Japanese rocker has donated 20 million yen total to the cause
Legendary Japanese composer Yoshiki has donated 10 million yen to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), bringing the total amount he donated to 20 million yen. This donation will enable IOM to further support all those affected by the war in Ukraine and emergency relief operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
“It’s hard to celebrate the holidays when I know there are people suffering,” the X Japan and The Last Rockstars drummer shares. “I hope this gift will support people in need and hope this charity movement will continue to spread and inspire others to help. I’m praying for all those people affected by the war and hoping this donation will help in any way possible.”
Yoshiki’s donation follows the 10 million yen he donated to IOM last month on his birthday and his February 2022 gift of 10 million yen to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Assistance Fund.
With this new donation, Yoshiki supports the International Organization for Migration to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migrants by providing urgent humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Millions of people in and around Ukraine have been displaced and are facing freezing winter conditions this Christmas after being forced to flee their homes. Many are taking shelter in damaged buildings and have limited access to food, electricity, and heating.
“I have heard stories of human suffering, of the pain of people who have lost everything they had due to the war in Ukraine,” states IOM Director General António Vitorino. “I have also seen their enormous strength, their will and determination to overcome adversity. They need our help, and thanks to contributions like this, IOM can continue to assist those severely impacted by the war.”
Yoshiki is internationally recognized for his long-term philanthropic activities through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Yoshiki Foundation America. For his prolific philanthropic endeavors, he was chosen by Forbes as one “Asia’s 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy,” and in 2021 received a Medal of Honor from the Japanese Government for his support of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine.
Last week, The Last Rockstars, featuring Yoshiki, Hyde, Sugizo, and Miyavi, released “The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)” via Melodee Music with distribution through Ingrooves Music Group. The group announced its formation in mid-November with live debut shows set for early 2023 in Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles. The track marks the first of what will be a big roll out of new music to come from the group through 2023.
