The Brief

Yoshiki, the legendary Japanese composer and frontman of X Japan and The Last Rockstars is known for blending rock, classical, and fashion-forward aesthetics into emotionally charged performances. The challenge: create custom visuals that match his sonic world, often based on just a few poetic or emotional cues.

The Challenge

Translate Yoshiki’s abstract creative direction — often just a few words like “epic,” “melancholy,” or “ascend” — into bespoke visual content that could live on stage alongside his dynamic live performances, blending cinematic intensity with visual restraint and elegance.

The Solution

Since 2013, I’ve collaborated with Yoshiki on and off, creating performance screen visuals that reflect his distinct fusion of dark glam, high fashion, and dramatic emotion. As the art director and motion designer, I developed highly stylized looks across multiple shows and moments, designing custom motion content that functioned as an atmosphere and emotional amplifier.

Our creative process is shorthand: mood-first. From interpretive video compositions to stylized edits and dynamic transitions, each piece was crafted to support the drama and rhythm of the live performance without overpowering the music or the message.

The Impact

The visuals have become part of Yoshiki’s evolving live identity — helping shape the narrative arc of his concerts and resonating deeply with fans. This decade-long collaboration speaks to the power of creative trust, where subtle, emotionally rich video content elevates every moment on stage.