Featured image: A grand piano is the main foreground subject. AI-generated image; not a photograph of the reported event.
Yoshiki has long bridged Japanese and global music cultures. In a recent interview with Billboard Japan, he shares how the new version of ‘Forever Love’ came to life—reimagined with American singer Josh Groban. Source: billboard.com.
The Birth of a Collaboration
Yoshiki first met Josh Groban at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. It was during the premiere of the documentary ‘WE ARE X.’
Having lived in Los Angeles for over half his life, Yoshiki saw a personal connection with Groban. It wasn’t just professional—it was emotional.
When he curated YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall on July 17, 2026, he invited Groban as a special guest. The decision came last minute, driven by a quiet intuition.
For the 30th anniversary of ‘Forever Love,’ Yoshiki wanted to reframe the song. He added English lyrics to the verse, creating a bilingual version.
This wasn’t just a technical fix. It was a bridge between cultures. It ensures the song’s emotional core reaches listeners across language lines.
Live Performance and Vocal Adaptation
At Bunkamura Orchard Hall on February 21, Yoshiki joined Groban for a performance of ‘Endless Rain.’
There, Yoshiki noticed Groban singing parts in Japanese. He realized this wasn’t just vocal skill—it was emotional fluency.
For the new recording, Yoshiki lowered the key of the original song by a seventh. The original was written for X JAPAN in a high register.
He studied dozens of Groban’s songs to find the right range. After careful review, he shared his suggestion with Groban. Groban accepted it with openness.
The recording captures Groban’s powerful voice and Yoshiki’s delicate piano. It feels like being at the live event.
Emotional Roots of the Original Song
In 1996, Yoshiki was going through a painful personal period. His father died by suicide. He felt pessimistic about life.
He believed he might not survive long. His view of existence was fragile.
He named the song ‘Forever Love’ because he thought love might be eternal. Even as people fade, love could last.
The song still moves people today. Yoshiki often wonders how he stayed alive. He credits fans and friends for giving him a second chance.
One moment stands out—a young girl told him, ‘Your music made me believe I could survive.’ That moment changed how he sees the song’s power.
Philanthropy and the Meaning of Living
Yoshiki has long supported charitable causes. He believes life has meaning through impact.
When he asks ‘Why am I still alive?’, he sometimes wonders if he should be. But then he thinks: ‘Maybe this song will help someone.’ That thought fuels his creativity.
He sees philanthropy as a form of art. If his work helps others, then his life has purpose. That gives him strength to keep going.
He has supported education, disaster relief, and mental health programs in Japan and Southeast Asia. He’s helped provide music therapy for children in rural areas.
He once said: ‘I don’t believe in miracles. But I do believe in small acts—like a song playing in a hospital or a child learning to sing because of a teacher who played one of my pieces.’
Living Fully and Reimagining Music
Yoshiki has long said life is a series of challenges. To live fully, one must face each challenge with intensity.
He has written music at a breakneck pace for years. He’s explored pop, rock, and beyond.
For years, he was stuck by the idea of releasing full albums. The concept of an album has held him back.
Now, he’s shifting. He plans to release individual songs—some new, some reissued—like ‘Forever Love (Live).’
He sees this as a breakthrough. It marks a new phase—where songs stand alone and still carry meaning.
What’s Next?
Yoshiki continues writing at a rapid pace. He has no fixed plans for the next release.
He remains committed to artistic innovation and emotional truth. His music is shaped by personal experience and a sense of responsibility to others.
Listeners can find more of Yoshiki’s music at billboard.com/artist/yoshiki. The new ‘Forever Love (Live)’ is available for streaming worldwide at yoshiki.lnk.to/FLLPR.
For a deeper look at the legacy of X JAPAN, readers may explore Ozzy Osbourne: A Heavy Metal Legend’s Life, Success, Failures, and Legacy.
- Yoshiki and Josh Groban performed ‘Forever Love (Live)’ at YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 in Los Angeles on July 17, 2026.
- Yoshiki lowered the key of the original song by a seventh to suit Josh Groban’s vocal range.
- He believes music and philanthropy give his life meaning.
- He is moving away from the traditional album model in favor of releasing individual songs.
Yoshiki’s work continues to reflect a deep personal journey—one shaped by loss, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection.
