Yoshiki Performs Piano/Drums Rock Version of Japanese National Anthem at F1 Grand Prix

YOSHIKI SHAKES SUZUKA AT F1 FINALS: 130,000 WITNESS HISTORIC ANTHEM AHEAD OF WORLD TOUR

Japan's Biggest Rock Star and Composer Performs Japan's National Anthem “Kimigayo” at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix Final Pre-Race Ceremony

Historic Performance Featuring a Special Piano and Drum Arrangement Receives Worldwide Acclaim, Sparking Massive Reactions across Social Media

WATCH VIDEO HERE

LOS ANGELES, CA - YOSHIKI–composer, classically trained pianist, and Japan's biggest rock star–amazed global racing fans with his performance of “Kimigayo”, the Japanese national anthem, at the start of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Series Aramco Japanese Grand Prix Race at the Suzuka Circuit on Sunday, March 29.

Celebrated as “one of the most influential composers in Japanese history”, YOSHIKI created a unique fusion of his classical abilities and signature hard rock drumming style for an unforgettable live show in front of 130,000 spectators, the highest attendance since F1 resumed in 2009, which was broadcast to 180 countries.

The special arrangement of “Kimigayo,” performed with piano and drums, began with a serene classical piano melody, evoking quiet beauty. As the drums joined, it built into a powerful rock-infused crescendo, bringing intense tension and overwhelming impact to the moments just before the race started.

Following the performance, the crowd gave a thunderous ovation, and the official F1 broadcast commentators said, “Wow, I loved that! I felt that in my bones!”

On social media, reactions included comments such as “YOSHIKI PLAYING THE ANTHEM!!! GOATED OH MY GOD,” “YOSHIKI adding double bass and blastbeats to the Japanese anthem wasn't on my bingo card, but it was cool,” and “It's truly an incredible arrangement—it sounds amazing!!!!!” Alongside these, many praised it as “the coolest rock-style national anthem ever” and “absolutely incredible,” with admiration spreading worldwide.

Further reactions described it as “a truly historic performance,” “You won over the audience and set new standards!” “Now THIS is how a national anthem gets done,” and “That was one epic rock-themed national anthem!” Comments such as “YOSHIKI's arrangement perfectly matched the F1 pre-start atmosphere” continued to flood in, generating widespread acclaim both in Japan and internationally.

After the performance, YOSHIKI immediately boarded a helicopter to return to Tokyo for final rehearsals before his sold-out three-day residency April 3-5 at Tokyo Garden Theater, which serves as the kickoff of his YOSHIKI Classical 2026 World Tour.

Last week, The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall announced it will host YOSHIKI for two exclusive nights on July 16 and 17, 2026. Titled "Scarlet Night" and "Violet Night", these performances mark YOSHIKI's highly anticipated U.S. return following his third cervical spine surgery in late 2024. YOSHIKI will change the set list for each performance, making this an unforgettable experience for fans. The concert series represents a "rebirth" for the artist, blending his signature cinematic compositions with the unmatched acoustics of Los Angeles' most iconic architectural landmark.

YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 IN LOS ANGELES
at WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
“SCARLET NIGHT & VIOLET NIGHT”
JULY 16-17

Fan Club Exclusive Pre-sale begins March 26 at 11:00 AM PT
General On-Sale begins April 10 at 10:00 AM PT

Information and tickets: https://www.YOSHIKI.net/disneyhall2026

ABOUT YOSHIKI
Named one of the TIME100: Most Influential People of 2025, YOSHIKI is a multidisciplinary tour de force with over 50 million records sold. In 2024, he became the first Japanese artist to be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood—a distinction held by only a handful of legends since 1927. Beyond his musical mastery, he is a fashion designer, filmmaker, and a dedicated philanthropist through YOSHIKI Foundation America.