■ The timing of resuming live performances will be decided in consultation with a doctor.
X JAPAN’s YOSHIKI will undergo his third neck surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California on October 8. Several renowned doctors have determined that he needs emergency cervical artificial disc replacement surgery, and most of his schedule for the next two months will be canceled, with some exceptions.
Currently, YOSHIKI is suffering from chronic neck pain and a burning sensation in the fingers of his left hand, which is affecting not only his playing but also his daily life. Doctors in the United States predict that YOSHIKI’s symptoms will be cured by surgery on the C6-C7 cervical vertebrae, and have recommended that he adjust his schedule and undergo surgery as soon as possible.
As a rock drummer and classical pianist, YOSHIKI is known for his intense performance style, which has put his body through a lot of strain.
In 2009, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis and underwent cervical laminectomy and cervical foraminotomy surgery, and then in 2017, he underwent a second operation to have an artificial disc inserted in his cervical spine due to a herniated disc and paralysis and extreme numbness in his left hand and arm.
Yoshiki said, “This will be my third neck surgery. I started feeling pain last year, and the pain has increased dramatically over the past few months. I currently have no feeling in my left hand, and my left fingers especially feel a burning pain. Fortunately, my motor neurons are still fine, but my sensory nerves are damaged. Everything I touch, including the piano keys, feels like ice, and I can’t stand it. I know I should have surgery as soon as possible, but I have to keep my promises to my fans and friends. I will have to cancel most of my schedule for the next two months, but I can still hold some events as scheduled. When I play the piano at shows, I will probably use my right hand more than my left hand because of the pain. And I will have to cancel almost all of my schedule in October. I understand that this will affect many people, and I am truly sorry. After the surgery, I hope to return to my normal life and the stage by the end of the year. I am truly sorry for causing you all inconvenience, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my fans for their support.”
Dr. Todd Lanman, the spinal neurosurgeon who will be performing the surgery, explained the surgery, saying, “YOSHIKI has previously undergone artificial disc replacement surgery at C5-C6. After MRI, CT scan, and X-rays, we found that there is a protrusion at C5 on the right side that is affecting the nerve ridge, causing the C6-C7 disc to protrude. Furthermore, because C5-C6 are fused and do not move, this is putting a lot of pressure on C6-C7, causing severe pain. During the surgery, a plastic surgeon will first make an incision in the skin on the front of YOSHIKI’s neck, and then I will perform the spinal surgery. After the surgery, the plastic surgeon will close the wound again quickly so that the scars are not noticeable.”
Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, who is in charge of Yoshiki’s medical management in the United States, said, “YOSHIKI will be in severe pain for the next two months until his surgery, but we will try to alleviate the pain as much as possible through medication and treatment. His attitude as a performer is unparalleled, but unfortunately, that single-mindedness has taken a toll on his body. It is clear that unless we, the doctors, intervene immediately, the pain will worsen.”
According to doctors’ predictions, it will be at least several months before YOSHIKI can resume physical activities, and he will be under close medical monitoring after the surgery. The timing of YOSHIKI’s return to live performances will be decided in consultation with his doctors.
In 2023 alone, YOSHIKI has been nonstop, busy with numerous recordings and events, producing the boy band XY and touring with THE LAST ROCKSTARS, as well as charitable efforts supporting disaster victims in Japan, mental health care in the United States, and humanitarian aid in Europe. Additionally, he has made waves across a variety of genres, including the launch of Y by YOSHIKI wine and a new Champagne Rosé, as well as the launch of his luxury fashion brand MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS, which debuted at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year.
He recently toured the world at venues including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and Carnegie Hall in New York, and his feature film directorial debut, YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY, was released in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Earlier this year, he was invited to perform the U.S. national anthem at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
In 2023, YOSHIKI became the first Japanese artist in the nearly 100-year history of the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to have his handprints and footprints engraved and be honored at a ceremony.
Regarding YOSHIKI’s work following his surgery, a decision on whether to cancel, postpone or continue will be made through discussions between his agent, promoter and management.
YOSHIKI is currently in close contact with his American agent WME to arrange future tour dates.
YOSHIKI OFFICIAL SITE
https://jp.yoshiki.net/
