ceremony alongside winemaker Takahiko Soga and Yuka Iuchi, CEO of Field of Dreams Winery, officially marking the partnership between the three parties. The mayor of Yoichi was also present to witness the occasion. Following the ceremony, YOSHIKI broke ground and planted seedlings in his own vineyard, signaling the official start of the project.
Set in Yoichi, Hokkaido, the region offers ideal conditions for grape cultivation—cool climate, significant day-night temperature variation, and well-drained volcanic soil. In recent years, Yoichi has gained recognition both domestically and internationally as a prime location for producing Pinot Noir. World-class wines are emerging from the area, further establishing Yoichi as a symbol of the growing potential of Japanese wine.
At the press conference following the signing ceremony, YOSHIKI expressed his passion for the new venture:“I’ve been making wine in California for about 15 years, but I’ve always dreamed of producing wine in Japan. When I tasted Takahiko’s wine, I was deeply moved and hoped we could collaborate. I’m truly honored to work together like this. By combining my international experience with my love for Japan, I hope to help expand the global presence of Japanese wine. I also want to help revitalize the beautiful town of Yoichi and promote it as a destination known for its incredible food.”
YOSHIKI also touched on broader motivations:“Japan faces many challenges today, including a declining birthrate and aging population. Through this project, I want to contribute to Japan’s future. This is just the beginning, and I have strong confidence that this endeavor, born in Japan, can reach the world.”
His commitment to winemaking in Japan is fueled by a deep desire to support regional revitalization and the broader Japanese economy.
YOSHIKI then visited the vineyard, where he personally shoveled the soil and planted the seedlings, marking the official start of the project. He posed for a commemorative photo with winemaker Takahiko Soga, forming his signature “X” gesture against the stunning natural backdrop of Hokkaido. As he planted the vines, YOSHIKI appeared deeply focused, offering a silent prayer that the wine would turn out delicious.
In response to a reporter’s question, he said,“If I’m going to do this, I want to aim to create the best wine in the world. I’ve always pursued creativity that stimulates the five senses—through music, fashion, and more. Now, I hope to craft Japanese wine that captures the delicate, refined flavors unique to Yoichi.”
Winemaker Takahiko Soga, known for elevating the status of Japanese wine internationally, serves as the supervisor for this project. His winery, Domaine Takahiko, was the first in Japan to have its wines featured on the menu at Noma—the acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant often named the best in the world. His wines are so sought after that they are often called “the most difficult to obtain in Japan.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Soga said:“YOSHIKI says wine is art, and I agree. I want to express the beauty of Japan’s nature through wine. I believe the grapes and wines of Yoichi, Hokkaido, are of a quality that belongs on the world stage. As we take on this challenge, I hope to bring out even more of the beauty within myself—with YOSHIKI’s support.”
Launched in 2009, Y by YOSHIKI is a collaboration between YOSHIKI and Rob Mondavi Jr., a fourth-generation winemaker from Napa Valley. YOSHIKI has personally overseen the tasting and creative direction, producing six unique wine series over 15 years. The wines have consistently sold out, appearing on the wine lists of top hotels and restaurants, and are now among Japan’s best-selling premium wines—earning the nickname “phantom wine.”
Expanding further, YOSHIKI partnered with the prestigious French champagne house POMMERY to launch Y by YOSHIKI × CHAMPAGNE POMMERY. This marks the first time in POMMERY’s 189-year history that a brand has been named after a global celebrity. The champagne is now available in Japan, the U.S., Germany, the U.K., and South Korea, attracting international acclaim.
YOSHIKI is a renowned composer, drummer, pianist, and fashion icon known for his dynamic presence across genres and borders. In recent years, he has embarked on a global classical tour, performing at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Dolby Theatre, and Carnegie Hall—becoming the first Japanese artist to achieve this historic trio in the UK and US.
His directorial debut film, YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY, premiered worldwide in 2023, the same year he became the first Japanese artist to have his handprints and footprints enshrined at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. YOSHIKI also launched his luxury fashion brand, MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS, earning acclaim at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks.
In April 2025, he was named to TIME magazine’s TIME100, becoming the first Japanese musician recognized among the world’s 100 most influential people.
For YOSHIKI, this winemaking venture in Japan marks a return to his roots and a new form of artistic expression. Just as in music and fashion, his pursuit of authenticity now extends to the world of wine—continuing his journey of innovation on a global stage.
• About Domaine Takahiko
Domaine Takahiko, led by esteemed winemaker Takahiko Soga, is one of Japan’s premier wineries, located in Yoichi, Hokkaido. Specializing in Pinot Noir, Soga employs natural winemaking techniques, including fermentation with wild yeast and minimal intervention—avoiding both over- and under-clarification. His meticulous approach has earned international acclaim for producing wines of exceptional quality.
Among his most celebrated creations is Nanatsumori Pinot Noir, often referred to as “the most difficult wine to obtain in Japan.” Domaine Takahiko also made history as the first Japanese winery to have its wines featured on the list at Noma, one of the world’s most renowned restaurants.
Official website: https://takahiko.co.jp
• About Field of Dreams Winery
Field of Dreams Winery is a modern, sustainability-focused winery located in Nobori-cho, Yoichi, Hokkaido. Taking full advantage of the region’s rare natural conditions—including a cool climate, wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, and well-drained volcanic soil—the winery is committed to eco-friendly wine production that reflects the terroir of Yoichi. By preserving an environment where people, wildlife, and microorganisms coexist, the winery produces wines that authentically express the local landscape. Specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Field of Dreams is rapidly emerging as a new center for Japanese winemaking.
Official website: https://winery.yoichidreams.com
• About “Y by YOSHIKI”Founded in 2009, Y by YOSHIKI is a premium wine brand born from a collaboration between YOSHIKI and Rob Mondavi Jr., a fourth-generation Napa Valley winemaker. Over the past 15 years, the brand has released a range of critically acclaimed wines from California’s Napa Valley, gaining popularity in both Japan and abroad.
In 2023, YOSHIKI expanded the brand globally through Y by YOSHIKI x CHAMPAGNE POMMERY, a partnership with the historic 189-year-old French champagne house POMMERY. In 2024, the brand followed with the launch of Y by YOSHIKI Rosé California 2023, a release that sparked what some are calling a “rosé revolution.” Demand for the wine far exceeded expectations, and it continues to grow rapidly.
Known for selling out instantly upon release, Y by YOSHIKI has earned a reputation as a “phantom wine” among collectors and enthusiasts.
Y by YOSHIKI Official Site: https://www.ybyyoshiki.com/
Y by YOSHIKI Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ybyyoshiki/
Y by YOSHIKI Official X: https://x.com/ybyyoshiki
YOSHIKI Official STORE: https://www.yoshiki-store.com/ec/products?tag=216
YOSHIKI Official Site: https://www.yoshiki.net/
YOSHIKI YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/yoshikiofficial
YOSHIKI Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial/
