Toshi (musician)
Encyclopedia
, better known by his stage name
Toshi (currently stylized as ToshI and previously in all capital letters), is a Japanese singer and musician. He is best known as vocalist and co-founder of the heavy metal group X Japan
. The band elevated to legendary status in Japan, until its disbanding in 1997. Toshi then went on to have an extensive solo career. In 2007 X Japan
reunited, they are currently on their ongoing world tour.
. They performed their farewell show at the Tokyo Dome
on December 31. Much has been made of Toshi's departure, including allegations of Home of Heart being a cult and that he was being influenced by it. Toshi refuted such claims, stating that his decision to leave X Japan dated back as far as April 1996, more than a year before he met Masaya, and that the glamorous, success-oriented life of a rock star failed to satisfy him emotionally, as opposed to a simpler life and career.
In early 1998 Toshi decided to donate all his money to a charity owned by Masaya. But Toshi's older brother, who was in charge of his finances, refused claiming that Toshi had been "brainwashed" and a lawsuit followed.
After X Japan, Toshi devoted his professional career to "healing music", traveling across Japan and other countries to perform acoustic concerts for small audiences under Home of Heart, Ltd.. According to their website he has performed over 3000 shows. He has released a large amount of material: around 33 albums and singles from 1992 up until 2004. When on April 20, 2004, Lemuria, another organization owned by Masaya which also specializes in "healing music", was brought up on charges of child abuse. Toshi was involved in the court cases as a witness. After the charges were announced, Toshi decided to take a break and didn't release any material.
announced their reunion and released the Saw IV
theme song, "I.V.
".
With X Japan's restart came a restart of Toshi's solo activities. On June 11, 2008 Toshi's new band Toshi with T-Earth was announced. The first line-up included Phantasmagoria
guitarist Jun
, and guitarist Touya and bassist Ruka from the band Charlotte
. For their live shows they would switch between La'cryma Christi
's drummer Levin and Luna Sea
's drummer Shinya
. Their first album Earth Spirit was released on August 8, they dubbed their music "eco hard rock", as the reason for starting the band was to draw attention to the environment. In Ocotber T-Earth performed two shows in South America, in Chile
and Brazil
. Their second album Haruka Naru Toki wo Koete, was released on November 26.
In April 2009, it was announced that 13 year old drummer Riku, would be joining the group and that anyone who wanted to could apply to join, the only requirement was "people who want to save the Earth". In July, 18 year old guitarist Ryo and 24 year old bassist Kain officially joined the band. On August 13, they released an album in 2 versions: Hontou no Ai and its English version, Truth.
On January 18, 2010, Toshi filed a lawsuit against his record company Home of Heart, Ltd., accusing them of claiming all of his income over the past 12 years, eventually forcing him to announce bankruptcy. Effectively severing ties with the company and its leader Masaya. He also divorced his wife Kaori Moritani, who had also been working for Home of Heart, Ltd., in February of the same year. Toshi even disclosed how they "effectively have not been husband and wife" saying: "Aside from having met her occasionally related to work, I do not know anything about her actual life." Toshi also claims that she had been living with Masaya for the past 10 years.
On February 8, Toshi opened a new official website, which announced that he would release one last mini album, entitled Samurai Japan, on February 24. The website, album and merchandise all have his name written as ToshI, possibly suggesting that Home of Heart, Ltd. has the rights to his previous stage name. The songs were completely composed and produced by Toshi and feature X Japan's Pata and Sugizo
. His "last solo concert" was on February 24, which he performed with X Japan's members as guest musicians.
On November 22, Toshi announced the first performance of his new project, entitled ToshI feat. Yoshiki, would be held on January 24 and 25, 2011. It was a high-end dinner show, where the attendees were served a French meal by renowned chef Mikuni Kiyomi, and enjoyed a piano duet by Toshi and Yoshiki, an orchestra was also utilized. It was also announced that the duo would release their first songs earlier that month.
In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
that occurred in Japan on March 11, Toshi performed eight concerts throughout western Japan. All of the shows were acoustic due to the electricity shortage and featured X Japan's Heath, Luna Sea's Shinya and the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
. All proceeds were donated to the Japanese Red Cross
to aid the victims. On June 22, Toshi released two singles, "Hoshizora no Neptune" and "Haru no Negai", as digital downloads that are available overseas. It was announced that Toshi had joined European record label Bishi Bishi in September 2011.
with a lot of ballads, but after X Japan
's disbandment and his joining of "Home of Heart, Ltd.", it became almost entirely acoustic
. Since 1998, Home of Heart's leader Masaya wrote all of his music, which they refer to as "healing music".
His newer band, Toshi with T-Earth (created in 2008), played a type of music (also completely written by Masaya) they called "eco hard rock". Although the lyrics were not always about the environment, the objective of the band was to draw attention to environmental issues.
In 2010, after announcing the he would be ending his solo activities, Toshi released Samurai Japan, which he wrote, produced and arranged himself.
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
Toshi (currently stylized as ToshI and previously in all capital letters), is a Japanese singer and musician. He is best known as vocalist and co-founder of the heavy metal group X Japan
X Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
. The band elevated to legendary status in Japan, until its disbanding in 1997. Toshi then went on to have an extensive solo career. In 2007 X Japan
X Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
reunited, they are currently on their ongoing world tour.
1992–2006: Solo
Toshi started his solo career in 1992. On February 17, 1997 he married actress, model, and singer, Kaori Moritani, also known as Wanku. In June he first saw a concert of Toru "Masaya" Kurabuchi, a musician and the leader of an organization called Home of Heart. Toshi was emotionally touched by Masaya's "healing music", and in August the two met and became friends. On September 22, it was announced that Toshi decided to leave X JapanX Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
. They performed their farewell show at the Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
on December 31. Much has been made of Toshi's departure, including allegations of Home of Heart being a cult and that he was being influenced by it. Toshi refuted such claims, stating that his decision to leave X Japan dated back as far as April 1996, more than a year before he met Masaya, and that the glamorous, success-oriented life of a rock star failed to satisfy him emotionally, as opposed to a simpler life and career.
In early 1998 Toshi decided to donate all his money to a charity owned by Masaya. But Toshi's older brother, who was in charge of his finances, refused claiming that Toshi had been "brainwashed" and a lawsuit followed.
After X Japan, Toshi devoted his professional career to "healing music", traveling across Japan and other countries to perform acoustic concerts for small audiences under Home of Heart, Ltd.. According to their website he has performed over 3000 shows. He has released a large amount of material: around 33 albums and singles from 1992 up until 2004. When on April 20, 2004, Lemuria, another organization owned by Masaya which also specializes in "healing music", was brought up on charges of child abuse. Toshi was involved in the court cases as a witness. After the charges were announced, Toshi decided to take a break and didn't release any material.
2007–present: Restart
On October 22, 2007, X JapanX Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
announced their reunion and released the Saw IV
Saw IV
Saw IV is a 2007 Canadian-American horror film and midquel to 2006's Saw III. It was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and written by newcomers Patrick Melton, Marcus Dunstan and Thomas Fenton. The film was released in North America on October 26, 2007...
theme song, "I.V.
I.V.
"I.V." is a single released by X Japan on January 23, 2008 as a digital download. It is the band's first new song since "The Last Song" released in 1998. "I.V." is the main theme for the film Saw IV, which was released on October 26, 2007.- Overview :...
".
With X Japan's restart came a restart of Toshi's solo activities. On June 11, 2008 Toshi's new band Toshi with T-Earth was announced. The first line-up included Phantasmagoria
Phantasmagoria (band)
Phantasmagoria was a visual kei rock band band formed in November 2004 in Osaka, Japan by Kisaki, the executive of Under Code Production, a popular visual kei independent label.-History:...
guitarist Jun
Jun (musician)
Jun is a Japanese visual kei rock musician and singer-songwriter. He is currently the sole member of Spiv States...
, and guitarist Touya and bassist Ruka from the band Charlotte
Charlotte (band)
was an oshare kei rock band with their concept based around "school"; their official homepage titled "Yokohama Charlotte School" and their visual style consisting of school uniforms. This was reflected in their music which was light hearted punk rock.- History :...
. For their live shows they would switch between La'cryma Christi
La'cryma Christi
La'cryma Christi was a Japanese visual kei rock band, which formed in 1993 and disbanded in January 2007. They reunited for a concert in 2009 at the "V-Rock Festival", and for their short reunion tour in 2010.- History :...
's drummer Levin and Luna Sea
Luna Sea
Luna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
's drummer Shinya
Shinya Yamada
, referred to as simply , is a Japanese musician. He is best known as drummer of the rock band Luna Sea.- History :Before joining Luna Sea in 1989, high school friends Shinya and Sugizo were in the band Pinoccio....
. Their first album Earth Spirit was released on August 8, they dubbed their music "eco hard rock", as the reason for starting the band was to draw attention to the environment. In Ocotber T-Earth performed two shows in South America, in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. Their second album Haruka Naru Toki wo Koete, was released on November 26.
In April 2009, it was announced that 13 year old drummer Riku, would be joining the group and that anyone who wanted to could apply to join, the only requirement was "people who want to save the Earth". In July, 18 year old guitarist Ryo and 24 year old bassist Kain officially joined the band. On August 13, they released an album in 2 versions: Hontou no Ai and its English version, Truth.
On January 18, 2010, Toshi filed a lawsuit against his record company Home of Heart, Ltd., accusing them of claiming all of his income over the past 12 years, eventually forcing him to announce bankruptcy. Effectively severing ties with the company and its leader Masaya. He also divorced his wife Kaori Moritani, who had also been working for Home of Heart, Ltd., in February of the same year. Toshi even disclosed how they "effectively have not been husband and wife" saying: "Aside from having met her occasionally related to work, I do not know anything about her actual life." Toshi also claims that she had been living with Masaya for the past 10 years.
On February 8, Toshi opened a new official website, which announced that he would release one last mini album, entitled Samurai Japan, on February 24. The website, album and merchandise all have his name written as ToshI, possibly suggesting that Home of Heart, Ltd. has the rights to his previous stage name. The songs were completely composed and produced by Toshi and feature X Japan's Pata and Sugizo
Sugizo
, born , is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. Referred to by his stage name Sugizo, he is best known as lead guitarist of the rock band Luna Sea, who were popular in the 1990s. He started his solo career in 1997 and has since collaborated with many artists...
. His "last solo concert" was on February 24, which he performed with X Japan's members as guest musicians.
On November 22, Toshi announced the first performance of his new project, entitled ToshI feat. Yoshiki, would be held on January 24 and 25, 2011. It was a high-end dinner show, where the attendees were served a French meal by renowned chef Mikuni Kiyomi, and enjoyed a piano duet by Toshi and Yoshiki, an orchestra was also utilized. It was also announced that the duo would release their first songs earlier that month.
In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
that occurred in Japan on March 11, Toshi performed eight concerts throughout western Japan. All of the shows were acoustic due to the electricity shortage and featured X Japan's Heath, Luna Sea's Shinya and the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
The is a professional chamber orchestra, founded in 1988, based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, and is a full member of Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras. The Orchestra's home is Ishikawa Ongakudo . Since 2007, its music director is Michiyoshi Inoue.-Activities:The orchestra performs more...
. All proceeds were donated to the Japanese Red Cross
Japanese Red Cross
The ' is the Japanese affiliate of the International Red Cross.The Imperial Family of Japan traditionally has supported the society, with Empress as Honorary President and other royal family members as vice-presidents. Its headquarters is located in Tokyo and local chapters are set up in all 47...
to aid the victims. On June 22, Toshi released two singles, "Hoshizora no Neptune" and "Haru no Negai", as digital downloads that are available overseas. It was announced that Toshi had joined European record label Bishi Bishi in September 2011.
Music
When Toshi first went solo in 1992, his music was uplifting rockRock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
with a lot of ballads, but after X Japan
X Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
's disbandment and his joining of "Home of Heart, Ltd.", it became almost entirely acoustic
Acoustic music
Acoustic music comprises music that solely or primarily uses instruments which produce sound through entirely acoustic means, as opposed to electric or electronic means...
. Since 1998, Home of Heart's leader Masaya wrote all of his music, which they refer to as "healing music".
His newer band, Toshi with T-Earth (created in 2008), played a type of music (also completely written by Masaya) they called "eco hard rock". Although the lyrics were not always about the environment, the objective of the band was to draw attention to environmental issues.
In 2010, after announcing the he would be ending his solo activities, Toshi released Samurai Japan, which he wrote, produced and arranged himself.
Singles
- "Crystal Piano no Kimi" (2011, ToshI feat. Yoshiki, CD and DVD)
- "Hoshizora no Neptune" (June 22, 2011)
- "Haru no Negai" (June 22, 2011)
Albums
- Made in Heaven (November 21, 1992)
- Mission (June 11, 1994)
- Grace (March 29, 1995)
- Aoi Hoshi no Tabibito (January 22, 1997)
- Canary (April 22, 1998, with Taro HakaseTaro Hakaseis a Japanese musician who specialises as a violinist.He is best known internationally for playing the violin on Celine Dion's song "To Love You More" which appears on the US edition of her Let's Talk About Love album...
) - Toward the Way (December 25, 1999)
- Utatabi ~Utsukushi Machi e~ (December 4, 2004)
- Earth Spirit (August 8, 2008, Toshi with T-Earth)
- Haruka Naru Toki wo Koete (November 26, 2008, Toshi with T-Earth)
- Hontou no Ai (August 13, 2009, Toshi with T-Earth)
- Truth (August 13, 2009, Toshi with T-Earth, English version of Hontou no Ai)
Singles and Mini albums
- "Made in Heaven" (October 21, 1992)
- "Looming ~Tashikametai~" (May 21, 1993, with Night Hawks)
- "Always ~Tsutaetai~" (May 21, 1993, with Night Hawks)
- "Paradise" (September 8, 1993, with Night Hawks)
- "My Treasure" (December 16, 1993)
- "Bless You" (May 18, 1994)
- "Naite iru no wa" (July 6, 1997, with Night Hawks)
- "Sayonara no Kisetsu ni..."(December 16, 1994)
- "Asphalt Jungle " (March 15, 1995)
- "Morning Glory" (August 7, 1996)
- "Hoshi no Butoukai" (January 8, 1997)
- "Hana ~Inochi no Mebae~" (April 24, 1997)
- "Natural High" (November 21, 1997, with Taro Hakase)
- "Sayonara" (April 1, 1998)
- "Kimi wa Inaika" (July 23, 1998)
- "Ai no Uta wo Utaitai" (March 25, 1999)
- "Beautiful Love Song" (March 25, 1999, English version of "Ai no Uta wo Utaitai")
- "Inochi" (June 30, 2000)
- "Jibun ~Daite Yaritai~" (April 30, 2001)
- "Perfect Love' (November 30, 2002)
- "Ame no Naka no Ano hi no Boku" (February 24, 2004)
- "Sekai ga Hitotsu de Areba ~Orchestra Version~ (May 25, 2004)
- "Sekai ga Hitotsu de Areba ~Acoustic Version~ (May 25, 2004)
- "Earth in the Dark ~Aozora ni Mukatte~" (May 26, 2008)
- "Seiki Jidai" (July 25, 2008)
- "Beautiful World" (July 25, 2008)
- "Pain" (March 15, 2009, English versions, includes T-Earth songs)
- "Taisetsuna Mono" (April 8, 2009)
- "Utsukushii Sora wo Kudasai" (June 10, 2009)
- "Itsumademo" (August 13, 2009, feat Wanku)
- "Arigatou no Uta" (September 11, 2009)
- "Chikyuu Mada Arimasu ka" (December 19, 2009, Toshi with T-Earth)
- "Kurisutaru Piano no Kimi" (September 2010)
Duet albums
- Toshi Duet I ~Eien ni Tabi Suru Koto~ (September 30, 2008, with Tierra and Kaori Moritani)
- Daichi wo Shizumete (April 8, 2009, Toshi & Wanku)
Compilation albums
- Single Selection: Sacrifice (June 24, 1998)
- Healing ~Ai no Uta wo Utaitai~ (February 25, 2008)
- Best I ~Ai no Uta wo Utaitai~ (March 25, 2008)
- Best II ~Perfect Love~ (March 25, 2008)
Home videos
- Toshi ~Prelude~ Made in Heaven (February 24, 1993)
- Grace Live (June 21, 1995)
- Aoi Hoshi no Tabibito (February 24, 1997)
- Live Spring to Your Heart ~Aoi Hoshi no Tabibito~ (April 23, 1997)
- Toshi with T-Earth 2Days Final Live in Tokyo (February 25, 2008)
- Toshi with T-Earth Summer Live in Akasaka Blitz (November 25, 2009)
- Toshi & Wanku Summer Live in Akasaka Blitz (November 25, 2009)
- Toshi Zenshuu (February 1, 2010, CD and DVD)
- Toshi & Wanku Duet Zenshuu (February 8, 2010, CD and DVD)
- Toshi with T-Earth Zenshuu (February 12, 2010, CD and DVD)
- 2008 Toshi Collection (March 5, 2010, CD and DVD)
- 2009 Toshi Collection (March 5, 2010, CD and DVD)
Other work
- The Inner Gates (Baki, December 16, 1989, backing vocals on "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Flying")
- Shake Hand (L.O.X, June 25, 1990, lyrics and vocals for "Daydream" and "Tragedy of M")