In March 2021, the composer, pianist, drummer and leader of rock group X JAPAN, YOSHIKI, donated $100,000 in support of mental health to MusiCares, a partner of the Recording Academy and the leading music charity, to help music creators and industry professionals affected by depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health concerns.
The global pandemic has seen a spike in depression and suicide, in addition to the loss of jobs, touring, and work in all areas of the global music industry. Mental health and well-being are issues particularly close to YOSHIKI’s heart - as documented in the 2017 award winning documentary film We Are X - which details the artist’s experience with suicide in his family and with his bandmates.
YOSHIKI states, “If I didn’t have music and my fans’ support, I could have easily been the one to take my own life like the people who were close to me, including my father and my band member. I’d like to not only contribute from my learned experience but try to support those in need. It’s such an honor to be working closely with MusiCares on these issues.”
YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA’s annual grant of $100,000 to MusiCares will be used to help those in the music industry in need of assistance in the following ways:
- Assist music professionals in receiving individual psychotherapy, psychiatric care, inpatient and outpatient services, and group therapy
- Expanded mental health educational content will be available through workshops and panels offered throughout the year
- Sponsor an annual moderated panel about Suicide Prevention and Education
- Panel will include YOSHIKI, invited guests, therapists, educators, artists, and experts on suicide prevention and education, and will be live streamed on musicares.org and yoshikifoundationamerica.org
