Yoshiki’s involvement in philanthropy is deeply influenced by his family and upbringing, particularly the loss of his father at a young age. This event led him to question the purpose of life and motivated him to give back through charitable work. Since the 1990s, Yoshiki has been actively involved in various philanthropic projects, using his talent and resources to support causes around the world.
One of Yoshiki’s earliest acts of giving was in response to the 1995 Japan earthquake, where he organized a benefit concert with his band X Japan and donated new pianos to students affected by the disaster. Over the years, he has continued to provide relief, aid, and donations for various natural disasters in Asia, Australia, South America, and the United States. Recently, he auctioned his crystal Kawai CR-40N piano to raise funds for Japan’s earthquake relief efforts, raising a significant amount for the cause.
During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Yoshiki made substantial donations to organizations such as the Recording Academy’s MusiCares Foundation COVID-19 relief fund and Meals on Wheels locations in Southern California. In Japan, he also contributed generously to the Japanese Red Cross and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, showing his commitment to supporting those in need during challenging times.
Yoshiki’s charitable work is driven by his personal experiences, including growing up without a father and battling severe asthma as a child. He understands the struggles that kids face due to various unfortunate circumstances and has dedicated himself to helping and tutoring those in need. His nonprofit corporation, the Yoshiki Foundation America, has been providing aid for 15 years, supporting organizations like the Grammy Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.
In 2021, Yoshiki’s foundation partnered with MusiCares to launch a $100,000 annual grant aimed at providing mental health programs for music creators and industry professionals dealing with depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, and other mental health issues. He emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns openly and being there to help others going through difficult times.
Yoshiki recently made a significant donation of $199,000 to the UN’s Intl. Organization for Migration in support of Ukrainian refugees across Europe, showcasing his commitment to global humanitarian efforts. While his charitable work is often criticized in Japan for being publicized, Yoshiki believes that sharing his donations and causes publicly helps raise awareness and encourages others to join in the chain of love. Despite the criticisms, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact and spreading kindness worldwide through his philanthropic endeavors.
