YOSHIKI is a composer, classically-trained pianist, rock drummer, and the leader of the rock groups X Japan and The Last Rockstars. YOSHIKI was named “one of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history” by Consequence and is described by Billboard as “a musical innovator”. He is the first and only Japanese artist to be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood since the tradition began in 1927. Time magazine named YOSHIKI one of the Most Influential People of 2025 in the TIME100 list.

His worldwide projects include a song dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Emperor of Japan’s reign, the official theme song for the World Expo, Hollywood film soundtracks, and the official theme song for the prestigious Golden Globe Awards. Led by YOSHIKI, X Japan has sold over 30 million albums and singles and sold out the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome a record-breaking 18 times. He was the first Asian musician to perform at the world’s greatest music halls including Madison Square Garden, Wembley Arena, and solo performances at Carnegie Hall.

In 2022, YOSHIKI's talent competition series YOSHIKI SUPERSTAR PROJECT X became the #1 ranked variety show on Hulu Japan, leading to the upcoming debut of hot new boy band "XY". Recently, YOSHIKI formed the rock supergroup The Last Rockstars, followed by two single releases and a sold-out world tour. In July 2023, X Japan released "Angel", the band's first single in eight years. In 2024, YOSHIKI will compose the global theme song for Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary.

In addition to his music activities, he is also a fashion icon who is the first Japanese male to appear on the cover of Vogue Japan and his high-fashion kimono brand YOSHIKIMONO has been displayed at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum in London and National Museum in Japan. YOSHIKI was chosen to be the first living person to have a Hello Kitty doll named after him, called "yoshikitty". He is also the founder of Yoshiki Foundation America, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit organization, and has long been committed to philanthropy. YOSHIKI was chosen by comic book legend Stan Lee to create a character based on the musician called Blood Red Dragon. In 2021, French crystal maker Baccarat selected YOSHIKI to design its 180th anniversary glass for Paris Fashion Week.

His own wine brand from Napa called Y by Yoshiki is continually sold-out across Japan, and he is the first person chosen to create a brand in partnership with top French Champagne House POMMERY in 180 years, setting unprecedented sales records with Y by Yoshiki x Champagne Pommery. In 2022, YOSHIKI formed a business partnership with Coca-Cola Japan to launch the energy drinks Real Gold X and Real Gold Y. In 2024, YOSHIKI's new high fashion brand MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS debuted as part of the official calendar at Milan Fashion Week. In September 2024, he presented his second collection of Maison Yoshiki Paris at the Pallais de Chaillot during Paris Fashion Week S/S 2025.
‍
In 2023, the feature documentary film YOSHIKI: Under The Sky premiered in New York, Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles, followed by showings in over 130 theaters in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. The film is YOSHIKI's directorial debut and features live performances by The Chainsmokers, St. Vincent, Sarah Brightman, Scorpions, HYDE, SUGIZO, SixTONES, Jane Zhang, Lindsey Stirling, Nicole Scherzinger, and more.

In October 2023, YOSHIKI performed the Yoshiki Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour with Orchestra 2023 "REQUIEM" headlining shows at Tokyo Garden Theater (Tokyo), Royal Albert Hall (London), Dolby Theater (L.A.), and Carnegie Hall (New York). This tour was the first time a Japanese artist headlined all these historic venues.

In March 2024, Variety chose YOSHIKI as the 2024 Honoree for International Achievement in Music. In April 2024, YOSHIKI was invited to perform the U.S. National Anthem at L.A. Dodgers Stadium.