YOSHIKI receives special Kaneko Kentaro Award in Tokyo

Musician and philanthropist YOSHIKI appeared in public for the first time following a period of medical rest, attending the 6th Kaneko Kentaro Award ceremony in Tokyo on October 5. He was presented with a special award by the Japan-America Society in recognition of his approximately 34 years of leadership in musical exchange between Japan and the United States, as well as his extensive charitable activities.

YOSHIKI’s recent schedule was disrupted after he fell ill due to exhaustion and anemia in late September. While he had planned to perform at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City, the event was ultimately canceled due to severe weather.

During the ceremony, YOSHIKI performed ‘Forever Love’ and the national anthems of Japan and the United States on the piano. Despite his recent health concerns, he indicated plans to continue his international activities, noting that he intends to manage his health and schedule more carefully moving forward.