Multiple doctors have determined that YOSHIKI of X JAPAN must undergo his third
neck surgery immediately. However, due to his schedule commitments over the next
two months, YOSHIKI will undertake cervical artificial disc replacement surgery at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, on October 8.
Currently, YOSHIKI is suffering from chronic neck pain and a burning sensation in his
left hand including his fingers, causing problems with not only performance but
everyday activities. Physicians in the U.S. are hopeful that surgery on cervical discs C6-
C7 can restore YOSHIKI‘s health and have insisted that the musician adjust his
demanding schedule for this important procedure.
YOSHIKI‘s intense performance style as a rock drummer and classical pianist has had a
severe impact on his physical health.
In 2009, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis, leading to a cervical
laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy.
In 2017, YOSHIKI underwent a second surgery after suffering from a herniated disc and
experiencing numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm. The procedure
resulted in the insertion of an artificial cervical disc in his neck.
YOSHIKI said, “This will be my third neck surgery. I started feeling this pain last year,
then it increased severely during the past few months. Right now, I cannot feel my left
hand and I’m having severe burning sensations in my left fingers. Fortunately, my motor
neurons are still intact, but the sensory nerves are damaged. Everything I touch feels
like ice, including my piano keys. It’s unbearable. I know I should have this surgery
immediately, but I need to honor the commitments I’ve already made to my fans and
friends. Over the next two months, I have to cancel a significant amount of my schedule,
but I will still make a few appearances. In terms of playing piano in my shows, I may
have to use my right hand more than my left hand because of the pain. Then, in
October, I have to cancel pretty much all my schedule. I know this will affect many
people. I’m very sorry for this. After my surgery, I hope that I can get back to life,
including being on stage, before the end of the year. Again, I apologize to everyone for
the inconvenience, and I really appreciate all my fans’ support.”
Doctor Todd Lanman, M.D., the spinal neurosurgeon who will operate on YOSHIKI,
said, “YOSHIKI has already had a cervical artificial disc replacement in C5-C6. After
evaluating the MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, we see a spur in the right C5 affecting the
nerve ridge and a protruding disc in C6-C7. More importantly, we also see that C5-C6 is
fused and not moving, and that’s exerting exceptional pressure below at C6-C7 and
generating a significant amount of pain.”
Doctor Lanman added, “During the procedure, a plastic surgeon will open the incision in
the front of YOSHIKI‘s neck, and once he gets through the skin, I’ll take over and
operate on the spine. After the procedure, the plastic surgeon will close the area
immediately to reduce visible scarring.”
Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, M.D., adds “I oversee YOSHIKI‘s health in the U.S.
Unfortunately, he will be going through severe pain for the next two months. In order to
delay the operation, we will mitigate that pain as much as possible through medication
and therapy. His commitment as a performer is second to none. Unfortunately, this
dedication has caused a significant amount of damage to his body. It’s clear that
YOSHIKI‘s pain will only increase if we don’t intervene immediately.”
Doctors anticipate YOSHIKI will need several months to recover and gradually restart
his physical activities, and he will remain under close medical supervision after the
procedure. Following the operation, YOSHIKI will consult with doctors about resuming
live performances.
In 2023 alone, YOSHIKI pushed himself to maintain a non-stop recording and event
schedule, including producing the boy band XY, touring with his band THE LAST
ROCKSTARS, ongoing philanthropic activities including donations for disaster relief in
Japan, for mental health causes in the U.S. and humanitarian aid in Europe, while
preparing multiple product releases including “Y by YOSHIKI” wine, his new Rosé
Champagne, and launching his high-fashion brand “Maison YOSHIKI Paris” which
debuted at Milan Fashion Week.
YOSHIKI also performed the YOSHIKI Classical World Tour with headlining shows at
Royal Albert Hall (London), Dolby Theater (L.A.), and Carnegie Hall (New York), and
more last year.
At the same time, YOSHIKI also released his feature film directorial debut YOSHIKI:
Under the Sky in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He was also invited to perform the U.S.
national anthem at Dodger Stadium in L.A. this spring.
As of now, YOSHIKI is committed to doing 13 shows and multiple appearances around
the world including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S. during the upcoming
months of August and September.
In 2023, YOSHIKI was selected as the first Japanese artist to be honored with a hand
and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in nearly 100 years.
Following YOSHIKI‘s operation, a discussion whether to cancel, postpone, or move
forward as scheduled will be held amongst the agent, promoter, and management.
YOSHIKI is in close talks with his U.S. agency WME to schedule future tours
accordingly.
We deeply apologize for the inconvenience this will cause to fans and everyone
involved.
-MANAGEMENT
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