Music and philanthropy share the same stage in Tokyo this month. Yoshiki, Japan’s biggest rock star, will headline Global Citizen Live: Tokyo, the movement’s first-ever music event in Japan, taking place June 18th at the Tokyo International Forum. He joins a lineup that includes &TEAM, Ai, and Yuki Chiba, with Chris Peppler hosting the evening.
Yoshiki connects to the cause on a personal level. He says he’s very happy to perform at Global Citizen’s first concert event in Japan, adding that the mission of joining music and philanthropy resonates with him deeply.
The night carries real-world stakes. Proceeds from ticket sales contribute to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise ¥16 billion to provide at least 100,000 children with access to quality education in over 150 countries by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Twenty-seven grassroots organizations from 10 countries, including two programs in Japan, have been selected to receive awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to further their work.
Two Japanese organizations stand among them. Ubuntu FS, headquartered in Kitakyushu, uses sports as a platform for community building, youth development, and social inclusion, while Tokyo-based SDGs Promise Japan advances sustainable development through education, economic empowerment, and capacity building, particularly across Africa.
Yoshiki arrives at a remarkable moment. The composer, classically trained pianist, rock drummer, and leader of X Japan and The Last Rockstars was named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People of 2025. Following sold-out shows in Tokyo, he’ll perform two exclusive classical concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on July 16-17. Fans can also earn a limited number of free tickets by taking action to end extreme poverty through the Global Citizen app.