YOSHIKI donates 77 million to aid LA wildfire victims
Yoshiki of X JAPAN has announced that he has donated a total of $500,000 (approximately 77 million yen) to seven charities, including the Recording Academy Charity Foundation, which organizes the Grammy Awards, through his non-profit organization “Yoshiki Foundation America”, to support disaster relief efforts in areas affected by the wildfires that broke out in Los Angeles.
Yoshiki, who has been based in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years, said of the damage:
“I have decided to cancel all my appearances outside of the US and stay in Los Angeles to support my friends and communities affected by the disaster. Seeing the city I have lived in for almost 30 years continue to burn with my own eyes really pained me and left me feeling distraught – during this time, I consulted a doctor and was diagnosed with depression.
Palisades Fire as viewed from the coast of Los Angeles
The sounds of sirens and helicopters echoed throughout the day and night, and I was forced to evacuate myself. Fortunately, my house and studio were safe in the end, but many of my friends lost everything.”
He continued, “It is hard to put into words what is happening in Los Angeles right now. I pray from the bottom of my heart for all those affected. As I have said many times before, I believe that ‘helping others is helping yourself’. I will continue to provide support and I would be happy if the circle of support spreads.”
YOSHIKI has also announced that he will be broadcasting live on his streaming channel “YOSHIKI CHANNEL” on January 31st and February 1st, to report on the current situation to viewers around the world and appeal for support.
The “YOSHIKI CHANNEL” broadcast can be viewed in English and Japanese on YouTube and in Japanese on NicoNico.