Who Is Yoshiki (musician)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on November 20, 1965, Yoshiki Hayashi, popularly known as Yoshiki, is a celebrated Japanese musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the leader and drummer of the influential rock band X Japan, which pioneered the visual kei movement in Japan. Having developed a passion for music at an early age, Yoshiki went on to gain international fame for his unique blend of rock, classical music, and theatrical performances. As of 2025, Yoshiki is 59 years old and continues to dominate the global music scene with his artistic endeavors.
| Occupation | Fashion Designers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1965 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Tateyama, Chiba, Japan |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Japan |
Popularity
Yoshiki (musician)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yoshiki stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and has maintained a well-proportioned physique over the years. As of 2025, his weight is approximately 145 pounds (66 kg). Known for his striking appearance, Yoshiki often embraces a mix of stylish and edgy outfits, embodying the essence of a rock star while remaining true to his roots.
That same year he co-produced the soundtrack for the 2007 film Catacombs, which included the Violet UK song "Blue Butterfly" and was released by his Extasy Records International.
On October 22, 2007, X Japan's living members reunited and appeared together for the first time in over 10 years at a public filming of the promotion video for their new single "I.V.", which was created for the American horror movie Saw IV and played during the end credits but was not included on the soundtrack album.
On September 20, 2007, at a Catacombs preview in Japan, it was announced that Yoshiki would be producing the 2008 rock musical Repo! The Genetic Opera and its soundtrack, along with composing one extra track for it.
In 2009, he contributed the theme song "Blue Sky Heaven" for the 30th anniversary of a Nippon Television program, and for the Japanese historical fantasy film Goemon he wrote the Violet UK song "Rosa", which was released on April 29 via iTunes.
That year he again collaborated with Mugen Motorsports and racing car constructor Dome for the Super GT series championship. In July 2009, he had to undergo surgery for a slipped disc in his neck, and was told by doctors to refrain from heavy drumming.
His neck is so severely damaged that Yoshiki's management has said that it, "would force a professional rugby player to retire."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Yoshiki has often kept his personal life private. As of 2025, he is rumored to be dating megan Fox, a well-known actress and model. Their relationship has sparked interest given their artistic backgrounds and mutual connection through the entertainment industry. Yoshiki has been linked to several notable women in the past, yet he maintains a focus on his music career, which remains his primary passion.
His father was a tap dancer and jazz pianist, his mother played the shamisen, while his aunt played the koto. He began taking piano lessons and music theory at age four. He then became interested in classical works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert.
In elementary school, he played the trumpet in the brass band, and around age ten started composing songs for piano. This period was a decisive point in his life. He was 10 years old when his father committed suicide; he found relief in rock music.
After discovering the music of American hard rock band Kiss, he started learning to play drums and guitar. Yoshiki was also influenced by works from Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Queen, the Beatles, Charged GBH and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Yoshiki formed the band Dynamite with his childhood friend Toshi in 1977.
Dynamite changed its name to Noise a year later.
Net Worth and Salary
Yoshiki's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million in 2025. His earnings come from multiple sources, including his music career, solo projects, and various business ventures. He continues to draw in substantial income from performances, merchandise sales, and collaborations with both domestic and international artists.
Career, Business and Investments
Yoshiki's career has spanned several decades, and he remains a leading figure in the music industry. In addition to his work with X Japan, he has pursued solo projects, composed film scores, and collaborated with various international artists. His entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in his ventures, including the establishment of a record label and other artistic initiatives.
In recent years, Yoshiki has also invested in technology and startups focused on music and entertainment, further broadening his portfolio. He is a strong advocate for artists' rights and has participated in numerous charitable endeavors, making significant contributions to disaster relief and support for musicians.
Yoshiki Hayashi (林 佳樹), known as Yoshiki, is a Japanese musician, songwriter, composer, record producer, film director, and fashion designer. He is best known as the leader of the visual kei rock bands X Japan and the Last Rockstars, for which he is the drummer, pianist, and main songwriter.
He has been described by Billboard as a "musical innovator" and named "one of the most influential composers in Japanese history" by Consequence. Yoshiki's solo career includes several classical studio albums and collaborations with artists such as George Martin, Bono, will.i.am, St.
Vincent, the Chainsmokers, Skrillex, Ellie Goulding, Stan Lee, Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen, Gene Simmons and KISS, Nicole Scherzinger, and Sarah Brightman.
Social Network
Yoshiki is highly active on social media, engaging with his fans and sharing insights into his life and career. You can find him on various platforms, including:
- Instagram: @yoshikiofficial
- Twitter: @YoshikiOfficial
- Facebook: Yoshiki
In 2006, Yoshiki appeared at the Otakon convention on August 6, where it was publicly announced that he would be forming a band named S.K.I.N. with rock singer Gackt, soon afterwards they were joined by Sugizo. At the JRock Revolution Festival on May 25, 2007, which was organized by Yoshiki, it was announced that Miyavi was joining.
There were high expectations for the band, like to be the first Asian band to conquer the world charts, beginning with America, and to lead a rock revolution and starting a new era of rock and roll, by opening the market for Japanese in the Western music industry.
But after their debut performance on June 29, 2007, at the Anime Expo in Long Beach, all activities were stopped.
Education
Although information about Yoshiki's formal education is limited, it is known that he began playing the piano at a young age and pursued his passion for music intensively. He has mentioned that he trained in classical music and rock, which has heavily influenced his songwriting and compositional style. His educational background has undoubtedly played a role in his success as a multifaceted artist.
In June 2019, Yoshiki visited the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where he made a $150,000 donation and held a masterclass for students, where he advised the future musicians to "play every concert as if it is your last."
