One of the most successful and acclaimed Japanese recording artists has resided in Los Angeles for nearly 30-years.

Yoshiki, 60, who has been enshrined in the Asian Hall of Fame and received the Japan Government Medal of Honor, among many other accolades, is talking up his hometown shows, Thursday and Friday at Disney Concert Hall.

The charismatic recording artist, who has deftly melded metal and classical, is excited about combining classical compositions from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky and his own material for his “Scarlet Night and Violet Night” shows. The sets will be different and special guests will join Yoshiki. Korn’s Jonathan Davis will participate with the classically trained pianist both nights and vocalist Josh Groban will perform with Yoshiki July 17, who notes that he has some other surprises in store for fans.

“I’m very much looking forward to these shows,” Yoshiki said while taking a break from rehearsals in Los Angeles. “I didn’t know that these shows would happen.”

That’s a reference to Yoshiki’s third major neck surgery. The latest procedure, a cervical artificial disc replacement, was completed in October of 2024 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. The surgery targeted a pair of discs to treat severe pain and numbness due to decades of drumming.

Yoshiki wasn’t sure he would perform again, but he aced rehabilitation and was buoyed by his supportive base.

“I appreciate how kind the fans have been,” Yoshiki said. “It was very hard going through this surgery for the third time. I thought it might be the end of my career as a musician, but I came back and I can’t thank the fans enough for being there for me. I’m not completely recovered but I just performed a few weeks ago in Tokyo and it went well.”

Yoshiki headlined the first ever Global Citizen event in Japan in June. “It was fun since I decided to do a rock show,” Yoshiki said. “I’m confident that the Walt Disney Concert Hall shows will be very good. I have more surprises for fans.”

It’s a surprise that Yoshiki bounced back so quickly from serious surgery but it’s not shocking since the renaissance man, who produces a premium brand of champagne, energy drinks and fashion projects, works in a relentless manner.

However, music has always been the primary focus for Yoshiki, who also has worked on film projects. “I’ve loved music ever since I was a child,” Yoshiki said. “I started playing classical piano when I was four-years old.”

But after his father committed suicide when Yoshiki was ten-years old, the future icon embraced rock. “I was very sad and angry after my father took his own life,” Yoshiki said. “I didn’t know what to do. My mother bought me a drum set and I discovered Kiss, which was part of my rock journey.”

The prepubescent experienced Kiss at the Tokyo Dome in 1977. Yoshiki became a huge fan of Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden. Yoshiki co-founded the legendary band X Japan in 1982.

X Japan burst onto the rock scene and immediately found an audience that embraced its orchestral-infused speed metal on albums, such as “Vanishing Vision” and “Blue Blood.” The band also made an impact due to their flamboyant style and has been a huge inspiration for the visual kei movement.

The elegant Yoshiki, who is also a model and has graced the cover of Vogue Japan, has impacted K-Pop with his style.

But it always goes back to the music. Toward the end of X Japan’s run, which concluded in 1997, Yoshiki impressed with his solo album, 1993’s “Eternal Melody,” which blends rock and classical music. The album was produced by George Martin and featured the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Yoshiki looks back with pride on the ambitious album that received a huge boost from The Beatles legendary producer. “George Martin was incredible,” Yoshiki said. “George was so versatile. He did so much with the Beatles and he helped me a great deal. I learned a lot. It was very special working with him. George was not afraid to experiment and he came from a classical background. He had no problem with music crossing over. The greatest gift he gave me was encouraging me not to be afraid of crossing a line. What was great about him was that his work was very organic and everything he did was in such an elegant manner. Being a Beatles fan, working with George Martin was a dream come true since how can any recording artist not be influenced by the Beatles?”

Crossing over a generation ago took courage. Record companies typically filed recording artists into particular genres citing marketing reasons. “But these days America is more accepting and open to eclectic artists,” Yoshiki said.

Yoshiki is receiving his flowers. Time placed the legendary figure on its list of the 100 most influential people of 2025.

“I was very surprised,” Yoshiki said. “I was like, ‘Wow? i didn’t think I was that influential but I was very grateful.”

When asked who his three greatest influences are Yoshiki responded with a chuckle. “For me it’s my fans,” Yoshiki said. “I never would be where I am without them.”

Yoshiki has performed and recorded with a group of musicians as eclectic as his music. Bono, St. Vincent, Seiko Matsuda, Sarah Brightman, Jennifer Hudson and going, full circle, Kiss, are just some of the recording artists, who have either jammed with Yoshiki or recorded with him.

Yoshiki loves special guests and expect even more to join him at Disney Concert Hall. To his credit, Yoshiki, who likes a bit of mystery, won’t reveal all of his plans for his hometown concerts. “Come out and you’ll be surprised,” Yoshiki said.

Yoshiki Live at the Disney Concert Hall

When: 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday

Where: Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

Cost: $56.50, $90.50, $142 and $199

Info: 323-850-2000, laphil.com