Japanese music icon Yoshiki is no stranger to charitable giving. As a resident of both Tokyo and Los Angeles, he is very aware of causes over here he can provide aid for.
In the wake of the devastation to communities—particularly in North Carolina and Florida—due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the acclaimed musician has donated $100,000 for disaster relief in those areas. The funds will be dispersed to musical professionals impacted by those destructive hurricanes, which generated massive flooding that has displaced many people.
Yoshiki made the donation through his non-profit organization Yoshiki Foundation America in partnership with the charitable foundation MusiCares, which is a partner of the Recording Academy/ Grammys.
It has been estimated that damage from Helene alone could cost property owners over $45 billion. Musicians’ livelihoods are be negatively impacted when personal gear, office space, and home and professional studios are damaged or destroyed during such calamitous events. Those who are self-employed face other economic challenges as well.
The drummer and pianist recently returned to Los Angeles for medical treatment after debuting his high-fashion brand Maison Yoshiki Paris at Paris Fashion Week. He said in a press statement about his MusiCares donation, “I hope to raise awareness about the situation and encourage support for the victims. I believe my involvement can help draw more attention, especially within Asia.”
Yoshiki previously donated $100,000 for disaster relief for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas in 2017, and he also donated $100,000 to MusiCares to help musicians impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. In 2022, with the aid of fans, he donated $87,000 to benefit the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Fund and through the donations of fans, reportedly raised $9 million in total.
In 2021, Yoshiki established an annual MusiCares grant of $100,000 to help music creators and industry professionals affected by mental health concerns. Through Yoshiki Foundation America, the rocker has donated over $3 million to charities, including Meals on Wheels, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Pablove Foundation in support of childhood cancer research.
The musician recently underwent his third neck surgery—this time for a cervical artificial disc replacement surgery—to alleviate suffering from chronic neck pain and a burning sensation in his left hand including his fingers, which has affected both his drumming and everyday activities.
His feature film debut, the concert documentary Yoshiki: Under the Sky, will be released on the Magnet label through Magnolia Entertainment on November 19.
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Photo by Koji Hirano/Getty Images
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