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Difference between revisions of "X JAPAN"
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'''X JAPAN''', or '''X''' which was their initial name, was a [[Japan|Japanese]] [[Visual-Kei]] band, the brainchild of [[YOSHIKI]] (Hayashi Yoshiki). Their sound started as [[J-Rock|Japanese rock]] [[speed metal]], and later went toward [[alternative rock|alternative rock]], but always with a huge emphasis in ballads.
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<div align="justify">
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'''X JAPAN''' or '''X''' was a Japanese [[Visual-Kei|visual-kei]] band formed by [[YOSHIKI]]. Their sound started as [[J-Rock|Japanese rock]] speed metal, and later went toward [[wikipedia:Alternative rock|alternative rock]], but always with a huge emphasis in ballads.
 +
 
 +
==Members==
 +
* [[YOSHIKI]]: Drums, Piano and Chorus
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* [[TOSHI]]: Vocals
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* [[hide]]: Guitars and Chorus
 +
* [[PATA]]: Guitars
 +
* [[HEATH]]: Bass
 +
* [[SUGIZO]]: Guitars and Violin
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 +
===Former Members===
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* [[TAIJI]]: Bass and Chorus (1985-1992)
  
 
== Biography ==
 
== Biography ==
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Plans for the band started in 1976, when its original members, [[Toshi]] (Deyama Toshimitsu) and [[YOSHIKI]], were only 11. The band's first name was NOISE, later on changing to X in 1983.
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Plans for the band started in 1976, when its original members, [[TOSHI]] and [[YOSHIKI]], were only 11. The band's first name was NOISE, later on changing to X in 1983.
  
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Between 1976 and 1987, many people entered and left X, but its most famous formation was already in place when the band went major in 1987, with the release of their first single オルガスム ("''Orgasm''"). The members at that time were: [[Yoshiki]] on drums and piano, [[Toshi]] on vocals, [[hide]] ([[hide|Matsumoto Hideto]]) (always spelled with a lowercase ''h''), [[Pata]] (Ishizuka Tomoaki) on guitar and [[Taiji]] (Sawada Taiji) on bass. No record labels would sign the band because of their transgressive way of dressing and performing. Not to be stopped, [[Yoshiki]] created his own record label, [[Extasy Records]], with money he and his mother helped provide by selling the family business.
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Between 1976 and 1987, many people entered and left X, but its most famous formation was already in place when the band went major in 1987, with the release of their first single "[[Orgasm]]". The members at that time were: [[YOSHIKI]] on drums and piano, [[TOSHI]] on vocals, [[hide]], [[PATA]] on guitar and [[TAIJI]] on bass. No record labels would sign the band because of their transgressive way of dressing and performing. Not to be stopped, [[YOSHIKI]] created his own record label, [[Extasy Records]], with money he and his mother helped provide by selling the family business.
  
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In 1992, X was widely known in Japan, and they intended to start focusing in America. In US there was already a band called X, so they were forced to change their name to X Japan. A little before changing the name one of the many arguments that used to take place between [[Yoshiki]] and [[Taiji]] led to [[Taiji|Taiji's]] departure of the band. [[Taiji|Taiji's]] last three live performances were three sold-out gigs in Tokyo Dome 5.-7.1.1992. He was replaced by [[Heath]] (Morie Hiroshi) later in that same year.
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In 1992, X was widely known in Japan, and they intended to start focusing in America. In US there was already a band called X, so they were forced to change their name to X JAPAN. A little before changing the name one of the many arguments that used to take place between [[YOSHIKI]] and [[TAIJI]] led to [[TAIJI]]'s departure of the band. [[TAIJI]]'S last three live performances were ''Tokyo Dome 3 DAYS ~Hametsu ni Mukatte~. He was replaced by [[HEATH]] later in that same year.
  
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After leaving, [[Taiji]] worked with [[LOUDNESS]], [[D.T.R.]], and [[Cloud 9|Cloud 9]] for a while, and is now in another band with his little sister on vocals, [[Otokaze]]. They performed at [[hide|hide's]] birthday celebration on 2003.12.13, and [[Taiji]] covered [[hide|hide's]] "ROCKET DIVE" as well.
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After leaving, [[TAIJI]] worked with [[LOUDNESS]], [[D.T.R.]], and [[Cloud Nine]] for a while, and is now in another band with his little sister on vocals, [[Otokaze]]. They performed at [[hide]]'s birthday celebration on December 13, 2004, and [[TAIJI]] covered [[hide]]'s "[[Rocket Dive|ROCKET DIVE]]" as well.
  
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X's music, under the caring but determined supervision of [[YOSHIKI]], never stopped evolving. Amongst their music one can find songs for everybody: harsh but very emotive speed metal tracks like "Sadistic Desire," "Phantom of Guilt" and "Vanishing Love"; even more acclaimed ones like "Kurenai" and "Silent Jealousy;" moving piano ballads like "Forever Love" (the ending theme for the [[anime]] film [[X]]) and "Tears;" and alternative yet powerful tracks like "DAHLIA" and "Rusty Nail." One particularly notable song was "ART OF LIFE," a carefully crafted piece that was almost half an hour (28:56) long and that the band played twice, both during their "X JAPAN RETURNS" shows in 1993.12.30~31.
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X's music, under the caring but determined supervision of [[YOSHIKI]], never stopped evolving. Amongst their music one can find songs for everybody: harsh but very emotive speed metal tracks like "[[Sadistic Desire|SADISTIC DESIRE]]", "[[PHANTOM OF GUILT|Phantom of Guilt]]" and "[[Vanishing Love|VANISHING LOVE]]"; even more acclaimed ones like "[[Kurenai (X JAPAN)|KURENAI]]" and "[[Silent Jealousy]]", moving piano ballads like "[[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love]]" (ending theme for the [[Anime|anime]] adaption of [[X (manga)|X]]) and "[[Tears (X JAPAN)|Tears]]"; and alternative yet powerful tracks like "[[Dahlia (X JAPAN single)|DAHLIA]]" and "[[Rusty Nail]]". One particularly notable song was "[[Art of Life (song)|ART OF LIFE]]", a carefully crafted piece that was almost half an hour (28:56) long and that the band played twice, both during their ''X JAPAN RETURNS'' shows in December 30 and 31, 1993.
  
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Almost all X JAPAN tracks were composed by [[Yoshiki]] with a handful of pieces composed by [[hide]] and even some early ones by [[Taiji]]. [[Yoshiki]] loved classical music, and this influence can be specially noted in tracks like "ROSE OF PAIN", "ART OF LIFE" or his symphonic composition "Amethyst." He led a project called ''Eternal Melody'' which consisted in X's songs rearranged by George Martin and other arrangers for classical performance. The double album, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in 1993. YOSHIKI also selected some classical pieces for two compilations called ''YOSHIKI Selection'' and ''YOSHIKI Selection II''. He also remade the song "Black Diamond" by KISS into a classical piece that listed in 1994's Kiss My Ass album, a tribute to the aforementioned band.
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Almost all X JAPAN tracks were composed by [[YOSHIKI]] with a handful of pieces composed by [[hide]] and even some early ones by [[TAIJI]]. [[YOSHIKI]] loved classical music, and this influence can be specially noted in tracks like "[[Rose of Pain|ROSE OF PAIN]]", "[[Art of Life (song)|ART OF LIFE]]" or his symphonic composition "[[Amethyst]]". He led a project called ''Eternal Melody'' which consisted in X's songs rearranged by [[wikipedia:George Martin|George Martin]] and other arrangers for classical performance. The double album, performed by the [[wikipedia:London Philharmonic Orchestra|London Philharmonic Orchestra]], was released in 1993. [[YOSHIKI]] also selected some classical pieces for two compilations called ''[[YOSHIKI Selection]]'' and ''[[YOSHIKI Selection II]]''. He also remade the song "Black Diamond" by KISS into a classical piece that listed in 1994's ''[[Tribute -Kiss My Ass-|Tribute -KISS MY ASS-]]'' album, a tribute to the aforementioned band.
  
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In May 1997, [[Toshi]], shocking the fans, announced he was leaving the band, which led to its dissolution in 22nd September 1997. [[Toshi]] then joined a kind of cult, related to nature and music therapy, lead by a man called Masaya. Many say that this cult influenced [[Toshi|Toshi's]] departure of the band. After that, he continued his solo career, saying that his friend Masaya was a inspiration for his new compositions. [[Toshi]] himself alleged he was becoming frustrated by the excessive work demanded by the band, and couldn't do what he wanted to do; so to avoid disappointing the other members and the fans, he decided to leave. He has also said that he hadn't enough time for his family and he just couldn't sing anymore Yoshiki's sad and touching songs.
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In May 1997, [[TOSHI]], shocking the fans, announced he was leaving the band, which led to its dissolution in 22nd September 1997. [[TOSHI]] then joined a kind of cult, related to nature and music therapy, lead by a man called Masaya. Many say that this cult influenced [[TOSHI]]'S departure of the band. After that, he continued his solo career, saying that his friend Masaya was a inspiration for his new compositions. [[TOSHI]] himself alleged he was becoming frustrated by the excessive work demanded by the band, and couldn't do what he wanted to do; so to avoid disappointing the other members and the fans, he decided to leave. He has also said that he hadn't enough time for his family and he just couldn't sing anymore [[YOSHIKI]]'s sad and touching songs.
  
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After the dissolution of the band, [[hide]] continued his very successful solo career with his band [[hide with Spread Beaver]], [[Pata]] performing with him sometimes.
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After the dissolution of the band, [[hide]] continued his very successful solo career with his band [[hide with Spread Beaver]], [[PATA]] performing with him sometimes.
  
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Posterior to these events, it is said that [[YOSHIKI]] and [[hide]] were secretly planning to resurrect X in 2000, sans [[Toshi]], looking for a substitute singer. In the very last case [[hide]] would be both, the singer and the guitarist. These plans were tragically scrapped when [[hide]] died on May 2, 1998. He was found in his apartment early on May 2, 1998 after a typical night out of hard drinking. He was found hung to a doorknob by a towel at 7:30 am. [[hide]] died on the road to the hospital. This news stunned Japan's youth: four fans around the country attempted suicide, two of whom died. A lot of speculation about his death has taken place, but no definitive explanation has been found. An apparent suicide, it's thought to be an accidental death, but there is not a clear motive for either suicide or murder. Following [[hide|hide's]] death, [[Yoshiki]] entered in a depressive state for almost three years, being unable to compose or play.
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Posterior to these events, it is said that [[YOSHIKI]] and [[hide]] were secretly planning to resurrect X in 2000, sans [[TOSHI]], looking for a substitute singer. In the very last case [[hide]] would be both, the singer and the guitarist. These plans were tragically scrapped when [[hide]] died on May 2, 1998. He was found in his apartment early on May 2, 1998 after a typical night out of hard drinking. He was found hung to a doorknob by a towel at 7:30 am. [[hide]] died on the road to the hospital. This news stunned Japan's youth: four fans around the country attempted suicide, two of whom died. A lot of speculation about his death has taken place, but no definitive explanation has been found. An apparent suicide, it's thought to be an accidental death, but there is not a clear motive for either suicide or murder. Following [[hide]]'s death, [[YOSHIKI]] entered in a depressive state for almost three years, being unable to compose or play.
  
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In late 2000, [[YOSHIKI]] recovered, and announced the creation of his new project, [[Violet UK]], a project involving music, visuals, mode and art. In 2002 he produced and starred in three commercials for 7-11, using some [[Violet UK]] music and concepts for those. However, up to date, not much else from [[VIOLET UK]] has been shown or released. In 2002 also, [[Yoshiki]] announced he was joining the [[J-Pop]] band [[globe]], to help his long time friend [[Komuro Tetsuya]] (in 1991 [[Yoshiki]], on drums, and [[Komuro Tetsuya|Komuro]], on keyboards and vocals, did a musical collaboration under the name of [[V2]], releasing a single and performing one live concert). Currently [[Yoshiki]] is working with his new project, [[S.K.I.N.]], with famous Japanese musicians [[Gackt]], [[Sugizo]], [[Miyavi]] and Ju-Ken.
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In late 2000, [[YOSHIKI]] recovered, and announced the creation of his new project, [[Violet UK]], a project involving music, visuals, mode and art. In 2002 he produced and starred in three commercials for 7-11, using some [[Violet UK]] music and concepts for those. However, up to date, not much else from [[Violet UK]] has been shown or released. In 2002 also, [[YOSHIKI]] announced he was joining the [[J-Pop|Japanese pop]] band [[globe]], to help his long time friend [[Komuro Tetsuya]] (in 1991, [[YOSHIKI]], on drums, and Komuro, on keyboards and vocals, did a musical collaboration under the name of [[V2]], releasing a single and performing one live concert). Currently [[YOSHIKI]] is working with his new project, [[S.K.I.N.]], with famous Japanese musicians [[Gackt]], [[SUGIZO]], [[Miyavi]] and Ju-Ken.
  
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As a side note, Japanese Prime Minister [[Koizumi Junichirou]] has said that he is a big fan of X Japan and that his favorite song is Forever Love, which helped create his image as a different type of politician more in touch with average Japanese citizens.
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As a side note, Japanese Prime Minister [[Koizumi Junichiro]] has said that he is a big fan of X JAPAN and that his favorite song is "[[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love]]", which helped create his image as a different type of politician more in touch with average Japanese citizens.
  
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News has been posted both at Yoshiki's official blog as well as at Toshi's website that plans are underway to re-form the band.
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News has been posted both at [[YOSHIKI]]'s official blog as well as at [[TOSHI]]'s website that plans are underway to re-form the band.
  
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The reunion was officially confirmed on June 4th, 2007. The band had its first live performance since nearly 10 years on October 22, 2007, on the rooftop of a shopping center called Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo. It was to film the PV for their new Single called "[[I.V.|I.V.]]" (pronounced "Aye-vee"). This song is also used as the main theme for the horror movie "Saw IV" all over the world. Written by Yoshiki and recorded by all living members of the band it uses unreleased music samples by hide. As they announced, the group is going to perform on the December 31 broadcast of [[Kouhaku Uta Gassen]].
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The reunion was officially confirmed on June 4, 2007. The band had its first live performance since nearly 10 years on October 22, 2007, on the rooftop of a shopping center called Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo. It was to film the [[PV]] for their new digital single called "[[I.V.]]", written by [[YOSHIKI]] and recorded by all living members of the band it uses unreleased music samples by [[hide]]. This song is also used as the main theme for the horror movie ''[[Saw IV]]'' all over the world.
 +
</div>
 +
== Discography ==
 +
=== Albums ===
 +
* [1988.04.14] [[Vanishing Vision|VANISHING VISION]]
 +
* [1989.04.21] [[Blue Blood (album)|BLUE BLOOD]]
 +
* [1991.06.01] [[Jealousy (X JAPAN)|Jealousy]]
 +
* [1993.08.28] [[Art of Life (mini-album)|ART OF LIFE]] (mini-album)
 +
* [1996.11.04] [[Dahlia (X JAPAN album)|DAHLIA]]
  
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== Discography ==
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===Best Albums===
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=== Studio Albums ===
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* [1993.11.21] [[X Singles|X SINGLES]]
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* ''[[Vanishing Vision]]'' (1988) - First studio album
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* [1996.03.21] [[B.O.X ~Best of X~]]
−
* ''[[Blue Blood]]'' (1989) - Second studio album
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* [1997.12.19] [[Ballad Collection|BALLAD COLLECTION]]
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* ''[[Jealousy]]'' (1991) - Third studio album
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* [1997.12.25] [[Singles ~Atlantic Years~]]
−
* ''[[Art of Life]]'' (1993) - Mini album containing only the 29 minute song with the same title.
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* [1997.12.25] [[Special Box (X JAPAN)|Special Box]]
−
* ''[[Dahlia (X JAPAN)|Dahlia]]'' (1996) - Fourth and last studio album
+
* [1999.01.30] [[Star Box X|STAR BOX X]]
 +
* [1999.02.24] [[Perfect Best (X JAPAN)|PERFECT BEST]]
 +
* [2001.12.19] [[X JAPAN Best ~Fan's Selection~|X JAPAN BEST ~FAN'S SELECTION~]]
 +
* [2005.10.01] [[X JAPAN Complete II|X JAPAN COMPLETE II]]
  
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=== Singles ===
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===Live Albums===
−
* ''[[I'll kill you|I'll kill you]]'' (1985)
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* [1995.01.01] [[Hametsu ni Mukatte (CD Edition) 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live|Hametsu ni Mukatte  (CD EDITION) 1992.1.7 TOKYO DOME LIVE]] (破滅に向かって (CD EDITION) 1992.1.7 TOKYO DOME LIVE)
−
* ''[[Orgasm|Orgasm]]'' (1986)
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* [1997.10.15] [[Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996|LIVE LIVE LIVE TOKYO DOME 1993-1996]]
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* ''[[Endless Rain|Endless Rain]]'' (1989)
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* [1997.11.05] [[Live Live Live Extra]]
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* ''[[Kurenai|Kurenai]]'' (1989)
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* [1998.01.21] [[Live in Hokkaido 1995.12. Bootleg|LIVE IN HOKKAIDO 1995.12.4 BOOTLEG]]
−
* ''[[Week End|Week End]]'' (1990)
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* [1998.03.18] [[Art of Life Live|Art of life live]]
−
* ''[[Silent Jealousy|Silent Jealousy]]'' (1991)
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* [2001.05.30] [[The Last Live]]
−
* ''[[Standing Sex / Joker|Standing Sex / Joker]]'' (1991)
 
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* ''[[Say Anything|Say Anything]]'' (1991)
 
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* ''[[Tears|Tears]]'' (1993)
 
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* ''[[Rusty Nail|Rusty Nail]]'' (1994)
 
−
* ''[[Longing ~togireta melody~|Longing ~togireta melody~]]'' (1995)
 
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* ''[[Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~|Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~]]'' (1995)
 
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* ''[[Forever Love]]'' (1996)
 
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* ''[[Crucify My Love|Crucify My Love]]'' (1996)
 
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* ''[[SCARS|SCARS]]'' (1996)
 
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* ''[[Forever Love (Last Mix)|Forever Love (Last Mix)]]'' (1997)
 
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* ''[[The Last Song|The Last Song]]'' (1997) - Toshi's departure of the band leading to X Japan's dissolution inspired Yoshiki to compose ''The Last Song''.
 
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* ''[[Forever Love]]'' (2001) (Maxi single)
 
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* ''[[I.V.|I.V.]] (2007)''
 
  
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=== Live albums and compilations ===
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===Remix Albums===
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* ''[[X - Hametsu ni Mukatte 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (On the Verge of Destruction|X - Hametsu ni Mukatte 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live (On the Verge of Destruction]]'') - Two CD album recorded live in the Tokyo Dome on the 7th of January, 1992.
+
* [2002.12.04] [[Trance X]]
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* ''[[X Singles|X Singles]]'' (1993)
 
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* ''[[B.O.X. (Best of X)|B.O.X. (Best of X)]]'' (1996)
 
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* ''[[Ballad Collection|Ballad Collection]]'' (1997)
 
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* ''[[Special Box|Special Box]]'' (1997)
 
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* ''[[Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996|Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996]]'' (1997) - Recording of live events between 1993 and 1997 in the Tokyo Dome.
 
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* ''[[Live Live Extra|Live Live Extra]]'' (1997)
 
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* ''[[X Japan Singles -Atlantic Years-|X Japan Singles -Atlantic Years-]]'' (1997)
 
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* ''[[Live in Hokkaido 1995.12.04 Bootleg|Live in Hokkaido 1995.12.04 Bootleg]]'' (1998)
 
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* ''[[Art of Live|Art of Live]]'' (1998)
 
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* ''[[Star Box|Star Box]]'' (1999)
 
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* ''[[X Japan Perfect Best|X Japan Perfect Best]]'' (1999)
 
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* ''[[The Last Live|The Last Live]]'' (2001)
 
−
* ''[[X Japan BEST ~Fan's Selection~|X Japan BEST ~Fan's Selection~]]'' (2001)
 
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* ''[[Trance X|Trance X]]'' (2002)
 
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* ''[[X Perfect Singles|X Perfect Singles]]'' (2002)
 
  
−
=== Compilations by various artists ===
+
===Singles===
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* ''[[Heavy Metal Force III|Heavy Metal Force III]]'' (1985) - One song by X Japan
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* [1985.06.16] [[I'll Kill You|I'LL KILL YOU]]
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* ''[[Skull Thrash Zone 1]]'' (1987) - One song by X Japan
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* [1986.04.20] [[Orgasm]] (オルガスム)
−
* ''[[KISS My Ass: Classic KISS regrooved|KISS My Ass: Classic KISS regrooved]]'' (June, 1994) - Song ''Black Diamond'' by Yoshiki
+
* [1989.09.01] [[Kurenai (X JAPAN)|KURENAI]] (紅)
 +
* [1989.12.01] [[Endless Rain|ENDLESS RAIN]]
 +
* [1990.04.21] [[Week End|WEEK END]]
 +
* [1991.09.11] [[Silent Jealousy]]
 +
* [1991.10.25] [[Standing Sex / Joker]]
 +
* [1991.12.01] [[Say Anything]]
 +
* [1993.11.10] [[Tears (X JAPAN)|Tears]]
 +
* [1994.07.10] [[Rusty Nail]]
 +
* [1995.08.01] [[Longing (X JAPAN)|Longing ~Togireta melody~]] (Longing ～跡切れたmelody～)
 +
* [1995.12.11] [[Longing (X JAPAN)|Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~]] (Longing ～切望の夜～)
 +
* [1996.02.02] [[Dahlia (X JAPAN single)|DAHLIA]]
 +
* [1996.07.08] [[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love]]
 +
* [1996.08.26] [[Crucify My Love|CRUCIFY MY LOVE]]
 +
* [1996.11.08] [[Scars (X JAPAN)|SCARS]]
 +
* [1997.12.18] [[Forever Love (X JAPAN)|Forever Love (Last Mix)]]
 +
* [1998.03.18] [[The Last Song|THE LAST SONG]]
  
−
=== Other ===
+
===Digital Downloads===
−
=== LP Records ===
+
* [2008.01.23] [[I.V.]]
−
* ''[[Vanishing Vision]]'' (1988)
 
−
* ''[[BLUE BLOOD|BLUE BLOOD]]'' (1989)
 
−
* ''[[DAHLIA -Analogue LP-|DAHLIA -Analogue LP-]]'' (1997)
 
  
−
=== DVDs ===
+
===VHS / LD===
−
* ''[[Blue Blood Tour ~Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG~|Blue Blood Tour ~Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG~]]'' (2001)
+
* [1989.06.01] [[Blue Blood Tour Bakuhatsu Sunzen Gig|BLUE BLOOD TOUR Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG]] (BLUE BLOOD TOUR 爆発寸前GIG)
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki|Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki]]'' (2001)
+
* [1989.12.31] [[Shigeki! Visual Shock Vol.2|Shigeki! VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2]] (刺激! VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2)
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration|Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration]]'' (2001)
+
* [1990.09.01] [["Celebration" Visual Shock Vol.2,5|"CELEBRATION" VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2,5]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2|Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2]]'' (2001)
+
* [1991.09.30] [[Visual Shock Vol.3 Shigeki 2 -Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite-|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3 Shigeki 2 -Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite-]] (VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3 刺激2 -夢の中にだけ生きて-)
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything|Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything]]'' (2001)
+
* [1991.12.21] [[Visual Shock Vol.3,5 Say Anything|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3,5 SAY ANYTHING]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]]'' (2001)
+
* [1992.11.01] [[Visual Shock Vol.4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]] (VISUAL SHOCK Vol.4 破滅に向かって)
−
* ''[[Clips II|Clips II]]'' (2001)
+
* [1995.01.01] [[X Clips|X CLIPS]]
−
* ''[[The Last Live Video|The Last Live Video]]'' (2001)
+
* [1997.01.01] [[Dahlia the Video Visual Shock 5 Part I|DAHLIA THE VIDEO VISUAL SHOCK <nowiki>#</nowiki>5 PART I]]
−
* ''[[Aoi Yoru|Aoi Yoru]]'' (2007)
+
* [1997.03.05] [[Dahlia the Video Visual Shock 5 Part II|DAHLIA THE VIDEO VISUAL SHOCK <nowiki>#</nowiki>5 PART II]]
−
* ''[[Shiroi Yoru|Shiroi Yoru]]'' (2007)
+
* [1997.10.29] [[Dahlia Tour Final 1996|DAHLIA TOUR FINAL 1996]]
 +
* [2001.10.24] [[Clips II|CLIPS II]]
 +
* [2002.03.29] [[The Last Live Video|THE LAST LIVE VIDEO]]
 +
* [2003.09.24] [[Art of Life - 1993.12.31 Tokyo Dome|ART OF LIFE - 1993.12.31 TOKYO DOME]]
  
−
=== Videos ===
+
===DVD===
−
* ''[[XCLAMATION|XCLAMATION]]'' (1987/8)
+
* [2000.07.05] [[X Clips|X CLIPS]]
−
* ''[[VOS Dai 9 go|VOS Dai 9 go]]'' (1988)
+
* [2001.09.05] [[Blue Blood Tour Bakuhatsu Sunzen Gig|BLUE BLOOD TOUR Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG]] (BLUE BLOOD TOUR 爆発寸前GIG)
−
* ''[[ThanX|ThanX]]'' (1989)
+
* [2001.09.05] [[Shigeki! Visual Shock Vol.2|Shigeki! VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2]] (刺激! VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2)
−
* ''[[Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG|Bakuhatsu Sunzen GIG]]'' (1989)
+
* [2001.09.05] [["Celebration" Visual Shock Vol.2,5|"CELEBRATION" VISUAL SHOCK Vol.2,5]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki|Visual Shock Vol. 2 Shigeki]]'' (1989)
+
* [2001.09.05] [[Visual Shock Vol.3 Shigeki 2 -Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite-|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3 Shigeki 2 -Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite-]] (VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3 刺激2 -夢の中にだけ生きて-)
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration|Visual Shock Vol. 2.5 Celebration]]'' (1990)
+
* [2001.09.05] [[Visual Shock Vol.3,5 Say Anything|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.3,5 SAY ANYTHING]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2|Visual Shock Vol. 3 Shigeki 2]]'' (1991)
+
* [2001.09.05] [[Visual Shock Vol.4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|VISUAL SHOCK Vol.4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]] (VISUAL SHOCK Vol.4 破滅に向かって)
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything|Visual Shock Vol. 3.5 Say Anything]]'' (1991)
+
* [2001.10.24] [[Clips II|CLIPS II]]
−
* ''[[Extasy Summit 91 at Nipponbudokan|Extasy Summit 91 at Nipponbudokan]]'' (1992)
+
* [2002.03.29] [[The Last Live Video|THE LAST LIVE VIDEO]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte|Visual Shock Vol. 4 Hametsu ni Mukatte]]'' (1992)
+
* [2002.12.24] [[Dahlia the Video Visual Shock 5 Part I|DAHLIA THE VIDEO VISUAL SHOCK <nowiki>#</nowiki>5 PART I]]
−
* ''[[Minna Mumei Dattakeredo ... Mutekidatta Extasy Summit 1992|Minna Mumei Dattakeredo ... Mutekidatta Extasy Summit 1992]]'' (1993)
+
* [2002.12.24] [[Dahlia the Video Visual Shock 5 Part II|DAHLIA THE VIDEO VISUAL SHOCK <nowiki>#</nowiki>5 PART II]]
−
* ''[[X CLIPS|X CLIPS]]'' (1995)
+
* [2002.12.24] [[Dahlia Tour Final 1996|DAHLIA TOUR FINAL 1996]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 1|Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 1]]'' (1997)
+
* [2003.09.24] [[Art of Life - 1993.12.31 Tokyo Dome|ART OF LIFE - 1993.12.31 TOKYO DOME]]
−
* ''[[Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 2|Visual Shock Vol. 5 Dahlia the Video Part 2]]'' (1997)
+
* [2007.07.25] [[Aoi Yoru Kanzenban]] (青い夜 完全版)
−
* ''[[Dahlia Tour Final 1996.12.31|Dahlia Tour Final 1996.12.31]]'' (1997)
+
* [2007.07.25] [[Shiroi Yoru Kanzenban]] (白い夜 完全版)
 +
* [2008.02.29] [[X JAPAN Returns Kanzenban 1993.12.30|X JAPAN RETURNS Kanzenban 1993.12.30]] (X JAPAN RETURNS 完全版 1993.12.30)
 +
* [2008.02.29] [[X JAPAN Returns Kanzenban 1993.12.31|X JAPAN RETURNS Kanzenban 1993.12.31]] (X JAPAN RETURNS 完全版 1993.12.31)
 +
* [2008.07.23] [[X Visual Shock DVD Box 1989-1992|X VISUAL SHOCK DVD BOX 1989-1992]]
  
 
== External Links ==
 
== External Links ==
−
* [http://www.xjapan.ne.jp/ X JAPAN Official site]
+
* [http://www.xjapan.ne.jp/ Official site]
 
* [http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/ Extasy Records Official Site]
 
* [http://www.extasyrecords.co.jp/ Extasy Records Official Site]
−
* [http://yoshiki.net/ Yoshiki.net]
 
−
* [http://www.x-japan.de/ X Japan fansite]
 
−
* [http://endlessdream.no-ip.org/ Endless Dream fansite]
 
  
 
[[Category:Groups]]  
 
[[Category:Groups]]  

Revision as of 04:16, 23 April 2010

X JAPAN or X was a Japanese visual-kei band formed by YOSHIKI. Their sound started as Japanese rock speed metal, and later went toward alternative rock, but always with a huge emphasis in ballads.

Members

Former Members

  • TAIJI: Bass and Chorus (1985-1992)

Biography

Plans for the band started in 1976, when its original members, TOSHI and YOSHIKI, were only 11. The band's first name was NOISE, later on changing to X in 1983.

Between 1976 and 1987, many people entered and left X, but its most famous formation was already in place when the band went major in 1987, with the release of their first single "Orgasm". The members at that time were: YOSHIKI on drums and piano, TOSHI on vocals, hide, PATA on guitar and TAIJI on bass. No record labels would sign the band because of their transgressive way of dressing and performing. Not to be stopped, YOSHIKI created his own record label, Extasy Records, with money he and his mother helped provide by selling the family business.

In 1992, X was widely known in Japan, and they intended to start focusing in America. In US there was already a band called X, so they were forced to change their name to X JAPAN. A little before changing the name one of the many arguments that used to take place between YOSHIKI and TAIJI led to TAIJI's departure of the band. TAIJI'S last three live performances were Tokyo Dome 3 DAYS ~Hametsu ni Mukatte~. He was replaced by HEATH later in that same year.

After leaving, TAIJI worked with LOUDNESS, D.T.R., and Cloud Nine for a while, and is now in another band with his little sister on vocals, Otokaze. They performed at hide's birthday celebration on December 13, 2004, and TAIJI covered hide's "ROCKET DIVE" as well.

X's music, under the caring but determined supervision of YOSHIKI, never stopped evolving. Amongst their music one can find songs for everybody: harsh but very emotive speed metal tracks like "SADISTIC DESIRE", "Phantom of Guilt" and "VANISHING LOVE"; even more acclaimed ones like "KURENAI" and "Silent Jealousy", moving piano ballads like "Forever Love" (ending theme for the anime adaption of X) and "Tears"; and alternative yet powerful tracks like "DAHLIA" and "Rusty Nail". One particularly notable song was "ART OF LIFE", a carefully crafted piece that was almost half an hour (28:56) long and that the band played twice, both during their X JAPAN RETURNS shows in December 30 and 31, 1993.

Almost all X JAPAN tracks were composed by YOSHIKI with a handful of pieces composed by hide and even some early ones by TAIJI. YOSHIKI loved classical music, and this influence can be specially noted in tracks like "ROSE OF PAIN", "ART OF LIFE" or his symphonic composition "Amethyst". He led a project called Eternal Melody which consisted in X's songs rearranged by George Martin and other arrangers for classical performance. The double album, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in 1993. YOSHIKI also selected some classical pieces for two compilations called YOSHIKI Selection and YOSHIKI Selection II. He also remade the song "Black Diamond" by KISS into a classical piece that listed in 1994's Tribute -KISS MY ASS- album, a tribute to the aforementioned band.

In May 1997, TOSHI, shocking the fans, announced he was leaving the band, which led to its dissolution in 22nd September 1997. TOSHI then joined a kind of cult, related to nature and music therapy, lead by a man called Masaya. Many say that this cult influenced TOSHI'S departure of the band. After that, he continued his solo career, saying that his friend Masaya was a inspiration for his new compositions. TOSHI himself alleged he was becoming frustrated by the excessive work demanded by the band, and couldn't do what he wanted to do; so to avoid disappointing the other members and the fans, he decided to leave. He has also said that he hadn't enough time for his family and he just couldn't sing anymore YOSHIKI's sad and touching songs.

After the dissolution of the band, hide continued his very successful solo career with his band hide with Spread Beaver, PATA performing with him sometimes.

Posterior to these events, it is said that YOSHIKI and hide were secretly planning to resurrect X in 2000, sans TOSHI, looking for a substitute singer. In the very last case hide would be both, the singer and the guitarist. These plans were tragically scrapped when hide died on May 2, 1998. He was found in his apartment early on May 2, 1998 after a typical night out of hard drinking. He was found hung to a doorknob by a towel at 7:30 am. hide died on the road to the hospital. This news stunned Japan's youth: four fans around the country attempted suicide, two of whom died. A lot of speculation about his death has taken place, but no definitive explanation has been found. An apparent suicide, it's thought to be an accidental death, but there is not a clear motive for either suicide or murder. Following hide's death, YOSHIKI entered in a depressive state for almost three years, being unable to compose or play.

In late 2000, YOSHIKI recovered, and announced the creation of his new project, Violet UK, a project involving music, visuals, mode and art. In 2002 he produced and starred in three commercials for 7-11, using some Violet UK music and concepts for those. However, up to date, not much else from Violet UK has been shown or released. In 2002 also, YOSHIKI announced he was joining the Japanese pop band globe, to help his long time friend Komuro Tetsuya (in 1991, YOSHIKI, on drums, and Komuro, on keyboards and vocals, did a musical collaboration under the name of V2, releasing a single and performing one live concert). Currently YOSHIKI is working with his new project, S.K.I.N., with famous Japanese musicians Gackt, SUGIZO, Miyavi and Ju-Ken.

As a side note, Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro has said that he is a big fan of X JAPAN and that his favorite song is "Forever Love", which helped create his image as a different type of politician more in touch with average Japanese citizens.

News has been posted both at YOSHIKI's official blog as well as at TOSHI's website that plans are underway to re-form the band.

The reunion was officially confirmed on June 4, 2007. The band had its first live performance since nearly 10 years on October 22, 2007, on the rooftop of a shopping center called Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo. It was to film the PV for their new digital single called "I.V.", written by YOSHIKI and recorded by all living members of the band it uses unreleased music samples by hide. This song is also used as the main theme for the horror movie Saw IV all over the world.

Discography

Albums

Best Albums

Live Albums

Remix Albums

Singles

Digital Downloads

VHS / LD

DVD

External Links

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