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 Japanese artist to be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood since the tradition began in 1927.
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 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.
Katsura Sunshine was born in Toronto Canada and holds Slovenian citizenship as well as Canadian.
In 2008 he became the 15th apprentice to the great Rakugo Master Katsura Bunshi VI, from whom he received the name Katsura Sunshine.
Sunshine was the first ever Western Rakugo-ka in the Kamigata tradition (Osaka / Kyoto) and only the second in Japanese history, after his predecessor Kairakute Burakku a hundred years before.
Sunshine has toured over 5 continents performing in 3 languages (Japanese, English and French).
This month represents the third anniversary of the opening of Rakugo on Broadway, at the New World Stages theatre complex. This long run has dates confirmed through December 2022.
He is also be performing in London’s West End in a residence that also runs through the end of 2022.
Sunshine was appointed Cultural Ambassador for Canada and Japan, and Friendship Ambassador for Slovenia and Japan. He was MC and host for the opening reception of the G-20 Summit in Osaka in 2019.
Sunshine divides his time between Tokyo, New York, and London.