YOSHIKI helps with disaster relief efforts for wildfire-stricken LA

Yoshiki working with World Central Kitchen to distribute food in LA

In the wake of devastating wildfires that ravaged communities in Los Angeles, music icon YOSHIKI joined the front lines of relief efforts.

On 31st January, he was spotted volunteering at a soup kitchen operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization he passionately supports.

This act of service came as YOSHIKI witnessed firsthand the destruction and despair plaguing the region.

Known for his decades-long residency in the city, YOSHIKI said: “Seeing this city, where I have lived for nearly 30 years, continue to burn was truly heartbreaking and left me feeling deeply depressed.”

Yoshiki at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles — YOSHIKI at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles

YOSHIKI also shared “I made a donation, but I also decided to volunteer in the hope that I could help in any way I could by taking action myself. I hoped that by interacting directly with those affected by the disaster I could deliver some encouragement to them, and I feel that I was able to gain strength from it myself.”

YOSHIKI is a supporter of the World Central Kitchen charity

WCK, founded in 2010 by celebrity chef José Andrés, has become a global force in disaster relief, providing nourishing meals to communities impacted not only by natural disasters like the LA wildfires, but also by conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world.

YOSHIKI’s involvement with WCK shows his commitment to supporting those in need, both locally and globally.

This wasn’t YOSHIKI’s first time assisting with disaster relief, as he had previously provided food at evacuation shelters following the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan in January 2024.

A building collapse resulting from the 2014 Noto Peninsula earthquake

His response to the Japanese earthquake was swift and substantial. Beyond his hands-on work in shelters, he donated 10 million yen through his US-based non-profit “YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA” organization.

Further demonstrating his dedication to helping those in need, YOSHIKI auctioned his beloved crystal piano, donating the winning bid of 40 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Yoshiki donated his crystal piano to raise funds for those affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake

Following his volunteer work with WCK, YOSHIKI’s commitment to philanthropy continued. He attended an LA charity event hosted by MusiCares®, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards.

The following day, 1st February, he connected with fans through a live broadcast on his YOSHIKI CHANNEL platform, sharing updates on the situation in Los Angeles and urging viewers to contribute to relief efforts.

“I think we’ve taken a step towards overcoming this together,” he reflected, his experience at the soup kitchen clearly leaving a profound impact.

YOSHIKI’s first efforts to help those affected came as he announced a huge donation to aid in the LA wildfire relief efforts.

He donated a total of $500,000 (approximately 77 million yen) through his “YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA” charity.

Wildfires as viewed from the coast of Los Angeles

The funds were distributed among seven charitable organizations with which he has a history of volunteering: MusiCares®, World Central Kitchen, Cedars-Sinai (a renowned medical center in Los Angeles), the American Red Cross, the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Entertainment Community Fund.

These philanthropic efforts showcase YOSHIKI’s dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by hardship in the city he has made his home.

Source: yoshiki.net