Legendary visual kei band X JAPAN has announced the sequential release of previously unreleased live performance videos on their official YouTube channel. The first installment features two iconic songs — 「Kurenai」 (紅) and 「X」 — captured during their June 10, 1989 concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in Tokyo.
The footage dates from a pivotal moment in the band’s history: just after their major label debut with the album ‘BLUE BLOOD’ in April 1989. The performances showcase X JAPAN at the peak of their early explosive energy, with the audience visibly swept up in the band's raw power. Notably, the ‘Kurenai’ live footage has also been featured in a Carsensor TV commercial airing since May 4, 2026.
More archival video releases are promised by the band's YouTube channel in the coming weeks and months.
Video Details
The two newly released videos are:
• X JAPAN - 紅-KURENAI (Live at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, 1989) Watch on YouTube
• X JAPAN - X (Live at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, 1989) Watch on YouTube
Both are available now on the official X JAPAN YouTube channel.
About X JAPAN
X JAPAN formed in 1982 around core members YOSHIKI (drums, piano) and Toshl (vocals). After building a massive indie following, they broke into the mainstream with the 1989 album ‘BLUE BLOOD.’ Their flamboyant visual style, makeup, and costumes made them pioneers of the visual kei movement, while their technically accomplished heavy metal sound and dramatic ballads earned critical respect. Despite disbanding in 1997 and the tragic death of guitarist hide in 1998, the band reunited in 2007 and has since performed at Tokyo Dome, Madison Square Garden, Wembley Arena, and major international festivals.
Community Reception
The announcement drew 157 reader reactions on Natalie and 5 comments, as fans expressed excitement about seeing long-unavailable footage from the band’s formative years. The release continues a steady stream of X JAPAN archival activity in 2026, following the ‘Kurenai’ CM placement earlier this month.