Mikeru On Japanese Music Today

To the average Japanese family, NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen ("Red and White Song Battle") aired on the night of December 31, 1997 was just the 47th installment of the popular annual New Year's countdown music event. But for fans of Japanese pop and rock music, the night marked the final performance of a band representing the white team. The band bowed out with one last song titled Forever Love. That band was X Japan.


One of Japan's most representative and legendary bands, X Japan is a name of great interest for both music fans and academic scholars alike. The band's effect on Japanese music can be rightfully described as a series of revolutions. From their official major debut on April 21, 1989 with the album BLUE BLOOD to the announcement of their disbanding on September 22, 1997, X Japan forged a revolutionary path through Japanese popular music.

X Era - From Underground to Major Debut
Originally called X, X Japan is centered around drummer Yoshiki and lead vocalist Toshi. Friends since childhood, the two were greatly influenced by American rock band Kiss in their youth and formed a band together during their high school years. After graduating high school, they moved to Tokyo to pursue their musical dreams with their metal band X. In Tokyo, the band underwent quite a few changes in member lineup, but thanks to their talent and the considerable buzz they had built in their hometown, by 1985 X was making a name for itself in the Tokyo underground music scene.


In 1988, X released the album VANISHING VISION on their own independent label and topped the indies chart by selling 10,000 copies in a week. By 1980s standard, this number was comparable to the sales of many mainstream bands. Their success caught eyes at Sony, which signed the band in 1989. On April 21, bandleader Yoshiki, guitarists hide and Pata, bassist Taiji, and lead vocalist Toshi released their major debut album, BLUE BLOOD, which included some songs from VANISHING VISION like Kurenai and Unfinished. The album had the power rock numbers of their indies period, as well as tracks indicative of the band's later musical direction. BLUE BLOOD sold 600,000 copies during the height of idol pop, announcing the arrival of one of Japan's greatest bands and leading the way for the 90s wave of rock and visual kei.

In addition to the commercial success of BLUE BLOOD, X made a strong showing at the year-end awards, notably taking Best Newcomer at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. More important than the awards though were the performances; the power of Yoshiki's drums and the finesse of hide and Pata's dual guitars set new standards for Japanese rock. Soon after their debut, Yoshiki fainted during a concert at the Shibuya Public Hall (now C.C. Lemon Hall). The effect was much like that of the band's striking makeup and attire, leaving an unforgettable impression on Japan's music fans.


Japan's popular music scene accommodates many different styles and genres, but at the time X came out, visual kei bands were still in the fringe. X broke this barrier, turning a subculture into pop culture. This was the first revolution they brought to Japanese music.