X Japan would have been hard-pressed to imagine a more impassioned following in its heyday, with the symphonic metal group's 1997 breakup in Tokyo taking on an air of national mourning.
But could X Japan have been far bigger on the world stage? In a new documentary on the band, Gene Simmons of Kiss relates his awe at discovering X Japan and opines that, had the rockers been American or British, they may have been the world's biggest band.
"We Are X," which opens in US cinemas on Friday, explores the rise and turbulence of the band that found unprecedented glory in Japan's high-flying 1980s.
Led by Yoshiki, the physically frail but musically furious drummer, pianist and songwriter, X Japan took inspiration from the power of arena rock but with the glam flair of David Bowie and firm underpinnings in Western classical music.
"We Are X" -- directed by Stephen Kijak, who previously filmed the Rolling Stones -- follows X Japan as the band's reunited surviving members play New York's Madison Square Garden in 2014.
Yoshiki, in an interview with AFP, noted that the Tokyo Dome -- where X Japan performed its farewell concert in 1997 -- had three times the capacity of 18,200-seat Madison Square Garden.
"But when you're talking about making it in the whole world, Madison Square Garden is one of the goals," he said.
'The world was not ready'
"We Are X," which premiered at the Sundance film festival, shows the band's awkward initial attempts at international success.
The rockers in 1992 hurriedly learned English and gave a news conference in New York to announce a US recording contract, yet X Japan's foreign fan base was to remain niche.
"It was almost like a mission back then," Yoshiki said of going global. "But we were not 100 percent sure we could do it, because the world was not ready."
Yoshiki, 50, believes X Japan's trajectory could have been different if the band had been born later.
"We now have the same opportunity to achieve as those who were born in America and England."
In the past 30 years, Japanese culture from sushi to Pokemon has swept the world and the internet has transformed the distribution of music, he said.
South Korean rapper Psy's "Gangnam Style" reigns as the most-viewed video ever on YouTube, with its equestrian-style dance winning an audience who barely understands a word.
"These days anything can happen because of the internet and everything," Yoshiki said.
"The world has kind of changed so any artist from Japan or anywhere -- China, anywhere in the world -- may be able to make it and became a worldwide known artist."
Darkness behind the celebrity
The documentary also shows the darkness lurking behind X Japan's fame.
Yoshiki, sickly from a young age with frequent bone fractures, is haunted by his father's suicide and takes out his aggression through music.
With X Japan, he would sometimes convulse in pain on stage, with audiences mistakenly thinking he was acting.
And just months after X Japan split up, lead guitarist Hideto Matsumoto, better known as "hide," was found dead from hanging, with fans throwing themselves on his funeral procession.
His death was ruled a suicide, although Yoshiki in the documentary contended that hide accidentally died from "neck-stretching" exercises.
"We Are X" also shows the reconciliation between Yoshiki and singer Toshi, whose decision to leave the group triggered the 1997 breakup.
Toshi explains in the documentary that he had been brainwashed by a cult that made him ashamed to perform and seized his money.
Yoshiki, who composed a work for piano and strings to mark Emperor Akihito's 10th anniversary on the throne in 1999, has stayed active in classical music and recently announced Carnegie Hall performances for 2017.
"I don't know how long I have left in my career," he said. "But I'll try as much as I can and also open the door for artists of the next generation."
AFP
Fri Oct 21 2016
This file photo taken on January 12, 2013 shows Yoshiki poses on arrival for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Los Angeles Awards Season Tea Party on January 12, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. - AFP Photo/Frederic J.Brown
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.