FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2026
Yoshiki Dominates as Headliner for Historic First-Ever Global Citizen Festival in Tokyo
Japan’s Biggest Rock Star Returns to the Drums with an All-Star Lineup and a Surprise World Premiere
YOSHIKI delivered a triumphant headlining performance at Global Citizen Live: Tokyo on June 18, closing the landmark event with a powerful set that united rock, classical music, anime, and contemporary pop. Held at Tokyo International Forum, the concert marked Global Citizen’s first-ever live music event in Japan, making YOSHIKI a fitting choice to lead the historic finale.
Traveling from Los Angeles—where he is currently preparing for his upcoming performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall—YOSHIKI assembled an extraordinary lineup of guest artists for a one-night-only musical celebration. The result was one of the most talked-about performances of the evening, drawing thunderous audience reactions throughout the set.
Opening with a dramatic drum solo backed by a sweeping orchestral arrangement, YOSHIKI immediately electrified the crowd. The performance carried special significance, as the musician’s recent neck surgery had raised questions about whether he would be able to return to the powerful drumming style that helped make him one of Japan’s most influential rock artists.
The star-studded set continued with a series of surprise collaborations. MIYAVI joined YOSHIKI onstage for a moving performance of “Forever Love,” before the pair unveiled their new collaboration “DEAD-END DRIVE.” YOSHIKI then welcomed HYDE for a powerful vocal rendition of “Red Swan,” the internationally acclaimed Attack on Titan theme that topped rock charts across ten countries.
Beverly joined YOSHIKI for a soaring performance of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, while rock vocalist Kiyoharu appeared for crowd-favorite X Japan classics “Kurenai” and “Rusty Nail.” The set also featured a bold EDM-infused reimagining of the epic “Art of Life” before concluding with the anthem “Endless Rain,” which transformed the venue into a massive sing-along as thousands of voices joined together for the emotional finale.
Since its founding in 2008, Global Citizen has become one of the world’s most influential advocacy organizations, producing international events featuring artists such as Beyoncé, Coldplay, BTS, BLACKPINK, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Billie Eilish, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. YOSHIKI’s headlining appearance placed him among an elite group of global artists who have helped define the organization’s worldwide concerts.
This year’s Global Citizen Live: Tokyo also featured performances by &TEAM, AI, and Yuki Chiba, with Chris Peppler serving as MC.
YOSHIKI will next appear as a special guest at the 25th Anniversary celebration of Japan Expo in Paris on July 10 before returning to Los Angeles for YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall on July 16 and 17.
Presented as two distinct evenings—”Scarlet Night” and “Violet Night”—the concerts will feature unique programs blending classical music, rock, and YOSHIKI’s celebrated original compositions.
Global Citizen Live: Tokyo – Set list
Drum Solo
Forever Love (w/ MIYAVI)
Dead-End Drive (w/ MIYAVI)
Red Swan (w/ HYDE & MIYAVI)
Golden (w/ Beverly)
Kurenai (w/ Kiyoharu)
Rusty Nail (w/ Kiyoharu / Kei / Rui / YUI)
Art of Life
Endless Rain
YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 IN LOS ANGELES: WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
“SCARLET NIGHT” & “VIOLET NIGHT”
Dates: July 16, 2026 (Thu) & July 17, 2026 (Fri)
Venue: Walt Disney Concert Hall
Information: https://www.yoshiki.net/disneyhall2026
YOSHIKI Official Site: https://www.yoshiki.net
YOSHIKI Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial
YOSHIKI YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/yoshikiofficial
