Yoshiki (X Japan) has donated $100,000 in support of mental health to MusiCares, a Recording Academy partner and the leading music charity, to help music creators and industry professionals affected by depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, among other mental health concerns. There’s been a rise in depression and suicide throughout the pandemic. Many lost their jobs, touring has been non-existent as the music industry continues to face challenges worldwide. Mental health is a global issue, which comes close to Yoshiki’s heart where the artist has experienced personally as he lost his father and a band member. 

Yoshiki explains:

“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.”

Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares adds:

“We are so thankful to Yoshiki and Yoshiki Foundation America for their continued support of MusiCares. This annual grant will help us continue to provide important mental health services to the music people we serve. Artists, bands, stage and touring crews and so many others in the music industry have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. It is our responsibility to support them with the necessary services to help them make it through these difficult times.”

Yoshiki Foundation America’s annual grant will be used to help people in the music industry 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