ToshI, the vocalist of rock band X JAPAN, has announced an upcoming charity concert tour to benefit disaster victims.

The tour will kick off on April 9th. In order to raise support for energy conservation, he will be accompanied by a live orchestra instead of recorded music. He also plans to unveil a new song dedicated to those affected by the disaster, called "Haru no Negai", as well as auction off some personal items to raise money. Discouraged from performing in affected areas like Northeastern Japan and the Tokyo area due to power outages and safety issues, he nevertheless declared, "We'll take a look at the situation, but I definitely want to perform in Tokyo and the most affected areas as well."

The rock vocalist, in a rare gesture, stood up for the victims of the earthquake: "I pray for Japan to recover as soon as possible!"

Four shows covering Western Japan were quickly schedule for the tour. Beginning on April 9 with a performance in Gifu, and then Kanazawa, Osaka, and Fukuoka, the tour will cover 8 shows in four cities. The stages are not part of the area called to cut back on energy consumption to help Tokyo and Northeastern Japan, but in order to support the conservation measure, the singer will use the least energy as possible, singing with a live orchestra instead of recorded music.

In addition, X JAPAN bassist HEATH and LUNA SEA drummer Shinya have agreed to support ToshI's efforts by participating in the concerts.

Since the earthquake and tsunami hit on the 11th, ToshI has been shocked by the TV news coverage of the wide-spread damage. He was particularly struck by the terrible images of Northeastern Japan's damage, because he had visited the area in the past for solo concerts. He scrupulously prepared the tour, finding locations, hiring staff, advertising, and gathering volunteers all by himself. He explained, "If there is anything I can do to help, I want to start right away."

During the show, ToshI will accompany himself on the piano to perform new solo songs, and will also have a jam session with HEATH and Shinya to play some of X JAPAN's famous hits. Jewelry-designer/Songwriter Shita Akie, who is a mutual friend of ToshI and X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI, wrote the song "Haru no Negai" that ToshI will introduce for the first time. There will also be an auction of X JAPAN and other celebrities' personal items. All proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross to benefit the earthquake and tsunami victims.

Sadly, due to power outages and safety issues, ToshI was forced to abandon plans to perform in Northeastern Japan and in the Tokyo area. However, he voiced his support for these areas, saying, "In such a crucial moment, I think it's wrong for parts of Japan to be separated like this. We'll take a look at the situation, but I definitely want to perform in Tokyo and the most affected areas as well." Next he made an appeal to the public: "I applaud everyone's strength during these hard times. Please help in any way you can."

Source + Photo: Sanspo