YOSHIKI AWARDED JAPANESE MEDAL OF HONOR

The Japanese government has awarded renowned pianist, composer and rock drummer YOSHIKI the country's Medal of Honor for his charitable contributions, including the support of medical front line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

YOSHIKI received the Medal with the Dark Blue Ribbon, which is awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions to the national government, local governments and public entities.

"I am very honored to receive the Medal of Honor," YOSHIKI commented. "I hope to continue supporting these efforts in the future. I would be grateful if the circle of charity would expand further through these activities."

Last April, YOSHIKI donated 10m yen (appx. $100,000 USD) to Japan's National Center for Global Health and Medicine through his non-profit Yoshiki Foundation America. The Center researches infectious and autoimmune diseases, including COVID-19.

The global humanitarian and philanthropist also donated $100k to the Recording Academy's MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund to help music artists and professionals during the crisis in 2020.

In February, YOSHIKI's music film My Music Story hit Disney+ in the U.S.