YOSHIKI at Suzuka
YOSHIKI performed Japan’s national anthem 'Kimigayo' live at Suzuka in front of roughly 130,000 fans, a rare cultural moment that blended motorsport spectacle and national tradition. It became one of the weekend’s standout non‑race moments. (x.com)
The national‑anthem slot was listed at about 13:44 local time in the start‑ceremony timetable for March 29, 2026, on the Suzuka Circuit official event page. (suzukacircuit.jp (suzukacircuit.jp)) YOSHIKI’s team described the arrangement as a piano‑and‑drums rendition and said the performance would be broadcast to more than 180 countries and regions. (yoshiki.net (jp.yoshiki.net)) Suzuka’s programme also named Avangardi — a 16‑member dance unit produced by choreographer akane — as a featured act in the pre‑race ceremony alongside the anthem performance. (suzukacircuit.jp (suzukacircuit.jp)) Organizers and YOSHIKI’s channels confirmed a tight post‑ceremony schedule: he planned to leave Suzuka by helicopter and join a live “YOSHIKI CHANNEL” broadcast at 20:30 JST on NicoNico and YouTube membership streams. (youtube.com (youtube.com)) YOSHIKI framed the Suzuka appearance as part of his comeback after multiple neck surgeries and rehabilitation and tied it to three upcoming classical concerts, “YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026,” at Tokyo Garden Theatre on April 3–5, 2026. (yoshiki.net (jp.yoshiki.net))
