Visual Band Introduction
- The Band -
       The music style of X Japan can vary from heavy metal music to fabulous ballads, by going from symphonic rock music.  The originality and talent of theirs will definitely never be question.

          The group is born from one man named Yoshiki.  He founded X in 1982 with his best friend Toshi, future singer.  At that time, the band name was only X and their principal music influence was the american hard rock band KISS.  In 1987, X is taking shape with HIDE on leading guitar, PATA also on guitar and TAIJI on bass.  In 1992, X is finally re-named X Japan, because there's already an american band known as X.  Unfortunately, aside from Asia, X Japan remains almost unknown.

          At first hearing, what can be hard to deal with are the japenese accent and tone, which are far away from the english and french ones.  Better get use to it.  If you never heard anything from them, better start with their all english songs, such as CRUCIFY MY LOVE, ART OF LIFE, UNFINISHED..  and some other else.  Generaly, themes of their songs are desperate love, death, loneliness, sadness and painful realities of life.
- Their Look -
       At first sight, you could be surprise...  that's what japenese call VISUAL ROCK.  X Japan look; agressive, punk/hardos romantic, effeminate, could displease to anyone who's not much familiar with the japenese rock world.  (J-Rock)  Some others would retort that it's part of their charm; at least that's what I would say ;)

          Since X Japan, many other J-Rock bands has been influenced by their outfits.  Take notes; despite their look relatively, particularly, tremendously effeminate, not many artistes of VISUAL ROCK are actually 'gay'.  (Sorry, I had to say that..)
- Dissolution -
         On September 22nd 1997, X Japan officially broke up, announcing their last concert 'THE LAST LIVE'.  They will have enjoyed 16 prestigious years, raising crowds everywhere in Asia.  They also will have gave to their fans in inheritance 5 albums, 18 singles and 15 concerts on video.  X Japan happened to be the first band who sold out tickets 3 days in a row at the Tokyo Dome.
- hide, a Tragic Story -
        On May 2nd 1998, hide (guitarist) is discovered dead in his Tokyo appartment.  The police officer talked about suicide thesis, which was officially rejected and finally declare as a dreadful accident.
To learn +, see hide memorial
- The End... or should I say, The Beginning -
         For those who are tempt and wish to try the experience, let me tell you that your trip as just begun!  In fact, to find X Japan albums outside Asia is really a hard task, and above all,  finding truly good websites as mine is nearly impossible.....  just kidding.  Once you taste X Japan, you'll never get enough!
        Yoshiki (leader) once explained, in a japenese press conference, that X Japan never tried the american market because Toshi's english (singer) was too limited.
- Why Does X Japan Never Crossed the Ocean -