YOSHIKI criticized for alleged stepping on tatami mat, scolded by management

September 30, 2008 by Dennis Amith

Musician, producer and X Japan leader recently got involved in a small controversy in which the music artist appeared at an event for a sumo wrestler named Yokozuna Hakuhou.

Upon meeting with press and taking photos, YOSHIKI left the area because of the noise and went to another room. A staffer told YOSHIKI he needed to get to another place and he had to run, not walk because of the schedule.

Apparently, while running to the other room, YOSHIKI was alleged in stepping on the tatami. According to a news report, he was scolded by his management. And also according to the media reports was that his language and demeanor was not polite (in Japanese culture). Many media picked this up to criticize YOSHIKI as not being considerate of Japanese mannerisms. Also, certain media have went as far to say that he may have forgotten his manners because he lives in the US.

YOSHIKI has since apologized and there is no problem between him and his sumo friend. A press release from the management offered a statement of what happened and that everything is fine. End of discussion.