YOSHIKI received the International Citizens Award in the United States on September 17, followed by a Special Prize at the 6th Kaneko Kentaro Award in Japan on October 5. Within a single month, organizations in both countries recognized his many years of contributions to musical exchange and philanthropy.
YOSHIKI also revealed that he had been rehearsing an English version of “Red Swan” in New York with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. Photos of the two preparing to perform together have since been picked up by music media around the world.
Honors on both sides of the Pacific, and a friendship with a fellow artist that crosses borders. Some 34 years after moving to the United States in 1992, the connections YOSHIKI has built through music are drawing renewed attention.
Honored in the U.S. and Japan Within One Month for His Work in Music and Philanthropy
On September 17, YOSHIKI attended the Japan America Society of Southern California’s awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where he received the International Citizens Award.
On October 5, at the International House of Japan in Tokyo, he received a Special Prize at The America-Japan Society’s 6th Kaneko Kentaro Award ceremony. The honor recognized some 34 years of musical exchange between Japan and the U.S., along with the philanthropic work he has continued around the world.
The Kaneko Kentaro Award was established in 2017, the society’s 100th anniversary, in memory of its first president, Kentaro Kaneko. It is presented to individuals who have contributed to the development of U.S.–Japan relations through many years of grassroots activity.
Recognized by Japan-America societies in both countries, these honors mark a milestone in the work YOSHIKI has built through both music and social contribution.
Rehearsing an English Version of “Red Swan” with Axl Rose, Reported by International Rock Media
On October 5, YOSHIKI shared studio photos with Axl Rose on his Instagram, revealing that Axl had been set to appear as one of the special surprise guests at the Global Citizen Festival, scheduled for September 26 in New York’s Central Park.
The two had been preparing an English version of “Red Swan,” widely known as the opening theme of the anime Attack on Titan. They rehearsed in New York, but the festival was canceled due to severe weather.
Following the announcement, outlets including U.S. rock publication Loudwire and Japanese music news site amass covered the story, revealing that studio photos of Axl that had already caught fans’ attention were taken while he was preparing to perform with YOSHIKI.
On Instagram, YOSHIKI shared his feelings about the cancellation and his gratitude to Axl: “I’m heartbroken that the festival was canceled, especially knowing that my fans were planning to come from around the world to support me. Through all of this, Axl’s kindness has helped me through. I’m grateful for warmth and support. Hope we’ll have another opportunity to rock together soon.”
Although the performance didn’t happen that day, news of their rehearsal has raised hopes for a future collaboration.
Introduced as a “Friend” by the U.S. Ambassador to Japan; Performs Both National Anthems on Piano
At the October 5 Kaneko Kentaro Award ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass introduced YOSHIKI as his friend, a moment that reflected the bond between the two at an event celebrating U.S.–Japan exchange.
YOSHIKI expressed his gratitude in both Japanese and English, then performed the national anthems of both countries on piano. Through music, he conveyed his respect for both nations and his thanks to the people who have supported his journey on the world stage.
Having flown back to Japan on short notice to attend the ceremony, YOSHIKI admitted he had not prepared a speech, and reflected on the dreams he carried when he first moved to the U.S. and the road since, which was never an easy one.
34 Years of Challenges, Toward a New Future
In 1992, YOSHIKI moved to the United States to take on the world as a Japanese artist. Since then, he has continued his music career from his base in the U.S., while building connections across countries and cultures through his philanthropy.
The honors he received in both countries within a single month recognize that long journey. And his rehearsal with Axl Rose shows that his musical ambitions are as strong as ever.
At the ceremony, YOSHIKI said there is still more he wants to accomplish, affirming his determination to keep working on the world stage.
With honors from both Japan and the U.S. marking a new milestone, YOSHIKI’s mission to connect people through music continues.
YOSHIKI Official Site: https://www.yoshiki.net/
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