YOSHIKI to Undergo Third Neck Surgery

X JAPAN drummer YOSHIKI announced during a press conference at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo on August 1st that he will be undergoing a third neck surgery this fall.

Multiple doctors have determined that YOSHIKI must undergo his third neck surgery immediately. However, due to schedule commitments over the next two months, YOSHIKI will undertake cervical artificial disc replacement surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, on October 8th.

Currently, YOSHIKI is suffering from chronic neck pain and a burning sensation in his left hand including his fingers, causing problems with not only performance but everyday activities. Physicians in the U.S. are hopeful that surgery on cervical discs C6-C7 can restore YOSHIKI’s health and have insisted that the musician adjust his schedule for the procedure.

YOSHIKI’s intense performance style as a rock drummer and classical pianist has had a severe impact on his physical health.

In 2009, he was diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis, leading to a cervical laminectomy and a cervical foraminotomy.

In 2017, YOSHIKI underwent a second surgery after suffering from a herniated disc and experiencing numbness and severe paralysis of the left hand and arm. The procedure resulted in the insertion of an artificial cervical disc in his neck.

YOSHIKI commented:

“This will be my third neck surgery. I started feeling this pain last year, then it increased severely during the past few months. Right now, I cannot feel my left hand and I’m having severe burning sensations in my left fingers. Fortunately, my motor neurons are still intact, but the sensory nerves are damaged. Everything I touch feels like ice, including my piano keys. It’s unbearable. I know I should have this surgery immediately, but I need to honor the commitments I’ve already made to my fans and friends. Over the next two months, I have to cancel a significant amount of my schedule, but I will still make a few appearances. In terms of playing piano in my shows, I may have to use my right hand more than my left hand because of the pain. Then, in October, I have to cancel pretty much all my schedule. I know this will affect many people. I’m very sorry for this. After my surgery, I hope that I can get back to life, including being on stage, before the end of the year. Again, I apologize to everyone for the inconvenience, and I really appreciate all my fans’ support.”

Doctor Todd Lanman, M.D., the spinal neurosurgeon who will operate on YOSHIKI, said, “YOSHIKI has already had a cervical artificial disc replacement in C5-C6. After evaluating the MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, we see a spur in the right C5 affecting the nerve ridge and a protruding disc in C6-C7. More importantly, we also see that C5-C6 is fused and not moving, and that’s exerting exceptional pressure below at C6-C7 and generating a significant amount of pain.

During the procedure, a plastic surgeon will open the incision in the front of YOSHIKI’s neck, and once he gets through the skin, I’ll take over and operate on the spine. After the procedure, the plastic surgeon will close the area immediately to reduce visible scarring.”

Dr. Tommy Tomizawa, M.D., adds “I oversee YOSHIKI’s health in the U.S. Unfortunately, he will be going through severe pain for the next two months. In order to delay the operation, we will mitigate that pain as much as possible through medication and therapy. His commitment as a performer is second to none. Unfortunately, this dedication has caused a significant amount of damage to his body. It’s clear that YOSHIKI’s pain will only increase if we don’t intervene immediately.”

Doctors anticipate YOSHIKI will need several months to recover and gradually restart his physical activities, and he will remain under close medical supervision after the procedure. Following the operation, YOSHIKIwill consult with doctors about resuming live performances.

As of now, YOSHIKI is committed to doing 13 shows and multiple appearances around the world including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S. during the upcoming months of August and September.

Following YOSHIKI’s operation, a discussion whether to cancel, postpone, or move forward as scheduled will be held amongst the agent, promoter and management.

YOSHIKI is in close talks with his U.S. agency WME to schedule future tours accordingly.