YOSHIKI, an acclaimed Japanese composer and leader of a best-selling rock band, X JAPAN, as well as new supergroup, THE LAST ROCKSTARS donated 10 million yen on his birthday to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support emergency relief operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the prime intergovernmental organization regarding migration, and is committed to humane and methodical migration for all. IOM operates within the United Nations system as a related organization and has a global reach of over 590 locations worldwide.
Regarding this donation, YOSHIKI said, “As the war continues, so many people are unable to live their normal lives, from those who were forced to flee Ukraine or its neighboring countries, to those who are still displaced within Ukraine. This is heartbreaking, and it’s not something I can overlook as someone living in these times. As winter approaches, I hope to help so that as many people as possible can settle in a safe place and spend time with some peace of mind.”
IOM’s mission is in line with YOSHIKI’s well-known philanthropic work. In February, he donated 10 million yen to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Assistance Fund, which sparked an influx of donations from his fanbase that ultimately totaled approximately 1 billion yen in relief funding.
YOSHIKI’s latest donation will go to the International Organization for Migration to help with practical solutions to challenges that migrants face, as well as provide humanitarian aid. YOSHIKI’s support will help them to continue this vital work.
YOSHIKI is an internationally recognized philanthropist who has worked both in Japan and overseas through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Yoshiki Foundation America. In 2019, he was selected by Forbes Asia as one of their 30 Heroes of Philanthropy, and in 2021 received a Medal of Honor from the Japanese Government for his support of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine.
YOSHIKI is not only a classically trained pianist, but also the drummer and leader of X Japan. He has been named ‘One of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history’ by Consequence of Sound. According to Billboard Magazine, YOSHIKI is recognized as a musical innovator.
“I really appreciate all the messages I received on my birthday. I don’t need gifts for myself, so I would appreciate if you could instead give to a charity you support,” commented YOSHIKI
To support IOM’s efforts in providing emergency relief in Ukraine and surrounding countries, please donate to their digital fundraiser for Ukraine: https://donate.iom.int
