X Japan is a Japanese rock band from Chiba, formed in 1982 by drummer Yoshiki and lead vocalist Toshi. Starting as a predominantly power/speed metal band with heavy symphonic elements, they later gravitated towards a progressive sound with an emphasis on ballads. Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label, the group is widely credited as one of the pioneers of visual kei, a movement among Japanese musicians comparable to Western glam. Originally named X, they released their debut album Vanishing Vision on Yoshiki's own Extasy Records one year after finalizing their line-up including bassist Taiji, lead guitarist Hide and rhythm guitarist Pata. They achieved breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second and major debut album Blue Blood. Following 1991's Jealousy, Taiji left the band in early 1992.
| Also known as | X |
| Origin | Tateyama, Chiba, Japan |
| Genres | Rock, heavy metal, speed metal, power metal, glam metal, progressive metal, symphonic metal |
| Years active | 1982–1997, 2007–present |
| Labels | Dada, Extasy, CBS/Sony, Ki/oon, MMG, East West Japan, Atlantic, Polydor, Tofu, EMI, Warner Music Japan |
| Associated acts | S.K.I.N, Ra:IN, Luna Sea, Zilch, Loudness |
| Members | Yoshiki, Toshi, Pata, Heath, Sugizo |
| Past members | Terry, Tomo, Atsushi, Eddie, Hally, Zen/Xenon, Jun/Shu, Hikaru, Kerry, Satoru, Isao, Taiji, hide |
About X Japan
Rock band hailing from Japan that started out as a speed metal outfit that gradually evolved into a progressive rock group. As of 2017, the band has sold in excess of 30 million records globally.
Achievement of X Japan
HMV Japan named the band the 40th most important Japanese pop act in 2003. In 2018, they were the recipient of a Space Shower Music Video Award.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About X Japan
X Japan Category.. Ki/oon Music artists.. Japanese progressive metal musical groups.. Musical groups from Chiba Prefecture.. Japanese power metal musical groups.. Japanese glam metal musical groups.. Japanese symphonic metal musical groups.. Japanese speed metal musical groups.. Visual kei musical groups.. Sony Music Entertainment Japan artists.
