"Four forces have gathered, from the Land of the Rising Sun, to be here with you tonight... Four celestial beings have united, in art, to create a new universe."
The forty-five-minute, -10 Degrees Fahrenheit on a New York City street wait was, in my opinion, made well worthwhile upon hearing that introduction. My muscles were stiff and my body was chilled, having chosen to forgo a coat in favor of being comfortable for the duration of the sold-out concert, but that really was inconsequential to me from the moment those four aforementioned beings stepped out onto the stage.
Yoshiki.
Sugizo.
Hyde.
Miyavi.
Any fan of Japanese Rock will certainly recognize at least one of these names, but, for most, all are likely household names. Those who do not recognize them as individuals will surely know the bands that helped birth their celebrity: X Japan, Larc-en-Ciel, Luna Sea, and Dué le quartz.
These are all names that any Japanese citizen would at least have heard of, as they have all been creating and performing their own unique music for decades. Anime fans might also recognize many of their songs from credit scenes of popular anime series. They are singers, guitarists, classical musicians, and all-around artistic wonders.
This is exactly why I didn't hesitate to buy tickets the moment I was notified of their U.S.A. tour. I grew up listening to these bands, and have an especially deep admiration for Hyde (Larc-en-Ciel/VAMPS) and Miyavi (Dué le quartz, although he gained more celebrity in his solo years). However, it seems that the majority of the fans who dedicated themselves to buying out this event were X Japan (Yoshiki and Sugizo) fans, a band that set the stage for the Rock revolution in the East.
The driving force of both X Japan and The Last Rockstars, the name taken by this divine supergroup, is, undoubtedly, the endless and undying ambition of the classical musician, Yoshiki. Someone better could write endlessly about this genius, but, being frank, he is not my forte. What I do know is that the man is an insanely talented songwriter, and he shows his strength in his ballads and piano-driven works.
Yoshiki had attempted to form this mega-band nearly a decade ago, but the other parties were, at the time, focused heavily on developing their talents via alternate avenues. This delay may have very well been for the best, however, as those years saw an amazing and elevated change in each of these artists, their sounds gradually changing into something uniquely their own.
And now it has all come together to create something new and mesmerizing. These artists all come from a similar background, a time and genre that led to performances being more of a show than a simple concert. The opening act, Band-Maid, was the perfect aperitif with the crowd both enjoying the show and craving for the main act.
True to Japanese standards of courtesy, the headliners didn't drag on the transition process, and a pleasant female voice soon filled the arena, setting up their entrance with a dramatic flair. It was well-received fanfare, and the moment those four men were introduced onto the stage, the crowd was uncontrollable.
The performance was phenomenal, especially considering that the entirety of their portfolio had been composed in a little over a month. Hyde's vocals were as smooth and haunting as always, Miyavi's guitar skills remained unmatched, Sugizo surprised the crowd with a gorgeous violin performance, and Yoshiki ran the entire affair like the absolute professional he is.
The entire point is... I needed to vent my love for these artists. Seeing Miyavi and Hyde again felt, to me, like seeing very old, dear friends... people that had, unknowingly, carried me through my most difficult times with their beautiful music. The show was very inspirational, promoting love and ambition, Yoshiki referring to their own individual tragedies as their driving force. It ignited my motivation and made me take another solid hold of my dreams, pulling them to the surface and breathing into them fresh life. More than a concert, it was an awakening.
I look forward to seeing what these talented beings have to offer, and I will be first in line to buy/download whatever content they are to make official (and considering the hundreds of ravenous fans lined up for the merch stand after the show, I don't think I'll be alone).
I encouraged any fan of alternative rock to give this band a chance! Decades worth of die-hard fans and a sold-out debut tour should be all of the convincing that one needs to at least hear them out.
P.S. old-school songs that made me fall in love when I was a kid:
Miyavi - Itoshii Hito / Selfish Love
Hyde - Evergreen / Evanescent {Vamps}
X Japan - Endless Rain / I.V.
About the Creator
Kai K Colby
pursuing my passion and my dream
Keep reading
More stories from Kai K Colby and writers in Journal and other communities.
Little Surprises
I stare at the freshly delivered package, set so diligently upon my stoop by the same unmarked drone that had delivered the previous five. My suspicion is mild when compared to my intrigue, as the previous parcels have all held something that I have found to be wonderfully tailored to my own interests. Perhaps I should be more alarmed, but, to me, it seems that my secret admirer, whoever that may be, has come to know me very well.
By Kai K Colby3 years ago in Fiction
No Power or Water and -19°C: Kyiv Seeks Relief from Russian Strikes and Cold
Kyiv is facing a winter of unprecedented hardship, as Russian missile strikes continue to ravage the city’s infrastructure while plummeting temperatures push residents to the brink. With temperatures dropping as low as -19°C, the capital of Ukraine is struggling to provide basic necessities like heat, electricity, and water to millions of its citizens, highlighting both the human cost of war and the resilience of a population under siege. The ongoing Russian attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, leaving swathes of Kyiv without electricity and water for days at a time. Energy facilities, power grids, and water treatment plants have been repeatedly hit, exacerbating the already severe winter conditions. For residents, the combination of cold weather and a lack of utilities has created a life-threatening situation. Families are relying on makeshift heating methods, from wood stoves to improvised electric heaters, while authorities scramble to provide temporary shelters and emergency relief. Local authorities in Kyiv are under immense pressure to respond. City officials have activated emergency protocols, opening warming centers and providing water trucks for areas cut off from the municipal supply. Volunteers are delivering fuel and blankets, while international organizations have pledged aid, though logistics remain challenging in a city facing ongoing military threats. The Ukrainian government has emphasized the need for international support, calling on allies to provide both humanitarian assistance and diplomatic pressure to prevent further attacks on civilian infrastructure. The humanitarian impact of this crisis is profound. Hospitals are operating under strained conditions, with some forced to rely on generators to maintain critical care, including for patients undergoing dialysis, neonatal care, or surgery. Schools have had to adjust schedules or temporarily close, further disrupting the lives of children. Residents report that basic tasks, such as fetching water, preparing meals, or keeping children warm, have become daily struggles. The psychological toll is also evident, as families cope with fear, uncertainty, and the constant threat of further attacks. The cold itself is a formidable adversary. Temperatures of -19°C are well below freezing, putting vulnerable populations—particularly the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions—at significant risk. Frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory illnesses are rising concerns. Medical experts warn that the combination of physical hardship, stress, and lack of access to health services could have long-term health consequences for the population if the crisis persists. Despite the dire situation, the spirit of Kyiv’s residents has shown remarkable resilience. Community initiatives have sprung up, with neighbors helping each other stay warm, share supplies, and look after those most vulnerable. Local businesses and NGOs have coordinated relief efforts, setting up temporary shelters and food distribution points. International media have highlighted these stories of solidarity, illustrating how ordinary citizens continue to support one another even amid the dual threats of war and winter. The broader geopolitical context cannot be ignored. Analysts note that targeting civilian infrastructure in winter is a calculated strategy, designed to demoralize populations and strain government resources. Kyiv’s ability to maintain essential services, mobilize emergency response, and keep residents alive under these conditions has become a critical factor in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, global attention to the humanitarian crisis has pressured both governments and organizations to respond more effectively, emphasizing the intersection of warfare, human rights, and climate challenges. The situation in Kyiv also underscores the importance of energy security and infrastructure resilience. Experts argue that rebuilding efforts in Ukraine will need to focus not just on restoring utilities, but on creating systems that can withstand both military and environmental threats. Investments in decentralized energy, emergency water supply systems, and community preparedness could mitigate the impact of future crises. As Kyiv faces this harsh winter, the city’s residents and leaders are navigating a precarious balance between survival and resistance. Relief efforts continue, but the combination of freezing temperatures and ongoing attacks means that every day presents a new challenge. The story of Kyiv is one of both vulnerability and courage, reflecting the human cost of conflict and the extraordinary lengths communities go to preserve life and dignity in the face of adversity. For the world watching, Kyiv’s crisis is a stark reminder that war does not pause for winter. It also underscores the urgent need for global solidarity, humanitarian aid, and robust infrastructure planning, to ensure that populations under siege are not left to endure freezing nights in darkness and silence.
By Fiazahmedbrohi a day ago in Journal
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.