X Japan Leader To Auction ‘Crystal’ Piano

X Japan leader Yoshiki is auctioning his “crystal” piano and donating all proceeds to Japan’s earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. The custom-made, plexi-glass “Yoshiki Signature Piano by Kawai” features the musician’s name engraved on it.

Although mega-big in its home country, X Japan didn’t tour the U.S. until 2010, playing Lollapalooza as well as shows in Los Angeles, Seattle, Oakland and New York plus Canadian cities Toronto and Vancouver.

Yoshiki, who lives in Los Angeles, was in Tokyo when the country was devastated by last week’s earthquake and tsunami.

“It took a while to locate my mother, but she is, thankfully, OK,” he said. “And I’ve spoken with [band members] Toshi, Pata, Sugizo and Heath, and they are all safe as well. I am praying for the people here who are still trying to locate their family and friends.”

X Japan was scheduled to release its first U.S. single, “Jade,” this week, but that’s been put on hold so the band can concentrate on recovery efforts. Along with auctioning his favorite piano, Yoshiki is also collecting donations for Japanese relief via his non-profit Yoshiki Foundation America. Click here for more information.