On May 24th, YOSHIKI updated his Twitter account revealing that he had considered retiring after his mother's recent passing. 

He wrote, "After my mother's passing, I for a moment thought about retiring.. However, maybe artists were predestined to live as artists until they breathe their last breath."

Earlier on the 13th, YOSHIKI announced that his mother had passed away, expressing, "My mother passed away. And I still can't figure this out in my head.. but the fact is, yesterday I attended my mother's cremation. I couldn’t stop crying, and I still am. I don't think I was a good son, but I loved you mom. And I know I have to be strong and keep moving forward. I will do it, but let me cry until my tears run out for one more day. I want to thank my fans and friends for your support."